Windows 10 reached the end of its standard support lifecycle in October 2025. This October marks the end of the first year of Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for eligible devices. For many users and businesses, it’s time to decide whether to upgrade to Windows 11, purchase additional ESU coverage, or consider another operating system.
What does retirement look like for an OS?#
Microsoft’s end-of-support process is straightforward, Microsoft will stop providing updates, security patches, etc for the OS. Once security updates stop, the operating system becomes progressively more vulnerable as newly discovered flaws remain unpatched. Attackers often target unsupported operating systems because those vulnerabilities will never be corrected. Particularly in this day and age of AI-enabled malware and info-stealers. The individual applications can still be updated, for a time, but the base upon which they run will be rotting away.
Extended Support Updates#
Microsoft has recently announced that personal users will be allowed Extended Support Updates (ESU) through October 2027. Commercial entities can purchase ESU for 3 years total (into 2028). You will have to eventually upgrade your system to stay in the Windows ecosystem, and this is good time to do so. I personally consider that the money used on ESU licensing is better spent invested into your next workstation.
Need help deciding?
If you are a business, non-profit, etc handling private information you must use a secure operating system.#
There are federal, state, and civil requirements for any organization which is handing the protected data of others. You are required to maintain “reasonable” and prudent security practices to protect that data. The continued use an unsecured operating system creates significant liability, it will eventually cost you tens of thousands of dollars in fines, fees, and other expenses. You should not be processing payments, accessing web-based applications, or doing anything with credit card, banking, etc on an unsecured OS. Doing so is also likely a violation of your merchant processing agreement (PCI compliance), insurance policies, etc. Depending on your policy and the circumstances, your insurer may dispute or deny coverage if it determines reasonable security practices were knowingly ignored. Our Managed services are built to meet or exceed (see below) the threshold for Reasonable Precautions. Remember, we support computers and this article is not insurance or legal advice. Please check with your own counsel and insurance broker for your situation.
According to Big-id, Verizon, and The National Cybersecurity Institute more than 50% of Small and Medium Businesses (SMB) suffered a cyberattack in 2025. Of those businesses 60% did not recover and went out of business. These attacks cost SMBs, on average, between $120,000 and $1.24 Million for a cyber attack. These damages were in combination with the fines, fees, insurance increases, loss of trust and business, and legal fees / settlements with customers. You do not want to experience this.
Guidance from Federal Trade Commission
Hiscox Insurance 2025 Cyber Readiness Report
Intervention: FroJoe Managed Services
Advanced security monitored 24/7 by experts
We do not want you to be on the hook for millions or to lose your business. FroJoe’s Managed Services are purposefully designed to significantly limit your risk of being a victim of cybercrime and to reduce your liability.
For most businesses (check with your insurance and lawyers) we meet or exceed the threshold for reasonable precautions.
For more information on how we can offer protection, reduce risk, and improve the efficiency of your business see the link below.
Retirement of Windows 10.#
Microsoft has expanded access to Extended Security Updates (ESU), giving users additional time to transition. While this delays the need for immediate replacement for some users, ESU is intended as a temporary bridge rather than a permanent solution. Windows 11 has matured significantly since launch, and today I have little hesitation recommending it for most clients. But there are a few many caveats which we must explore.
Is your computer compatible?#
So, you are a windows user, and you need to upgrade. You will first have to download a tool from Microsoft, here is the link, to see if your computer is compatible with the OS, many older computers are not. There are multiple components which are now required, some are a good idea to use such as the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) which assists in drive encryption and makes it more challenging for someone to access your information if they steal your computer. The downside however is that it can also prevent you from accessing your own data if there is a hiccup in Microsoft’s encryption or hardware.
Most of the computers out there are not compatible with the new hardware requirements for Win 11, and in order to upgrade you will have to buy a new computer. This creates a significant amount of electronic waste, as many otherwise functional computers cannot officially upgrade to Windows 11.
However for most users, ’tis the season to upgrade to Windows 11. We can help.
Not sure what to do?#
If your PC is compatible: Upgrade to Windows 11.
If it isn’t and it’s your primary work computer: consider replacing it.
If it isn’t and you mainly browse the web or use email: Linux may be a practical option.
If it’s running specialized software: contact the software vendor before making any changes.
New Computer?
We can help you choose your new computer, and recycle the old.
FroJoe is an authorized reseller of Dell, Lenovo, and other known brands. If you are in the market for a new computer, we can help. Computer sales come with complimentary Defend Managed Service Plan for 3 months.
Computer recycling: - Beta -#
This is still in its infancy. No matter where you buy your new computer we may be interested in your old one, and we want to put it to use in the community. Even though it is old and no longer supported by Microsoft, chances are it will run other operating systems fairly well. We would like to securely wipe and then help your old computer find its way to a new home where it can do some good.
Entrepreneurs ~ Students ~ Employment Seekers ~ Others in needed
Help us reduce E-Waste and do good in our community.
New Operating System?
You may not have to upgrade your computer…
We get it, you may not want to upgrade your computer. Aside from needing the compatibility Windows provides, there may be little motivation to upgrade. You can simply switch over to a Linux flavor of your choosing, or ask us for recommendations and help to get you into a stable and secure environment. Linux ships with web browsers, email clients, news readers, and more. Many standard users can easily adapt to Linux, particularly when the desktop environment looks nearly identical to Windows. Before making the switch, verify that the software you depend on is available for Linux or has a suitable alternative.
Note: commercial users, or those with specific application requirements may be better off on a commercially supported OS like Windows.
Upgrading to Windows 11#
If you have compatible hardware, you can make the jump to Windows 11. It is a fairly simple process and Microsoft does a fairly good job at making it fairly painless. However there are some drawbacks to this. We have clients who we have had to wipe and re-install Windows 11 onto their computers for a variety of reasons. Mostly due to the substantial consumption of storage space the upgrade uses, never surrenders, and the bugs that may transfer over with it.
We can help you with this upgrade and data migration so that you can start fresh on the new operating system without the headache. In our experience this process normally takes about 2-5 hours of labor depending on your specific needs. Before we initiate the upgrade we always make sure to copy all your data into our secure backup services to ensure that there is no opportunity for loss.
From a privacy perspective, Windows 11 collects and transmits more diagnostic and cloud-service data by default than many previous versions of Windows. Organizations concerned with privacy or regulatory compliance should review these settings and consider enterprise policies to limit unnecessary data sharing. These can be managed with enterprise level management, which we can provide as administrative policy through our Managed Services Plans.