Windows 10 is Retiring

Yes, they're are at it again. And no, it's not the hackers, but Microsoft. The October 14, 2025 deadline marks the end of support for Windows 10, meaning Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates, including security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance for this operating system. While your Windows 10 PC will still function after this date, without continued updates it will become increasingly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, viruses, and malware.

Why this might be important to your business:

• If you have an incident, your cyber insurance claim may be denied for using end-of-life operating systems.

• The NIST, CMMC, HIPAA and PCI compliance frameworks will all flag the use of Windows 10 in your environment after October 14 as a violation (without having allowable risk policies in place).

• As other businesses scramble to do upgrades in the Fall, expect it to be more expensive and disruptive to your business to make the necessary upgrades the closer we get to the deadline.

The Takeaway

If you're in charge of your company's IT, I recommend you:

Identify which devices are affected. Some computers don't meet Microsoft's Windows 11 hardware requirements. Replacing and migrating over software and user profiles takes time - don't wait until the last minute.

1. Backup and Test. You'll want to schedule the upgrade on a small group of machines before rolling it out network-wide, particularly if you're running an industry-specific business application that could run into compatibility problems. Be sure to test printing!

2. Communicate and Schedule. System upgrades should be done after hours and communicated with staff so that there's no surprises the following morning. Be sure to include the best way to reach you if something comes up after the upgrade. For example, users may send an email to your help desk on a normal day, but after the upgrade, you might want them to call you so that you can solve problems right away with minimal interruption to the business.

What we've heard from users after upgrading to Windows 11 is that they don't like the Apple look-alike taskbar being stuck in the middle of the screen. There are 2 quick ways you can make things look more like the Windows 10 taskbar, which should make them less grumpy:

1. Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors  > set Taskbar alignment to Left

2. For a much more authentic Windows 10 taskbar, including restored classic features, you can use the open source project, ExplorerPatcher.

Once it's installed, right click your taskbar and select Properties. Select Start Menu, then Start Menu Style > Windows 11. Click and change it to Windows 10. Make sure that Position on screen is set to At screen edge.

Need help upgrading your systems to Windows 11? Feel free to reach out, we can help.

Stay safe out there

-Attila

The Positivity Box

In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack spread worldwide by exploiting outdated, unpatched versions of Windows, crippling hospitals, businesses, and government agencies. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice charged North Korean programmer Park Jin Hyok, linked to the Lazarus Group, for creating and deploying the malware. This case shows that failing to update systems not only enables devastating cyberattacks but also leads to individuals being identified and held accountable.

Funnies!

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What did Windows 10 say to Windows 11?

“You may be the future, but I’m still the one with the Start button everyone likes.”

Why did the printer get nervous about the upgrade?

Because it always gets blamed when nothing works.

Why is Microsoft so bad at writing music?

Because they can only use OneNote!

What’s Windows 11’s favorite pickup line?

“Are you a user profile? Because I’d love to migrate with you.”