Windows 10 Support is Ending Soon

What It Means for Your Small Business in Albuquerque

Heads up, Albuquerque business owners! If you’re still using Windows 10, you’ve got a major deadline coming up. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10. While your computer will continue to work, without those crucial security updates and technical support, your business could be at risk. Let’s dive into what this means for you and your business.

Why Should You Care?

  1. Security Risks: Without ongoing updates, your system will become a target for cybercriminals. Hackers thrive on outdated software, and your business data could be exposed to threats. Upgrading to a newer version of Windows will keep your systems more secure.
  2. Software Compatibility: Many of your business tools are designed to work with the latest software. After Windows 10’s end-of-life date, some of your programs might start to glitch or stop working altogether. This could disrupt your operations, so it’s best to upgrade before you run into issues.
  3. Compliance Issues: If your business handles sensitive data or is subject to regulations (think HIPAA, financial regulations, etc.), using unsupported software could lead to compliance violations. Don’t risk fines or legal problems by staying on an outdated system.

What Are Your Options?

Microsoft’s suggestion? Migrate to the latest version of Windows. But before you rush to update, make sure your devices are compatible with Windows 11. If they’re not, you’ll hit an error. Not sure if your PC will work? Here are a few options:

  • Upgrade to a New PC: This is a good choice if your current hardware can’t handle Windows 11.
  • Sign Up for Extended Security Updates (ESU): If you’re not ready to upgrade yet, this could buy you a little more time.
  • Switch to Linux: If you’re looking for a different operating system entirely, Linux is a potential option.
  • Ignore the Deadline: We do NOT recommend this—especially if you value your business’s security!

Pro tip: Backup your data before making any changes to avoid losing important files during your upgrade.

What Is Extended Security Updates (ESU)?

If you’re not ready to switch to Windows 11 just yet, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 users. It’s a temporary fix—offered for just one year after Windows 10’s official end date in October. If you decide to go this route, here’s what you can do:

  • Paid Option: You can pay a fee or use Microsoft Reward points to sign up.
  • Free Option: You’ll need to enable Windows Backup and sync your files to OneDrive (keep in mind that 5 GB is free, but you might need more space).

Don’t wait until the last minute! You’ll need to register for ESU before October 14, 2025.

How We Can Help

The best way to navigate this transition is by working with your IT provider. An experienced IT team can guide you through the upgrade process and help minimize downtime for your business. If you’re unsure of the next steps, we’re here to help!

Reach out today to schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call or call us at (505) 792-2375. We’ll work with you to figure out the best path forward for your business and help ensure a smooth upgrade to Windows 11.

Don’t let this deadline sneak up on you—let’s get your systems updated and keep your business secure!