On October 14, 2025, Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system will reach the end of its support cycle.
It’s not a doom-and-gloom type of deadline. But it is an important one every small business should keep an eye on this year.
Windows 10 Home and Professional users will still receive monthly security updates and have access to technical support for the coming months. After that end-of-support date, however, it may not feel like business as usual for users still working on Windows 10 devices.
The easiest option? Take this as an opportunity to upgrade to Windows 11.
The potential complications come into play if you’re using or working on devices that aren’t compatible with the new Windows 11 operating system. Newer hardware standards mean this might become a forced opportunity to upgrade team members’ devices – but that can be a large short-term cost for small businesses if it’s not anticipated or planned for.
As of May 7, StatCounter detects that approximately 53 percent of all Windows devices worldwide are still running on Windows 10 operating system.
While that number is declining, it’s still a majority of Windows users. Now is the time to build an action plan for upgrading your team members to Windows 11 on compatible devices and replacing any incompatible devices. We’re here to help!
What’s the Benefit of Upgrading to Windows 11?
For businesses using Microsoft 365, Windows 11 connects deeper with Teams and OneDrive, bringing different tools used across teams closer together. Windows 11 was designed to help people focus, with cleaner layouts, easier navigation, and features like Snap Layouts that make it simple to organize your screen. With more businesses adapting to hybrid work setups, Windows 11 and compatible hardware will make a meaningful difference for your employees.
With security as a priority, Windows 11 was built for “zero-trust” environments. With features like hardware-based isolation and stronger phishing protection, it’s easier for your internal IT team or external partners to manage updates and protect data. It’s critical for endpoints to maintain this level of security if you’re in finance, healthcare, legal, or other industries where certain compliance and data protection standards have to be maintained.
Upgrading to Windows 11 is a beneficial step that supports the work your team does today, and helps you stay ready for future advancements in technology.
How to Prioritize Device Replacements
While it would be great to replace every machine that needs Windows 11 by the end-of-support date, that may not be a feasible option for every business. How do you prioritize and determine where to start?
- Rank unsupported devices by importance. Start with those handling core operations, and those running applications with sensitive data like payment systems.
- Less critical devices like a breakroom PC can wait if 2025 budgets are tight, but should still be replaced as soon as possible beyond the October 2025 end-of-support date.
- Older devices that are Windows 11 compatible should be assessed and prepared for replacement in the next 12-24 months. While the support lifespan for Windows 11 will extend for years to come, newer innovations – especially around artificial intelligence – will demand enhanced hardware. You’ll want devices that can keep up with future changes.
Let’s Talk Budget
New business-grade PCs can range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the functional needs of the employees using those devices. And with this year’s shifts in the global economy and trade landscape, prices can vary frequently.
What other items might impact the cost of Windows 11 upgrades for your business?
- Peripheral devices, such as printers and scanners
- Application updates and new license purchases
- Virtualization tools or upgrade projects
- User training
- Security additions like multi-factor authentication or EDR
- System backups before and after making any device replacements to upgrade
Where Can You Save?
Can’t pay upfront for new Windows 11 compatible computers? Vendor financing is one option, as companies like Dell and Lenovo offer these options to businesses. Leasing hardware is another route. Monthly payments keep cash flow steady, and you can upgrade later without owning outdated gear.
Certified refurbished PCs are also a great option rather than buying new. Look for Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers, as these resellers may be able to help cut the cost of acquiring new Windows 11 devices significantly.
Want to get scrappy to earn some savings? Watch for sales around big holidays, especially back-to-school season.
Consider Your Future Readiness When Purchasing
When making this level of investment in your business, you want to be able to benefit from new devices for as long as possible! Investing in devices with headroom to handle future innovations will pay off and help your employees do their best work long into the future.
A few things to look for on new devices: 8GB RAM, solid state drives (SSDs), and newer CPUs (Intel 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5000 series).
They’ll effectively handle Windows 12 or beyond, and with proper maintenance and management along the way, you’ll have the most runway possible with these new devices.
How Your IT Company Can Help
One of the biggest time-savers your IT partner can offer is a complete audit of all your devices. This helps you see exactly which machines are ready for Windows 11 and which ones need attention, without spending hours checking each one yourself.
When your device audit is complete, your IT partner can identify which machines meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements. From there, you’ll get a clear breakdown of what can be upgraded, what needs replacement, and what that means for your budget.
Not all upgrades have to happen at once. A reliable IT partner will help you build a phased rollout, prioritizing devices tied to critical business functions or sensitive data. This makes the transition smoother and much more financially manageable.
Upgrading to Windows 11 Affects the Bottom Line
Windows 10’s end of life isn’t just Microsoft flexing. It’s a wake-up call for small businesses to modernize.
Older machines that can’t keep up are a liability, and waiting until October risks security gaps and rushed decisions.
By auditing now, budgeting smartly, and phasing in replacements, you’ll stay secure and operational without breaking the bank.
With our managed and co-managed IT services clients, Lighthouse Technology Services maintains visibility into device statuses and advises clients on how to plan for events like this Windows 10 end-of-support change. Learn more about how we can support your business on your technology journey.
