With the official end of support for Windows 10, many companies face the question: keep running it, buy paid updates or switch? We give a pragmatic overview.
What does "end of life" mean concretely?
Microsoft no longer delivers security updates and technical support. The system keeps running technically, but every newly discovered security gap stays open. For companies that means: a growing security risk and potential problems with compliance requirements, for example in insurance or audits.
Option 1: Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft offers paid security updates for a maximum of three more years. The prices double every year, after three years you already pay a multiple of the first year per device. Sensible as a transitional solution, not a strategy in the long term.
Option 2: Upgrade to Windows 11
If your hardware is compatible (TPM 2.0, 8th-gen Intel or newer, at least 4 GB RAM), the update is free and usually the best way. Windows 11 brings improved security features and long-term support until at least October 2031.
Option 3: Hardware replacement
For older devices a new purchase is often more economical than ESU licences. Modern business notebooks usually start much faster, last longer and offer improved security features such as hardware-based encryption.
Option 4: Linux as an alternative
For certain use scenarios, such as pure office or browser workstations, a modern Linux desktop system can be a free, secure and resource-saving alternative. Prerequisite: your software landscape allows it.
Our recommendation
First get an overview: which devices are affected, which are Windows 11 capable, which must be replaced? From this inventory the most economical path emerges automatically. solutioIT creates a vendor-neutral inventory for you including migration plan and cost estimate so the switch becomes plannable. On request we take over ongoing updates and monitoring of the devices as part of IT maintenance at a fixed price.