Windows 10 is Retiring

Windows 10 Is Retiring: What Your Business Needs to Know Before October 2025 

Windows 10 will officially reach End of Support on October 14, 2025. 

What does that mean? Microsoft will no longer provide: 

• Security updates 
• Bug fixes or patches 
• Technical support for any version of Windows 10 

Your computers will still power on, but running an unsupported operating system can pose serious risks to your business. 

Reach out to us if you need assistance in upgrading your company's devices! 

Reach out to Lighthouse IT!

⚠️ What Happens If You Do Nothing? 

Continuing to use Windows 10 after support ends leaves your systems vulnerable to the following: 

• Phishing attacks that exploit unpatched flaws.
• Ransomware targeting known vulnerabilities.
• Software crashes or compatibility issues with modern applications.
• Cyber insurance rejections due to unsupported infrastructure.
• Compliance violations, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare, finance, and law.

🛡️ Cyber Insurance Implications 

Most cyber insurance policies require that systems be actively supported and regularly patched. After October 14, 2025, any Windows 10 device is considered unsupported. That may result in: 

• Denied or reduced claims 
• Increased premiums 
• Insurance exclusions during underwriting or renewal 

If you hold cyber insurance, or plan to apply, this is a critical risk to address now. 

📋 Compliance & Regulatory Exposure 

Staying on Windows 10 post-EOL may violate: 

• HIPAA 
• PCI DSS 
• ISO 27001 
• GDPR 
• Or even specific client contracts requiring current, secure systems 

Unsupported systems fail the "reasonable security" test, exposing your business to legal or audit risks even in the absence of a breach. 

🧠 Windows 10 Retirement FAQ 

Q: Can't we keep using Windows 10? 

Technically, yes—but it's highly discouraged. Once Microsoft ends support, your systems will no longer receive security updates, making them prime targets for attacks.

Q: What's the actual risk of doing nothing? 

• Increased phishing and ransomware threats 
• Compatibility issues with future apps and software 
• Compliance and legal exposure 
• Insurance claims could be denied due to unsupported software 

Q: Could we lose any data during the upgrade? 

Nope! We'll back everything up before starting. That includes documents, emails, bookmarks, printer settings—you name it. 

Q: What if some apps don't work with Windows 11? 

We'll check compatibility beforehand and work with you to find suitable alternatives if needed. 

Q: How much downtime should we expect? 

Most upgrades take 1–2 hours per device, but we can upgrade many devices at the same time. Plus, we can schedule them around your team's workflow to avoid any disruption. 

Q: What happens if we wait until September or October? 

Expect delays, higher costs, and limited availability. We recommend upgrading early as you can to stay ahead of the rush. 

Q: Can't we just upgrade systems ourselves? 

Sure—but be warned, it's more complex than it sounds. Beyond clicking "update," upgrades require full backups, compatibility checks, and reconfiguring everything from shared drives to printers. We'll manage the entire process, plus post-upgrade support, to save your team from downtime or frustration. 

🎯 Bottom Line: Upgrading from Windows 10 isn't optional—it's essential. 

We're here to make it painless and protect your business every step of the way.

📞 What Should You Do Next? 

Click that "Get Support" button on the Lighthouse Hub, call us at 419.704.0825, or email helpdesk@lighthousesol.com to schedule your upgrade path well before the October deadline.