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Directive has been serving the Oneonta area since 1993, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.

Still on Windows 10? You're Taking a Bigger Risk Than You Realize

Still on Windows 10? You're Taking a Bigger Risk Than You Realize

The end of Windows 10 support is closer than you think. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially stop providing free security updates, non-security updates, and assisted support for Windows 10. For businesses, this isn't just a minor inconvenience—it's a critical security and operational risk that demands immediate attention.

What Does End of Support Really Mean for Your Business?

After the deadline, your Windows 10 computers won't suddenly stop working, but they'll become increasingly vulnerable to:

  • Cybersecurity threats - Without ongoing security patches, your systems will be exposed to new viruses, malware, ransomware, and other cyberattacks. This can lead to costly data breaches, system downtime, and reputational damage.
  • Compliance violations - Many industries have strict regulatory compliance requirements that mandate the use of supported and secure operating systems. Running unsupported software could result in hefty fines and legal repercussions.
  • Software and hardware incompatibility - As new software and hardware are released, they'll be designed with Windows 11 in mind. You'll likely encounter compatibility issues, hindering productivity and limiting your ability to leverage modern tools.
  • Lack of technical support - If something goes wrong with your Windows 10 system, Microsoft will no longer offer technical assistance, leaving your IT team to troubleshoot complex issues without official guidance.
  • Decreased performance and reliability - Older operating systems can experience performance degradation over time, leading to slower operations and increased downtime.

While Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, it's a temporary and increasingly expensive solution, providing only security updates and no new features or bug fixes. It's a stopgap, not a long-term strategy.

Don't Wait Until It's Dangerous

Migrating an entire business infrastructure from one operating system to another can seem daunting, especially for companies with many devices and complex software environments. That's where we come in. We specialize in making these transitions smooth, secure, and strategically sound.

Here's how our brand of services can help your company navigate the Windows 11 upgrade before it becomes a crisis:

Comprehensive Assessment and Planning

  • Conduct a compatibility audit - We'll conduct a thorough assessment of all your existing devices to determine which are compatible with Windows 11 and which may require hardware upgrades or replacement.
  • Application compatibility - We'll analyze your critical business applications to ensure they will function seamlessly on Windows 11, identifying any potential compatibility issues and recommending solutions.
  • Migration strategy and timeline - We'll develop a customized, phased migration plan tailored to your business needs, minimizing disruption and ensuring a smooth transition with minimal downtime. This includes budget planning and communication strategies.
  • Automated deployment - For eligible devices, we can leverage tools like Windows Autopilot or Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) to automate the upgrade process across your organization, saving time and reducing manual errors.
  • Data backup and recovery - Before any upgrade, we'll ensure all your critical data is securely backed up, with robust recovery plans in place to prevent data loss.
  • User profile migration - We'll assist with migrating user profiles, files, and settings to the new Windows 11 environment, ensuring a familiar and productive experience for your employees.

Act Now, Secure Your Future

The October 2025 deadline might seem far off, but for businesses, a successful and secure migration takes time and careful planning. Procrastination can lead to significantly increased costs, operational disruptions, and security risks.

Don't let your business fall behind or become a target for cybercriminals. Give us a call today at (607) 433-2200 to learn how we can help.

 

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