September 3, 2025

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 officially ends on October 14, 2025. While your PCs will still power on after this date, you’ll no longer receive critical security updates, bug fixes, or Microsoft’s technical support. For San Antonio businesses, this isn’t just a tech milestone — it’s a turning point for security, compliance, and daily operations.

Why This Matters for Business Owners

  • Security Risks
    Without regular updates, Windows 10 systems become prime targets for malware, ransomware, and hackers. Running your business on unsupported software exposes sensitive data and increases the risk of downtime.
  • Software Compatibility
    New versions of business software are designed for updated operating systems. Over time, your current tools may stop working or slow down, impacting your team’s productivity.
  • Compliance Issues
    If your business handles regulated data (like HIPAA, PCI, or CMMC), using outdated systems could put you out of compliance — leading to possible fines and legal exposure.

Your Options Moving Forward

Not all devices running Windows 10 can make the leap to Windows 11. If your PC doesn’t meet Microsoft’s hardware requirements, you’ll face an error message when attempting the upgrade. That leaves business owners with several choices:

  • Upgrade to a new PC compatible with Windows 11
  • Sign up for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) for temporary coverage
  • Transition to a different operating system, like Linux
  • Or, ignore the deadline (we don’t recommend this — it puts your business at serious risk)

Pro tip: Whatever you decide, always back up your data first to protect against accidental loss.

Extended Support for Windows 10

For those not ready to make the switch, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU). This option buys you time but is not a permanent solution. ESU will only be available for one year after the October 14 deadline.

You can:

  • Pay a $30 fee (or use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points)
  • Or enable Windows Backup with OneDrive for limited free access (5 GB included, more may require paid storage)

To stay covered, businesses must sign up before October 14, 2025.

Navigating the Transition

The smartest move is to partner with an experienced IT provider who can help you:

  • Evaluate whether your current PCs can support Windows 11
  • Plan the most cost-effective upgrade path
  • Protect your business from downtime during the switch
  • Stay compliant with industry regulations

At Enlighten IT Solutions, we specialize in helping San Antonio SMBs move forward with confidence.

📞 Call us at 210-899-4019 or contact us here to schedule your FREE 10-minute discovery call. We’ll help map out your next steps so your business stays secure, productive, and compliant.