Windows 10 nearing EOL

Windows 10 is nearing its end-of-life (EOL).  RIP Windows 10, bring on Windows 11!

If you are anything like me, you have worked in the Windows 10 world for a long time.  After all, Windows 10 was the answer to the hated Windows 8.1 and was released in 2015.  However, after 10-plus years of being the primary Windows operating system (OS) in various versions, Windows 10 is coming to its EOL date of October 14, 2025.  Yes, we are just over a year from losing free service support for Windows 10.  What does that mean, though?  Let’s look deeper into what this means for you and your computer!

What does EOL mean?

For software, EOL means that the company, in this case Microsoft, will stop sending free updates and patches or provide technical support to fix problems in the software.  Like all software, Windows 10 started well, but it had glitches, security vulnerabilities, and other things the programmers could fix with updates sent directly to your computer.  As time passed, newer technologies, good and bad, made it so that more work had to be done on the OS to better interface with the good and block the bad.  Again, this is like most software.  At some point, most companies, including Microsoft, will say that it is no longer effective or efficient to patch the old continually, especially when a brand-new version will do more while fixing all the holes of the past. Hence, Windows 11 was born.  Now, Microsoft needs everyone to jump to a single product to streamline engineering resources and work on the next big thing.  There are some details I am glossing over here, and I know it.  However, this is a nutshell version of what is going on.

What are your options?

Do you already have Windows 11? Yes, don’t change; you’re perfect for now! Depending on how you want to look at everything, you have many options for moving forward, sideways, or standing still if you are on Windows 10 or (gasp) an even older version.

1. Do absolutely nothing! With the rampant cyberattacks occurring frequently (every 39 seconds), it is not a great idea to let your computer continue to run old software that is no longer protected with updates and patches.  However, if you do not have any personal, financial, or other private information for you or others stored on your computer, you may want to take the risk of not having updates.  If you were the victim of a successful cyberattack, they wouldn’t get much.  This makes sense for a personal computer, but business computers must be protected as they are much more likely to store information or be connected to external systems that should not be compromised for the clients’ safety.
2. Upgrade your computer. This may seem obvious, but not necessarily.  Microsoft has put out computer specifications needed to complete an OS upgrade to Windows 11.  If you purchased a computer recently enough, your computer may be able to be upgraded to Windows 11 for free.  If you have an older computer, some hacks have been published that allow you to upgrade to Windows 11.  If your computer is upgradable, it is acceptable and legal to do so, and you will start getting the updates, patches, and technical support for Windows 11 after installation.  If you choose to use a hack to upgrade an older computer, there are a few things you need to know.  First, understand that this is not something a company like ours could help you with.  While we have the technical knowledge, it would put our vendor partnerships at risk.  Second, once you choose this route, you would likely get the updates and patches and a warning notification stating that the manufacturer’s warranty doesn’t cover damages to your system from the upgrade.
3. Buy a new computer. While this is probably the most expensive option, it is also the best option to move you forward.  A new computer will come with the latest OS and set you up for any other newer technologies.  This includes updated graphics cards, processors, and other components to help the computer run better and faster.  These will help run websites and other software better outside of the benefits of running Windows 11.
4. Pay for updates. I have been clear all along that the free updates will end, but educational facilities and businesses already have the option to purchase updates for the first three years after the EOL date. Educational facilities will be able to get updates the first year for $1 per device, the second year for $2 per device, and the third year for $4 per device. For businesses, the first year is $61 per device, the second year is $122 per device, and the third year is $244.  No cost schedule is available for individuals yet, but one is expected.  Paying for the updates keeps you covered for a longer time, but eventually, you will need to upgrade equipment and the OS.
5. Leave Windows entirely. This is more than a Mac vs PC debate, although moving to a macOS device is an option.  However, Linux, Google ChromeOS, and other options are available.

If you are working on a Windows 10 computer, you are part of the 62.99% of Windows users who are.  Even though Windows 11 has been out since October 2021, only 33.37% of Windows users have moved that direction.  (For those good at math, yes, 3.64% are on an older Windows version!)  Within the next year, a lot of movement will need to be made toward Windows 11, or people will be hurting themselves.