October 14, 2025. Mark this date on your calendar. This is the day Microsoft officially ends support for Windows 10.
What does "End of Life" (EOL) mean? It doesn't mean your computer will stop turning on. It means:
- No More Security Updates: Microsoft will stop patching vulnerabilities. If a new virus is discovered on Oct 15th, Windows 10 users will remain vulnerable forever.
- No Compliance: If you handle credit cards (PCI) or health data (PIPEDA), running unsupported software is an automatic audit failure.
- Software Incompatibility: New versions of Office, Adobe, and Sage will eventually stop installing on Windows 10.
The Hardware Challenge (TPM 2.0)
Upgrading isn't just about software. Windows 11 has strict hardware requirements, specifically the TPM 2.0 security chip.
- Computers bought before 2018 likely cannot run Windows 11.
- This means you might need to replace 30-40% of your fleet.
Don't Wait Until September
Every business in the world will be trying to buy new laptops in September 2025. Supply chain shortages are likely. Prices will go up. IT consultants will be booked solid.
Our Recommended Action Plan
- Audit Now: ACE IT Solutions can run a network scan to identify exactly which machines are Win 11 compatible and which need replacement.
- Budget Strategy: Spread the replacements over Q2 and Q3 to ease cash flow.
- Upgrade Pilot: Start upgrading compatible machines now to get your team used to the new Start Menu and UI.
The clock is ticking. Procrastination is a security risk.
Ready to take the next step?
The clock is ticking on Windows 10. Procrastination is a security risk that could leave your business vulnerable to unpatched exploits. Let us run a compatibility audit today and help you build a seamless upgrade roadmap for your entire fleet.