Windows 10 End-of-Life: 500 Days and Counting
John MacDonald ??????
Head of Pre-Sales & Technical Evangelist @ EBC Group | Driving customer success with technology
As of today, we have just 500 days left until Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life on October 14, 2025. This pivotal date will mark the end of all updates, including vital security patches. Microsoft has been proactive in reminding users to upgrade to Windows 11 to maintain security and performance. Let’s look into what this means for you and how to prepare for this significant transition.
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Understanding the End-of-Life
When an operating system reaches its end-of-life, it no longer receives updates from the manufacturer. This includes security patches, feature updates, and technical support. For Windows 10, this will happen in October 2025, putting any systems still running this OS at risk of security vulnerabilities and performance issues.
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Why the Urgency?
The primary concern with continuing to use Windows 10 post-2025 is the lack of security updates. Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and without regular patches, your system becomes a prime target for malware and other security exploits. Microsoft’s push for users to upgrade to Windows 11 is not just about offering new features but also about ensuring that users stay protected against these threats.
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Implications for Cyber Certifications and Insurance
Cyber Certifications
Cyber Essentials and similar certifications require adherence to basic cybersecurity practices, including using supported and up-to-date software. Continuing to use Windows 10 beyond October 14, 2025, means running an unsupported OS, which directly violates these requirements. This non-compliance could lead to the loss of certifications, which are often essential for business operations and partnerships.
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Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurance policies generally stipulate that policyholders maintain certain security standards to remain covered. Using unsupported software can be seen as a failure to maintain these standards, potentially invalidating your policy. In the event of a cyber incident, insurers might refuse to pay out claims if it is found that your systems were running outdated and unsupported software.
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Key Features of Windows 11
?Windows 11 introduces several enhancements over its predecessor:
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Steps to Upgrade
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The Business Perspective
For businesses, the end-of-life for Windows 10 is a significant concern. Companies need to start planning now to ensure a smooth transition. This may involve bulk upgrades, employee training, and revising IT policies to accommodate the new OS. Early planning can prevent disruptions and ensure that all systems remain secure and efficient.
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Conclusion
?To ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards and maintain valid cyber insurance coverage, it is crucial to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.? With only 500 days left until Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life, the time to act is now. Whether you're an individual user or a business, planning your upgrade to Windows 11 is crucial to maintain security and performance.
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog are my own and do not reflect those of any organisation or employer.