Unsure on whether your business should upgrade from Windows 10? As October 2025 quickly approaches, those using the operating system face a growing dilemma: continue with an outdated system to take the plunge into a more secure, efficient future.
It’s crucial to understand the risks of waiting, especially when the end of life for Windows 10 could leave your business exposed to multiple cyber security threats. Let’s take a closer look at what this means for you and how upgrading now can save you time, money, and future headaches.
The Countdown to Windows 10 End of Life: Why Waiting Isn’t an Option
With Microsoft confirming that Windows 10 will officially reach its end of life on 14th October 2025, after this date, there will no longer be security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for the operating system.
For Galway businesses still using Windows 10, this poses an increased risk of finding themselves operating on a system that is vulnerable to cyber-attacks and regulatory issues, which is looking likely to be a large proportion of businesses.
In fact, this article highlights that at the end of 2024, Windows 10 market share increased to 62.7 percent, while Windows 11 fell to 34.12 percent – an alarming figure for Microsoft executives. Moreover, a recent news article reported that only 38% of surveyed businesses reported having a defined migration strategy, with 18% stating they were unaware that support is ending.
Continuing with Windows 10 after its end of life could still end up costing you far more than an upgrade would. Overall, moving to Windows 11 can set your business up for future success with its enhanced integration and improved compatibility with new technologies.
The Risks of Delaying the Transition
It might seem like the sensible choice to delay your upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, especially when wanting to avoid disruption and immediate costs.
But the risks associated with postposing tie into a wide range of cyber security issues, compliance faults, and productivity-related challenges. Let’s explore why waiting could cost your business far more than an upgrade:
- Increased Cyber Security Vulnerabilities
As soon a Microsoft stops supporting Windows 10, any new security flaws discovered will not be patched. This leaves your system wide open to cyber-attacks, as your company data remains defenceless against them. With cyber-attacks resulting in data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage, Galway businesses must continue to build strong defences to keep sensitive customer information safe from catastrophe. - Non-Compliance with Industry Regulations
Businesses are often bound by strict data protection and cyber security regulations, like GDPR, PCI-DSS, and sector-specific requirements for finance, healthcare, and education. Under these regulations, businesses must keep their software updates with the lates security patches, with Windows 10 risking compliance failure after October – leading to hefty fines and legal consequences. - Declining Performance and Productivity
As Windows 10 ages, it supports less and less updated software features and applications that modern businesses rely on. Continuing reliance on outdated systems and hardware results in sluggish performance, longer load times, and frequent system crashes. At staff struggle with inefficiencies, business-critical processes slow and begin a ripple effect on operations, customer service, and performance. - Increased Maintenance Costs
As Windows 10 grows older, maintaining hardware and software becomes more expensive – more so with the cost of trying to keep it operational. By extension, components that are no longer being produced or supported become harder and more expensive to replace. Instead of spending on temporary fixes, it makes more financial sense to invest in a complete upgrade, for better long-term value and security. - Compatibility Issues with New Software and Technologies
Evolving tech means new software and applications are designed with the latest operating systems in mind. Windows 10 will increasingly struggle to support newer tools, increasing incompatibility issues. Sticking with Windows 10 can ultimately leave you behind the competition, unable to fully take advantage of the latest innovations.
Galway IT: Your Strategic Upgrade Partner
Preparing for Windows 10 end of life doesn’t need to be a stressful process. At Galway IT, we employ our professional expertise to guarantee a smooth, seamless, and cost-effective transition. Our team of IT experts demonstrate their deep knowledge of Windows 10 to ensure Galway businesses are well-equipped throughout the upgrade process.
Additionally, our expert IT support ensures minimal downtime and maximum productivity from the planning stages, right through deployment to post-installation support. We offer strategic advice tailored to your business, helping you make the most out of your upgrade while saving money on long-term IT compliance and maintenance.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Delaying the upgrade from Windows 10 could cost your business more than you realise – whether it’s through security risks, compliance failures, or lost productivity. With just a few months left until the official end of life for Windows 10, now is the time to begin preparing.
Book your free consultation today and start planning your upgrade with a trusted partner who understands your needs.
