02/11/2025
Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 2025
Important: Is Your HIPAA/NIST/CMMC Compliance or Software at Risk with Windows 10 Reaching End of Life?
Technology evolves quickly, and staying compliant amidst these changes can be challenging. Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach End of Life (EOL) on October 14, 2025. Once software becomes EOL, it no longer receives security updates, leaving it non-compliant with many critical security standards and certifications such as HIPAA, NIST 800-171, and CMMC.
Using unsupported software not only poses regulatory risks but also increases the likelihood of cybersecurity breaches, potentially leading to data loss or misuse of sensitive information.

If your organization relies on Windows 10, all systems must be upgraded or replaced by October 14, 2025. Unfortunately, not all Windows 10 systems will meet the more stringent hardware requirements of Windows 11.
What happens after the EOL date?
· Windows 10 will still work, but it will be more vulnerable to security issues.
· Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or bug-fix patches.
· Microsoft will no longer provide technical support.
· Microsoft will no longer provide feature updates.
Why is this important for business owners?
· Security Risks: Without regular updates, your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses, malware and hackers. This could put your business data at risk, which is why upgrading to a newer version of Windows is crucial.
· Software Compatibility: Many software programs are updated regularly to work with the latest operating systems. After Windows 10 reaches its end of life, some of your favorite programs might not work as smoothly or could stop working altogether.
· Compliance Issues: If your business deals with sensitive information or follows strict regulations, using an outdated operating system could lead to compliance issues. It’s important to stay current to avoid potential fines or legal problems.
What are your options?
Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the latest version before the end-of-life date. This can present challenges for some PC owners, as not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. If you try to upgrade one of those PCs to Windows 11, but the device does not meet the stringent hardware requirements of the new software, you’ll encounter an error message.
If your device isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you have a few options. You can:
· Replace your PC with a new PC that comes with Windows 11
· Pay for Microsoft’s Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (available for up to three years at an ever-increasing expense)
· Ignore the deadline and put your business at risk (we do NOT recommend this one!)
Whatever you decide, make sure to back up your data prior! This ensures that nothing gets lost during the upgrade process. If you need us to verify you have a solid backup, please ask! Before making any changes contact us.
Planning ahead
It’s important to be proactive about the transition. You don’t want to wait to take action until you’re under the gun and forced into action. Furthermore, the industry anticipates widespread system procurement issues and longer wait times as we get closer to October.
The best step is to work with us to determine what option makes sense for your organization. If your computers are fairly new, upgrading to Windows 11 may be an easy update for you. If your devices are older and nearing the end of their life anyway, new PCs could be the way to go. If you require Windows 10 for certain applications or devices, Extended Support may be the right solution. Our experienced IT consultants can help you with the upgrade process and minimize downtime for your business.
If you’re looking for someone to guide you in making the right decision, get in touch with our team to schedule a network evaluation. During this, we’ll be able to map out the next steps to take to start transitioning to Windows 11 efficiently.
We will offer a free evaluation to assess your current systems and determine what's needed to ensure your compliance. We'll work with you to develop a clear upgrade plan that keeps your business secure and HIPAA/NIST/CMMC compliant. At Moebius, we're more than a technology provider, we're your partner in success, helping you focus on your business while we take care of your IT needs.
