How to safely navigate Windows 10's end of life

The Windows 10 operating system will officially reach the end of its life on October 14, 2025. 

This is a challenge for many businesses who are still running Windows 10 now – particularly large public sector organisations – because you’ll soon no longer receive support from Microsoft. If you’re responsible for managing the IT infrastructure and associated compliance risks across your network, now’s the critical time to make sure you don’t get left behind.

But not to worry, here’s everything you need to know to help you navigate Windows 10’s end of life.

End of life: Windows 10 support ends on October 14

The end of life of Windows 10 raises four key challenges for public sector organisations.

1. Upgrading means you’ll keep your devices more secure

Opting to stay with Windows 10 beyond October 14 would mean your organisation would be taking on more risk with less support.  

Without regular security updates, your systems will be more vulnerable to cyber threats like malware and ransomware attacks. From service outages to data breaches, they’re the digital challenges no organisation wants to face.

Attacks like these don’t only lead to potentially huge disruption and impact on your service users, but they can also undermine your reputation in the public sector space. 

2. You’ll reduce compliance risks for your business

Continuing to use an unsupported operating system could lead to non-compliance with both GDPR and your industry’s regulations. 

A lack of security in your organisation’s IT infrastructure runs the heightened risk of a data breach. Therefore, neglecting to upgrade your systems and software could leave you non-compliant with GDPR’s integrity and confidentiality principle, as well as industry-specific policies and regulations around security and safety.

In addition to suffering a potential cyber-attack – with the potential fines, repair costs and reputational damage that can come with it – you’ll also have to pick up the pieces without any technical support from Microsoft. 

3. You won’t be left behind by Microsoft 

After October 14, Microsoft will no longer offer technical support for Windows 10. 

This will leave your organisation’s tech support teams to troubleshoot any issues on their own. Despite their high level of capabilities and trying to increase their capacity – upgrading to Windows 11 is the compliant way forward, and we can help you find value-for-money ways to procure devices that are compatible with Windows 11. 

Plus, maintaining a legacy operating system isn’t just a minefield – it can stop you from embracing new opportunities too.

4. You’ll avoid future compatibility challenges

As time progresses, new software and hardware may not be compatible with Windows 10, potentially causing operational setbacks that could be avoided. 

With AI offering evermore possibilities for streamlining process (and evermore security concerns), maintaining up-to-date systems and devices will position your organisation to keep pace with contemporary tech developments.

How is Windows 11 a step forward?

As well as the reasons not to stay with Windows 10, there are plenty of more positive reasons to upgrade to Windows 11, opening up new opportunities for your public sector organisation to explore in the future.
Here are three of the new features. Additionally, you’ll have Microsoft’s technical support to help you make the most of them.

1. Copilot 

A personal AI assistant for each user. This is integrated into Windows 11 with similar content creation benefits to ChatGPT, alongside accessible interaction and support with coding and file management. 

2. Teams integration

A simple upgrade but an effective one – Windows 11 has a button for Teams in the taskbar, so colleagues won’t need to create their own shortcuts. This is a valuable feature for organisations who encourage Teams as a key communication tool.

3. Snap layouts

For colleagues working with multiple windows side by side, ‘Snap layouts’ slots them together seamlessly on one screen. A handy time-saver.

4. Flexible interaction

From voice navigation, digital pen input and typing to touch gestures, on-screen annotation and larger icons and spacing, Windows 11 is more flexible and accessible.

So how can your organisation upgrade to Windows 11?

Upgrading to Windows 11 is the most straightforward way to get ahead of the Windows 10 end of life challenges. But you’ll need to make sure your devices meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.

Quick view: requirements for running Windows 11
• Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster on 2 or more cores 
• Ram: 4 gigabytes (GB)
• Storage: 64 GB
• System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• Trusted Platform Module (TPM): version 2.0
• Graphics card: compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: high definition (720p) that’s greater than 9’ diagonally, 8 bits per colour channel

Find full details of Windows 11 requirements on Microsoft.com.

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Do you need to invest in new hardware before 14 October?

If some or all of your current devices aren’t compatible with Windows 11, you could consider procuring new hardware that comes pre-installed with the latest OS.

YPO’s framework

As a trusted public sector buying partner, YPO has a dedicated team to help you with cost-effective procurement, with free procurement support and technical advice. 

From our range of legally compliant frameworks and purchasing solutions, our IT Hardware, Asset Recycling and Data Destruction – 1161 Framework offers you the opportunity to procure sustainable, compliant hardware. 

This framework is inclusive of products and services which will provide both refurbished and new hardware as well as a complete ICT equipment solution; this is designed to meet the needs of all public sector organisations, including local authorities, charities and emergency services.

Quotes

“My experience of using the Framework Agreement has been very positive. The YPO team have been fantastic and ever so helpful and I’m very grateful to them for all their help and advice with the call off process.”

Debbie Reed, Brighton & Hove City Council

“Achieved £19,385 in savings which has enabled us to purchase some equipment at a higher spec than originally considered and still kept within the budget. The ability to direct award following the benchmarking exercise was really helpful in order to obtain competitive pricing but not be tied down to a specific supplier where certain requirements did not necessarily meet our requirements.”

Andy Watson / Nadine Clarke, King Edwrd VI Academy Trust Birmingham
 

For more information on relevant frameworks, check out our Technology & Communication framework area.