What if I missed the Windows 10 end-of-life deadline

Guest article by Jonathan Whalley, product portfolio and marketing manager, VC3

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 2025. If, with all the best intentions, you somehow never upgraded and replaced your Windows 10 devices, you might wonder what you can do now.

Hope is not lost! Here are some of the most common questions we've heard from clients and other organizations about Windows 10. With our answers, we provide you a path forward while reminding you about the risks of continuing to do nothing.

What does Windows 10 "end-of-life" really mean? I've heard that organizations can still use Windows 10 past Oct. 14.

When software or an application goes "end-of-life," it means the vendor will no longer provide updates, patches, and support. Updates are crucial to fix bugs and performance issues, patches take care of security vulnerabilities, and support means the vendor will help customers when unique issues arise.

After Oct. 14, Microsoft will end updates, patches, and support for Windows 10. Yes, Windows 10 will still work - but it's no longer safe to use within your organization. Think of it like deciding to start leaving doors and windows unlocked 24/7. It doesn't mean burglaries will occur immediately or nonstop - but it means the risk of a burglary is greatly increased.

What are the immediate risks of running Windows 10 past end-of-life?

After Oct. 14, 2025, the following risks will increase:

• Cyberattacks. Without vulnerabilities patched by Microsoft, your systems now become easy targets for hackers.
• Operational disruption. With no more bug fixes and performance enhancements from Microsoft, you're increasing the chance of frozen, crashed, and slow computers.
• Compatibility breakdowns. New applications, tools, and hardware may not work with Windows 10.

What are my short-term options if I missed the Oct. 14 deadline?

Even if you've missed the deadline, a few options may help you in the near term.

• Upgrade any eligible devices (recommended): This is the best option, and you can do it ASAP with minimal cost and disruption. (Replacing a device is more time-consuming and costly.) If a device is eligible for an upgrade, think of the process like applying a very long Windows update. You'll need to assess your system requirements, check software and hardware compatibility, and plan your upgrade process - it still involves some critical steps and IT coordination.
• Pay for Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESUs): Microsoft offers a paid extended support program for Windows 10 through 2028. While this might seem like a good shortcut, extended support isn't a long-term plan. You receive the bare minimum security updates, exposing you to operational performance issues and incompatibility with your future hardware and software investments.

How can I get help with Windows 10 upgrades?

If you work with an IT team or vendor, it's important to get a plan in place to reduce your risk ASAP. That plan should include:

• Assessing which devices are eligible for an upgrade versus a replacement.
• Migrating your files, applications, and settings with minimal disruption.
• Ensuring your information is kept secure during the transition.

If you don't work with an IT team or vendor, we can help. While you may have missed this deadline, we can help you create a long-term strategic plan that eliminates future scrambling when other end-of-life scenarios occur.

Cal Cities partners with VC3 to deliver cybersecurity and technology services to cities in California that help protect local governments against cyber threats. To learn more, visit Cal Cities' cybersecurity solutions page. For additional information, please email [email protected] or contact VC3 at [email protected].