The end of Windows 10 in 2025: how to prepare for the transition?

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, the operating system will no longer benefit from regular security updates.

For home users, this may seem like a simple upgrade to plan for. But for businesses, the end of Windows 10 support in 2025 represents a major strategic challenge: security, application compatibility, business continuity and cost control.

In this article, we explain in detail what's involved, what risks to anticipate, what alternatives are available and, above all, how to plan a smooth migration.

End of Windows 10 support: what consequences for your business?

The end of support means that Microsoft will stop :

• Security updates.
• Critical vulnerability patches.
• Official technical assistance.

Clearly, Windows 10 will become a vulnerable system. For individuals, this may be a personal risk. But for an enterprise, it directly affects :

• Cybersecurity: increased exposure to attacks.
• Regulatory compliance: certain sectors (healthcare, finance, etc.) require the use of up-to-date systems.
• Productivity: some business applications will no longer be compatible or stable on an unmaintained OS.

If you don't plan ahead, you expose your IT assets to breakdowns, cyber-attacks and even data loss.

The risks of using Windows 10 after 2025

Choosing to stay on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025 means exposing yourself to several threats:

• Unpatched security vulnerabilities: new ones appear every month. Without updates, they remain exploitable and open the door to cyberattacks.
• Limited compatibility: more and more software and cloud tools will stop supporting Windows 10.
• Hidden cost of maintenance: maintaining an obsolete OS often generates additional costs (reinforced antivirus, third-party patches, mobilized IT teams).
• Risk of non-compliance: for certain ISO or RGPD standards, using an unmaintained system can pose a problem.

Microsoft will offer a temporary extension via ESU (Extended Security Updates), but this solution is costly and intended as a transitional measure.

Explore alternatives to Windows 10

The first obvious option is to migrate to Windows 11, the official successor to Windows 10. It offers:

• Improved safety (thanks in particular to TPM 2.0).
• Modern features (revised interface, more advanced cloud integration).
• Prolonged compatibility (support guaranteed for several years).

But it's not the only alternative:

• Stay on Windows 10 with ESU (short-term solution, but expensive).
• Switch to another OS such as Linux for specific workstations.
• Migrate to cloud solutions (Windows 365, application virtualization) to modernize your infrastructure.

The choice will depend on your current installed base, your business software and your overall IT strategy.

How do you plan the migration to a new operating system?

Migrating to a new system isn't just about "installing Windows 11". For a company, it's a structured project that involves :

1. Auditing your IT assets: identifying installed versions, checking hardware compatibility with Windows 11.
2. Evaluate business applications: some older solutions may not work on Windows 11.
3. Plan tests: set up a pilot on a sample of users before global deployment.
4. Train teams: support users to limit resistance to change.
5. Plan a clear timetable: migrate gradually to avoid IT overload.

The good news is that you don't have to go it alone. With rzilient, the migration process goes smoothly: no need to multiply complex steps, we support you from A to Z and take care of everything from audit to implementation, including application compatibility and user training.

‍

Tips for a successful, stress-free transition

The secret of a successful migration is not to wait until the last minute. By starting early, you can avoid rushing, test your business applications at your leisure and prepare your teams without stress. And don't forget security: a workstation that hasn't been updated is an open door to cyber-attacks.

Depending on your situation, the best option may be Windows 11, a hardware upgrade or a cloud solution. The important thing is to involve your staff and support them through the change.

Frequently asked questions about the end of Windows 10 support

When does Windows 10 support end?

The official date is October 14, 2025. From that day on, Windows 10 will no longer receive free security updates.

Can I continue to use Windows 10 after this date?

Yes, technically. But it's not recommended: the system will become vulnerable to security flaws and less and less compatible with your software.

How much does it cost to migrate to Windows 11?

The cost depends on several factors:

• Windows 11 licenses (free for certain PCs already eligible).
• If your equipment is not compatible, you may need to replace it.
• Time and resources required for migration and testing.

Will Windows 10 still be secure?

Not unless you subscribe to Microsoft's ESU (Extended Security Updates). But this solution is time-limited and costly.

‍