Windows 10 reaches end of life on October 14, 2025, ending all support and security updates. And this time, Microsoft means it. That means no more security patches, updates, or polite warnings. Just the cold reality of running an unsupported OS in world full of eager threat actors. Whether you’re still running Windows 10 because “if it ain’t broke…” or you’re knee-deep in migration planning, we’ll help you navigate what’s ahead and how to transition without a full-blown IT crisis.
How Windows 10 EOL impacts you
Windows 10 launch: July 29, 2015
End of life: October 14, 2025
Final major build: 22H2
While feature updates already stopped in 2022, Microsoft ends all free security updates on the end-of-life date, October 14, 2025. This means any system still on Windows 10 becomes a tempting target for threats. If you're thinking, “That’s future me’s problem,” future you just broke a sweat.
The transition away from Windows 10 is already in progress ... but not fast enough to avoid a big ol’ rush at the end. Between March of 2024 and 2025, the market share of Windows 10 dropped from 69% to 54%, while Windows 11 adoption rose from 27% to 43%.
But here’s the kicker: This transition isn’t like those of the past. There’s no OS overlap, no Windows 11 Lite for legacy machines, and no sign of Windows 12 swooping in to save the day.
In our Life after Windows 10 webinar, 58% of respondents felt they were on track for the migration unless Microsoft changes something again. Another 26% have a plan and a backup plan. Meanwhile, 8% were surprised that Windows 10 is ending, and 7% already made the switch to Windows 11.
Should you rely on Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates?
If you're not quite ready to migrate from Windows 10 to Windows 11, Microsoft does offer another option — Extended Security Updates (ESUs) — for a price. Microsoft’s ESU program lets you maintain security updates for your enrolled PCs. But it won’t last forever, and like a parking ticket, it gets more expensive the longer you wait.
Year 1: $61/device
Year 2: $122/device
Year 3: $244/device
Home users: $30 for the first year (no details yet on years 2 or 3)
It’s a temporary Band-Aid — not a long-term solution.
What to expect when switching to Windows 11
Windows 11 launched in 2021 with a fresh look, new features, and a few surprises (like bloatware). It’s not just a new coat of paint — it’s a whole new system with:
Ads and bundled apps (even in Pro editions)
AI features like Recall and Copilot
No 32-bit support
Tougher hardware requirements (TPM 2.0)
Love it or hate it, Windows 11 is what Microsoft is investing in. Compatibility mode is still around, and for most apps, the transition will be painless. But be ready to audit (and possibly replace) hardware, clean up images, and reeducate end users on the new interface quirks.
How to prepare for a Windows 11 migration
Whether you’re migrating 5 machines or 5,000, here’s how to prepare to roll out Windows 11.
1. Audit your environment
Before you touch a single deployment tool or draft that all-staff “big change coming” email, start with a reality check and audit your environment. What are you working with? This is your chance to uncover outdated hardware, incompatible apps, and any lurking surprises that could turn your migration into a mess.
Here are some things to look for:
Hardware readiness: Do your machines meet Windows 11 specs? If not, it's time to budget.
Software compatibility: Any mission-critical apps that might throw a fit in Windows 11?
User data: Where are profiles stored, and how will you transition them?
2. Choose your Windows 11 rollout strategy
Once you’ve scoped out your hardware and software landscape, it’s time to decide how you’re going to move your org into the post-Windows 10 era. The right deployment method depends on your infrastructure, your team, and your tolerance for chaos.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here, but the good news is there are more tools than ever to help you roll out Windows 11 in a way that doesn’t require selling your soul to Group Policy.
Cloud-native deployment
If you’re already invested in modern device management, tools like Microsoft Intune and Autopilot offer scalable, hands-off deployment options. These are great for remote or hybrid environments, allowing you to provision devices with zero-touch setups (if you’ve got the licensing and expertise to back it up).
On-prem control
If you like old-school deployments, SCCM is still a go-to. It offers granular control, but with that comes complexity and upkeep. Expect to spend more time on custom scripts and driver management ... and probably a few nostalgic moments longing for the days of USB boot sticks.
Hybrid flexibility
Want the best of both worlds? SmartDeploy lets you run streamlined imaging and deployment from the cloud or on-prem without locking you into a particular ecosystem. It’s fast and simple — perfect for lean IT teams that need a hardware-independent imaging tool that works with all major OEM makes and models.
In-place upgrades
You might be able to let the operating system take care of the migration itself. While this was historically frowned upon due to fears of data corruption, data loss, and OS corruption, the world is changing. Now, the operating systems share enough similarities that implementing Windows 11 in-place upgrades is a valid option for some environments.
Heads up: It’s a fresh build
Windows 11 24H2 is a full OS release (build 26100), not just a service pack. That means no enablement package, so you’re looking at a full image replacement — not a quick patch. Plan accordingly, test thoroughly, and don’t assume you can just upgrade from 23H2 over lunch.
3. Communicate with users
You can script the perfect rollout, but if your users are caught off guard, expect confusion, help desk tickets, and a lot of emails asking where icons went. Successful migrations are as much about change management as they are about imaging. Clear, early, and consistent communication turns skeptics into allies and minimizes post-upgrade panic.
Remember:
Let users know what’s coming, when, and why.
Offer training, tips, and maybe a doughnut or two.
Migration doesn’t have to suck
The right tools turn Windows 11 migration from a headache into a humblebrag waiting to happen. SmartDeploy makes Windows 11 migrations streamlined, reliable, and refreshingly uneventful.
In fact, you can get set up and start deploying in less than a day. Want to see how? Try SmartDeploy for free.
Want more? We’ve got a webinar for that
If you want to go deeper, check out our free on-demand webinar. You’ll hear what other IT pros are doing, what’s working, and what to avoid.
