Everything you need to know about the end of support for Windows 10 and how Intelequia can help you
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 in all its versions: Home, Pro, and Enterprise. That means no more security updates, patches, or any improvements that keep the system stable and protected.
If your company or even your home still uses Windows 10, now is the time to make plans. It may seem like there is plenty of time, but in technology, months fly by, and by the time you want to react, it is often too late. I have seen cases where everything was working “fine” until a cyberattack or incompatibility with a new program turned the situation into a serious problem.
What does the end of Windows 10 support really mean?
When an operating system is no longer supported, something very simple happens: it stops receiving updates that close security holes or fix bugs. This brings with it several risks:
- Vulnerabilities that will no longer be fixed.
- Software and hardware that are no longer compatible.
- Possible non-compliance with regulations such as GDPR or ISO 27001.
According to data from Statcounter, 45% of devices running Windows still use Windows 10. In addition, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) warns that the likelihood of incidents can triple in these cases.
In short: it's not that your computer will stop turning on the next day, but it will be a much easier target for recent threats.
Windows 10 vs Windows 11: what's changed
For some, the switch to Windows 11 is mainly aesthetic; for others, it represents a leap forward in security and performance. In summary:
Official support
- Windows 10: available until October 2025
- Windows 11: active support and constantly evolving
Security
- Windows 10: regular updates, but with fewer native protections against modern threats
- Windows 11: requires TPM 2.0, enhanced encryption, and more robust Microsoft Defender
Performance
- Windows 10: designed to perform well on older hardware
- Windows 11: improved resource management and faster startup times
Interface
- Windows 10: Classic taskbar and legacy menus
- Windows 11: focused design, cleaner and ready for touchscreens
Compatibility
- Windows 10: great support for older software and hardware
- Windows 11: modern integrations and compatibility with Android apps (in certain cases)
How the end of Windows 10 support may impact your industry
- Healthcare: applications for managing medical records that require encryption and official support may fall outside the regulations.
- Banking and finance: accounting and management tools that rely on patches to maintain their integrity may fail.
- Industry: software connected to machinery that, when not updated, opens the door to attacks
Even in smaller environments, such as offices or shops, losing support is a risk: a POS terminal running outdated Windows 10 can become a gateway for malware.
Your options when support ends
1. Upgrade to Windows 11
This is the most direct and secure route. It offers improvements in security, performance, and user experience, although it requires hardware requirements such as TPM 2.0 to be met.
2. Purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Up to three more years of critical patches, designed for those who need to stick with Windows 10 for compatibility reasons. It's expensive and doesn't solve the underlying problem.
3. Escritorios virtuales: una opción para ganar tiempo y flexibilidad
For those who cannot upgrade all their physical equipment immediately, virtual desktops offer a practical alternative. They allow users to work in a modern, secure environment that is accessible from almost any device, without having to rely on their local computer meeting all the requirements for Windows 11
This is particularly useful for companies that have specific software that is not yet compatible with the new system, need to provide secure remote access to external workers and collaborators, or have distributed offices or staff and want to unify desktop management.
At Intelequia, we implement solutions such as Azure Virtual Desktop, which not only guarantee an up-to-date and centrally managed environment, but also add an extra layer of security, reducing risks while the transition of the entire equipment fleet is completed.
On the other hand, there has been a lot of talk in recent days about WINUX, a project that combines the look of Windows with the heart of Linux. Although it is eye-catching, it does not solve the compatibility issues that many companies require and is best viewed as a technological curiosity rather than a real alternative.
How to know if you can make the jump to Windows 11
Microsoft offers a tool called PC Health Check that tells you in a few seconds if your computer can upgrade to Windows 11. It's a good starting point, but it's not everything. You should also check the status of your hardware, security settings, and whether that computer is essential for your work or if its upgrade could be postponed.
If you don't check and continue with unsupported Windows 10, you'll increase your risk of attacks, see some programs stop working, and, in regulated industries, you could face legal issues. At that point, the cost of fixing it is usually much higher than planning ahead.
At Intelequia, we have a team of IT specialists who can help you evaluate, plan, and execute this change without complications or surprises. If you want, contact us and we'll tell you how