Microsoft has officially announced that Windows 10 will reach end of support on 14 October 2025. After this date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. While your systems may continue to operate, the risks of continuing with unsupported software are significant.
If your business relies on Windows 10 today, it is important to begin planning your transition to Windows 11 now. Delaying the upgrade could expose your organisation to increased cyber threats, software compatibility issues, and operational inefficiencies. This is especially critical for small and medium-sized businesses that may not have internal IT teams monitoring system lifecycles.
Here are five clear signs that your business should not delay its Windows 10 upgrade.
1. Your Business Handles Sensitive or Regulated Data
If your organisation collects, processes or stores sensitive information, such as healthcare data, personal customer records or financial details, continuing to run an unsupported operating system after October 2025 introduces major security and compliance concerns. Without regular security patches and updates, Windows 10 becomes increasingly vulnerable to exploitation by cybercriminals.
Businesses in regulated sectors like healthcare, disability services, legal, or finance are also subject to strict compliance standards under Australian law. Operating on outdated or unsupported software can breach these regulations, exposing your organisation to legal penalties and reputational harm. If your business operates under the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme, failing to upgrade in time could also mean non-compliance.
2. Your Software Vendors Are Dropping Support for Windows 10
As software companies begin to optimise their platforms for Windows 11, many will reduce or cease support for Windows 10 versions. This means your core business applications may not function correctly or may stop receiving updates altogether.
Businesses that rely on software such as MYOB, Xero desktop apps, Microsoft 365, or NDIS-specific client management systems like Lumary or Brevity should verify compatibility requirements now. If your tools are moving forward without Windows 10 support, staying behind will lead to functional limitations and ultimately force a rushed upgrade later.
By proactively transitioning to Windows 11, you can maintain full access to the tools your team needs while reducing the risk of downtime or support gaps.
3. Your Devices Are Experiencing Performance Issues or Are Outdated
If your current computers are already showing signs of ageing, slow boot times, limited storage, compatibility problems with newer peripherals, it is likely they are not optimised for Windows 11. Older machines may not meet Windows 11’s minimum hardware requirements, which include a 64-bit processor with at least 2 cores, 4GB of RAM, TPM 2.0 and UEFI firmware with Secure Boot.
Rather than continuing to invest in troubleshooting or piecemeal upgrades for devices nearing the end of their useful life, now is the ideal time to consider replacing hardware as part of your Windows 10 upgrade plan. By planning this transition in advance, you can spread costs over time and choose hardware that aligns with your long-term IT roadmap.
IT How To can conduct a system audit to determine which devices are compatible, which can be upgraded, and which should be replaced. This ensures a smooth and cost-effective path forward.
4. Your Team Is Experiencing Workflow Disruptions
Older systems and outdated operating systems often lead to day-to-day inefficiencies. If your staff regularly face issues like crashes, lagging software, or workarounds to use certain applications, these are signs that your current environment is not supporting productivity.
Windows 11 offers a modern interface and improved usability features such as Snap Layouts, virtual desktops and streamlined settings management. These enhancements not only modernise your IT environment but also support hybrid and remote working scenarios, which are now commonplace in many organisations.
By upgrading, you remove bottlenecks that slow down your team, helping them focus on delivering better service or results instead of troubleshooting.
5. You Have No Clear Upgrade Plan or Timeline in Place
If your business has not yet begun planning for the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, this is a sign in itself that you may be heading for a rushed or reactive upgrade. Waiting until mid or late 2025 will likely increase your costs and limit your access to reliable IT support. Hardware demand will rise, service availability may become limited, and many businesses will find themselves racing the clock.
By acting now, you have time to assess your needs, budget appropriately, and carry out the transition gradually and without disruption. A structured upgrade plan also allows for appropriate data backup, testing, staff training, and post-deployment support.
How IT How To Supports Windows 11 Transition for Local Businesses
At IT How To, we understand that upgrading your entire environment is a strategic investment in the continuity and security of your business. Our team of experienced technicians and consultants based in Geelong work with local organisations across sectors including professional services and NDIS support.
We begin by conducting a full IT assessment to determine your readiness for Windows 11. This includes checking hardware compatibility, reviewing software requirements, and identifying any risks related to compliance or data protection. From there, we help you create a tailored upgrade plan that suits your operations and budget.
We also handle data backup, migration, system installation, and post-upgrade support to ensure your team can work efficiently with the new system from day one. For organisations that need to operate with minimal disruption, we offer staged rollouts or after-hours deployment.
Whether your goal is to increase security, improve staff productivity, or meet compliance requirements, our goal is to help you achieve a smooth, confident transition away from Windows 10.
The end of Windows 10 support is approaching quickly, and businesses that delay upgrading risk being caught unprepared. Whether your concern is cybersecurity, software compatibility, system performance, or business continuity, there is clear value in acting now.
By recognising the signs early and planning your upgrade with a trusted IT partner, you can avoid the stress and cost of last-minute changes. More importantly, you can take control of your IT future and ensure that your organisation is equipped to meet the challenges of the next decade.
If you are ready to begin planning your transition to Windows 11 or are unsure where to start, reach out to IT How To. We are here to support you every step of the way.