Table of Contents
Introduction
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Following this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, patches, and will also lack official Microsoft support. If you rely on a secure and stable workstation, now is the time to start planning for this transition. This article explains the implications of Microsoft’s Windows 10 support termination, outlines what the end of support means for you and how Puget Systems can help guide you through it.
What Happens After Windows 10 Reaches EOL?
- Security Risks: Without ongoing security updates, your system will be vulnerable to new threats and exploits. Over time, the risk of malware infections, data breaches, and other cybersecurity threats will grow significantly..
- Software Compatibility: Numerous software vendors will cease their support for Windows 10, which will result in potential malfunctions or incompatibilities with future applications as well as driver and system updates.
- Compliance Concerns: If you work in a regulated industry with strict security standards, continuing to use an unsupported operating system could put you at risk of non-compliance.
- Feature Stagnation: The absence of new features, optimizations, and improvements means you cannot benefit from modern hardware and software developments.
Is Your Hardware Ready for Windows 11?
Windows 11 demands slightly more advanced hardware specifications than Windows 10. Before upgrading, you should check the following:
- TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot: Windows 11 security features need both TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot capabilities.
- CPU Compatibility: Only certain processors are officially supported. Visit Microsoft’s website to find official compatibility lists that show Intel and AMD CPU support.
- Memory and Storage: The minimum hardware specifications call for 4GB RAM and 64GB storage but enhanced performance can be achieved with larger amounts.
Microsoft provides a free PC Health Check Tool that anyone can use to verify compatibility with Windows 11. If you’re a Puget Systems customer and would prefer personalized assistance, our support team is always here to help—just reach out, and we’ll walk you through it.
What Are Your Options?
Option 1 – Upgrade to Windows 11
We recommend switching to Windows 11 because it represents the optimal solution for the long-term. Windows 11 can deliver faster performance in some cases, while providing enhanced security features along with continuous update support. However, certain systems will not work with Windows 11 because it needs specific hardware features including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Puget Systems has confirmed that Windows 11 operates correctly across all our current configurations to guarantee hassle-free use with Puget builds.
Choosing to continue using Windows 10 involves substantial risk
Option 2 – Microsoft ESU
Operating Windows 10 beyond its official end-of-life period will expose your system to substantial security risks. Extended security support from third-party vendors exists but serves as a temporary fix rather than a permanent solution for most consumers. Remaining on Windows 10 requires you to establish enhanced endpoint security measures alongside network segmentation and offline backup systems to reduce risks. These stopgaps are challenging to accomplish and can also be very costly.
Microsoft will provide an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program intended for businesses and enterprises that want to keep using Windows 10 after its end-of-life date for a fee. The ESU program delivers essential security patches without updating system features or performing bug fixes and lacking general support. The ESU program functions as a yearly subscription plan that features rising costs every year. This temporary solution won’t work long-term because Microsoft plans to end all support eventually.
| Coverage Length | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Enterprise |
| Year 1 (2025-2026) | $61 per device | $47 per device |
| Year 2 (2026-2027) | $122 per device | $94 per device |
| Year 3 (2027-2028) | $244 per device | $188 per device |
For individual users and organizations running Windows 10 Home, Microsoft is offering a single year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for $31 per device. As of now, only one year of coverage has been confirmed.
How Puget Systems Is Supporting the Transition
We understand that transitioning to a new operating system can feel overwhelming. That’s why, included in all Puget Systems lifetime technical support, we offer personalized help tailored to your workflow
- Upgrade Assistance: We’ll walk you through the Windows 11 installation process, including BIOS updates, driver checks, and data preservation.
- New System Recommendations: We provide recommendations for new configurations that match your workflow if your system doesn’t support Windows 11.
- Custom Configurations for Workflows: We conduct thorough testing and validation of Windows 11 performance across creative, engineering, and scientific workloads to guarantee optimal software operation.
Final Thoughts – When to Take Action
Early planning for Windows 10’s end of life will enable better preparedness. As the deadline nears, the pressure of security and compatibility issues intensifies. Early action will prevent future time wastage and difficulties.
Puget Systems offers support for those who need assistance with determining their upgrade path or who require expert advice. Contact our team to facilitate a seamless transition to Windows 11 ahead of Windows 10’s end of life date.
Conclusion
Support for Windows 10 is scheduled to end on October 14, 2025. For professionals working on Puget Systems workstations, this marks a pivotal time to prepare. Running an unsupported operating system introduces real risks—from increased exposure to security threats and software compatibility issues to potential regulatory concerns and missed opportunities for future improvements.
Windows 11 offers a clear path forward. It delivers stronger security, improved performance, and continued feature updates. At Puget Systems, we’ve invested considerable effort into testing Windows 11 across a variety of professional workflows to ensure stability, performance, and reliability.
Whether you’re planning to upgrade your existing system or explore new hardware, our team is ready to assist. We provide personalized guidance, handle system evaluations, and ensure a seamless transition tailored to your needs.
Now is the time to plan ahead. Contact Puget Systems to take the next step with confidence.
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