Can I continue to use Windows 10 after 2025?
First the good news: You can still switch on and use PCs with Windows 10 after 14 October. But that's about it. Because everything else will be cancelled: technical support, function updates and the important security updates from Microsoft will no longer be provided for Windows 10 from this date. The old operating system is retiring, so to speak, and with it many computers on which it is still used today. This has significant consequences for companies.
Avoid waiting lists and delivery bottlenecks.
For all these reasons, we recommend switching to the more modern and secure Windows 11, but you should hurry! Because it's not long until autumn and, depending on the size of the company, migration projects of this kind can take several months. Because many companies are affected by the end of support and want to switch, you should make an appointment with your IT service provider early - otherwise you may end up on their waiting list.
Another very important point is the hardware issue: in Germany alone, around 9 million end devices are not compatible with Windows 11. This means that they do not fulfil the system requirements because they are usually too old. In a separate article, we look specifically at the hardware requirements of Windows 11. Because many companies need new devices, a rush on Windows 11 devices is to be expected this year, which may lead to supply bottlenecks. We therefore advise you to check your end devices and, if necessary, order new laptops or desktop computers that run Windows 11 stably in good time. On our central information page on Windows 11 you will find further material as well as attractive sales promotions for Windows 11-capable laptops.
Should I use ESU or wait for Windows 12?
With the ESU programme (Extended Security Updates), you can still receive security updates for PCs with Windows 10 after October 2025. However, we advise against this: Firstly, the programme is cost-intensive, as you have to pay 61 US dollars per device in the first year, after which the price doubles every year for a maximum of three years. Secondly, you will only be postponing the inevitable switch to Windows 11 and working with an outdated system until then.
There are also repeated rumours that the release of Windows 12 is imminent. It was supposedly due in autumn 2024, but this information turned out to be false. The fact is that Microsoft has not yet announced a release date for Windows 12. Waiting to update to Windows 11 on the basis of such vague assumptions would only expose your organisation to unnecessary security risks and could be costly in the event of a cyber attack.
As a reliable IT partner, we are happy to assist you with the update to Windows 11. We can advise you on all questions relating to the Windows 11 migration and also offer you compatible end devices - all from a single source. In any case, we wish you a successful switch to Windows 11 and lots of fun with its new features.