Microsoft has announced end of support of windows 10, support will officially end on October 14, 2025. If you are still using Windows 10 after this date, your system will no longer receive security updates, software patches, or technical support from Microsoft. This could put your Windows 10 devices and business data at risk.
Understanding what end of support means and preparing for it in advance is necessary. Let’s explore these risks, discuss available transition options, and understand why choosing Scalefusion UEM for Windows ensures overall security and compliance.
What does end of support for Windows 10 mean?
End of support means after October 14, 2025:
- No more security updates – Microsoft will stop releasing free security updates and patches, leaving devices exposed to vulnerabilities.
- No technical support – Microsoft’s customer support and troubleshooting assistance for Windows 10 will no longer be available.
- No new features: Microsoft will stop releasing new features for Windows 10 OS.
What are the major risks of using unsupported Windows 10 devices?
1. Security threats
Cybercriminals actively target unsupported operating systems because they no longer receive security patches and updates. If a new vulnerability is discovered in Windows 10 after October 2025, Microsoft will not fix it. This leaves Windows 10 devices susceptible to malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. This will lead to data breaches, financial losses, and prolonged downtime.
2. Compliance challenges
For businesses operating in regulated industries (such as BFSI and healthcare), the lack of support could result in compliance violations. Regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS require up-to-date security measures, and failing to comply can lead to severe penalties and reputational damage.
3. Software incompatibility
As software developers focus on newer Windows versions, compatibility issues will arise over time. Newer software applications, cloud services and hard drives will be optimized for Windows 11 and beyond, making it difficult for Windows 10 users to integrate with new features.
4. Performance issues
Performance degradation is another key concern, as outdated systems often experience slow processing speed. This can lead to poor device performance, system crashes, and inefficient workflows.
5. Increased IT maintenance costs
Without official support from Microsoft, IT teams will need to invest more time and resources in troubleshooting and manually patching security vulnerabilities. This increases operational costs and reduces efficiency.
What are the next steps after Windows 10 end of life?
1. Upgrade to Windows 11
Windows 11 offers vision-friendly UI, improved security, better performance, and enhanced productivity features. However, before upgrading, businesses must check the compatibility and ensure that existing hardware and applications support Windows 11.
2. Consider Cloud or Virtual Desktop Solutions
For those unable to upgrade immediately, cloud or virtual desktop solutions such as Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop offer an alternative approach. These services allow users to run Windows 11 in a cloud environment, reducing the dependency on local hardware while ensuring continued security and software compatibility.
3. Strengthen security & device management with a UEM
But for businesses with huge and distributed Windows device inventory, a Unified Endpoint Management Solution is the perfect fit. With a UEM solution in place businesses can enforce security policies, manage OS updates and applications and maintain compliance across Windows endpoints from a single dashboard.
Why Scalefusion UEM for Windows is the right choice
1. Support for Windows 10 and 11
Scalefusion provides continued support for both Windows 10 and 11, ensuring that businesses can manage devices running on both OS versions from a single platform. This flexibility allows organizations to transition to Windows 11 at their own pace. It also enables them to manage Windows 10 devices while keeping them secure and compliant.
2. Proactive OS update and patch management
Scalefusion enables you to schedule or defer OS updates and patches, ensuring timely deployment without manual intervention. This helps businesses eliminate security vulnerabilities and maintains device stability.
3. Device compliance & security policies
Scalefusion enables IT administrators to enforce security policies that align with regulatory requirements. Features like condition email access, BitLocker encryption, firewall configuration, password policies, and USB access control help organizations maintain a secure and compliant device environment.
4. Remote IT support
With Scalefusion’s Remote Cast & Control, IT teams can remotely troubleshoot Windows devices, mirror the device screen and push files to the device. This minimizes device downtime and eliminates the need for on-site support. This feature ensures that employees remain productive while IT teams efficiently resolve technical issues at instant in real time.
5. Software metering
Scalefusion provides software metering capabilities that allow organizations to track application usage across Windows devices. This helps IT teams optimize software licensing, remove unused applications, and ensure compliance with software agreements.
6. Kiosk mode
For businesses that require dedicated-purpose Windows devices, Scalefusion Kiosk Mode allows organizations to restrict access to a single app or a set of approved applications. This is particularly useful in retail, education, and healthcare environments where secure and controlled access is essential.
7. Application management
Scalefusion simplifies application management by allowing IT teams to remotely install, update, or remove apps on Windows devices. Organizations can maintain a controlled application ecosystem and prevent employees from installing unauthorized software.
8. Browser configuration
To enhance security and productivity, Scalefusion enables IT teams to configure browser settings, whitelist or blacklist websites, and enforce secure browsing policies. This ensures that users can only access approved content, reducing the risk of cybersecurity threats.
9. Third-party app patching
Scalefusion also extends its patch management capabilities to third-party applications, ensuring that critical business software remains up to date. This helps organizations prevent security vulnerabilities that stem from outdated applications.
Experience modern Windows management with Scalefusion UEM
The end of support of windows 10 is a turning point for businesses, and taking the right steps now can prevent security risks, compliance issues, and operational disruptions. Upgrading to Windows 11 is essential, but a smooth transition requires strategic planning and robust device management.
With Scalefusion UEM for Windows, businesses can streamline OS upgrades, enforce security policies, and maintain compliance—all from a single platform. Whether managing Windows 10 devices during the transition or securing Windows 11 endpoints for the future, Scalefusion ensures complete security and peace of mind.
Start your Windows migration with Scalefusion today and future-proof your device management strategy. Try the 14-day free trial with access to all the features. Book a demo to experience Windows management hands-on.
FAQs
1. Can I use Windows 10 after the end of life?
You can continue using Windows 10, but it will no longer receive security updates or support from Microsoft, exposing your system to risks. To mitigate this, UEM solutions like Scalefusion UEM help manage and secure Windows 10 devices by enforcing security policies and compliance, even after support ends.
2. What happens when Windows 10 reaches the end of support?
After the end of support, Windows 10 won’t get security updates or patches, increasing vulnerabilities. Scalefusion UEM can help secure and manage your devices with proactive patching, security policies, and compliance enforcement, even after the support ends.
3. How to prepare for Windows 10 end of life?
Preparation includes evaluating hardware compatibility, considering upgrades, and implementing security measures. Advanced UEM solutions like Scalefusion simplifies this by managing both Windows 10 and 11 devices, ensuring smooth transitions and security.
4. Is it mandatory to upgrade to Windows 11 after windows 10 support end?
While not mandatory, upgrading to Windows 11 is highly recommended to avoid security and compatibility issues. Scalefusion UEM supports both OS versions, making the transition smooth and secure while managing devices.
5. When will Windows 10 support end?
Microsoft has officially announced that Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support.
