Windows 10 EOL – are you ready?
The Windows 10 operating system has been available since 2015 and is a major version of Microsoft’s Windows NT client lineup. It’s successor, Windows 11 was released in 2021 and since then Microsoft have announced that Windows 10 Support will cease in October 2025. As of June 2025, according to GlobalStats StatCounter, Windows 10 still holds more than a third of the market. With the majority of retailers, along with other business users, likely currently still using Windows 10 and the looming date of the 14th October, this is an important deadline for consideration. If you haven’t already made plans, this should now be a priority. To add complexity to the situation, for Enterprise users, there are two versions of Windows 10 (Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 and Windows 10 IoT LTSC 2019) that have been assigned an extended support date. Enterprise version Supported until Windows 10 IoT LTSC 2019 9th January 2029 Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 31st January 3032 If you implemented either of these versions of the operating system, then you may consider continuing to operate on your existing system. For the purposes of this post, we will be referring to Windows 10 versions that will reach end of life later this year. What happens if I don’t upgrade my operating system to Windows 11? Your retail EPOS software may still run, however there are important factors to consider, such as: Possible incompatibility with new software versions and subsequently being unable to utilise and benefit from advancements and new features. No further software updates, technical support, bug fixes and features updates from Microsoft; and notably the cessation of security updates. Restricted retail vendor support with incompatible features. Not updating your operating system to a supported version can leave your business open and more vulnerable to cyber threats such as malware, compliance issues and viruses. The absence of security updates is significant as this can lead to a position of compromised security, which is particularly pertinent in today’s climate. Retailers are facing increasing threat from cyber security criminals, as demonstrated very recently by the likes of the Co-op and M&S. The latter suffered an attack in Easter and is still working on getting back up to speed months later. It has been predicted that 2025 will be the worst year yet for cyber crime. What do I need to do? There are several factors that need consideration, but the important thing at this stage is to act quickly, with limited time available to ensure that you are able to continue business operations with minimal disruption. Points for consideration include: Is my existing hardware compatible with an upgrade to the replacement Windows 11, or is new hardware required? How do I initiate an upgrade? What is the timeline for upgrading my hardware estate? Will there be any downtime for business operations? How will an upgrade to Windows 11 affect my retail stock control software? Do we have in-house technical resource to implement the new operating system? Are there any other benefits in upgrading my operating system to Windows 11? Upgrading to Windows 11 also offers other benefits, such as a modern user interface and productivity tools, enhanced security, better performance and efficiency, AI-powered features, improved collaboration and integration, as well as continued support and updates. How can Eurostop help? If you need assistance with planning for this important milestone, the good news is that we are available to help. If you don’t have a strategy in place, we do urge you to plan immediately to allow enough time to address your situation. Eurostop’s current hardware runs the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 version, which has an extended expiry date of October 10, 2034, and will remain in support with monthly security update releases through to that date. If you are running a version that has reached EOL, then Eurostop are able to assist in the following areas: If you have hardware provided by Eurostop, we can advise if it will be compatible with the succeeding Windows 11 operating system. If you require new hardware, then we can also supply modern hardware options with Windows 11 installed. Francis Adjei, Support Manager at Eurostop commented ‘We know its important to keep our retailers running smoothly, especially in an ‘always-on’ world and would encourage anyone who may be affected to get in contact as soon as possible so that we can provide any assistance as necessary. Our team is always here to support you and ensure minimal disruption to your business’ If you would like to speak to us, please get in contact [email protected]