• Swindon & Wiltshire Experts
• Thursday July 31 2025
• Author Name: Layla Cockburn

How to we prepare for the death of Windows 10? – Filestream

The tech industry is getting ready for a big shift on October 14 2025, as Microsoft prepares to stop all support for Windows 10, says Layla Cockburn of document management specialist Filestream.

Industry professionals across the world are starting to discuss the impacts of this discontinuing of support and sharing how people and businesses can prepare for this.

Discontinuing Windows 10 support means that Microsoft will no longer provide any technical assistance, feature updates, or security updates for that software edition.

If a computer is running Windows 10, it will still function but without monthly security updates, new security vulnerabilities will not be patched. Because of this your device could be more at risk from viruses, malware and cyber threats in the future

Here are some ways you can prepare for the death of Windows 10:

• Upgrade to Windows 11. If your PC is eligible, you can check your Microsoft package for the free upgrade. For many this will not be an option.
• Use Extended Security Updates. For the first time ever, Microsoft is offering one year of Extended Security Updates for consumers, and a three-year subscription for businesses. This is only available for Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise.
• Purchase a new device. If your PC doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, it might be time for a new one.
• Stay safe! Once you have updated your system options, you have to protect your technology. Make sure the devices’ Security Software continues to work and be updated, don’t click on links or download files and attachments from unknown sources, and undertake regular backups which you can restore.
• Can you get updates? Until you have upgraded to Windows 11, check your other software applications are still providing updates compatible with Windows 10. Over time companies are likely to phase out support for outdated operating systems.

Ironically, the October 14 is International E-Waste Day, and ending support for Windows 10 is likely to lead to a staggering number of obsolete computers.

Should you opt to replace your device, please consider environmentally friendlier ways to dispose of your old technology.

Layla Cockburn is operations director at document management specialist Filestream