Windows 10 has not received any security updates since October 2025. For many small and medium-sized companies, this means that taking action now is a duty, not an optional extra. However, between day-to-day business, budget planning and the fear of IT failures, the issue is often left unaddressed – until it’s too late.
In this article, you will find out what the end of support means for your company in concrete terms, how you can get clarity about your status in 30 minutes and which steps will get you safely to Windows 11 – without data loss and without days of downtime.
First things first: you don’t have to be an IT expert to make the right decisions. With this roadmap, you stay in control.
What EOL means in practice (and why “still running” is dangerous)
End-of-life sounds abstract. In concrete terms, it means From now on, no more security gaps will be closed. Every newly discovered vulnerability remains open – and cyber criminals know this.
The three biggest risks for your company:
1. cyber security: open barn doors Without security updates, every Windows 10 device becomes a gateway. Ransomware attacks on outdated systems have increased by 340% in recent years. A single infected computer can paralyze your entire network.
A craft business from northern Germany downloaded a “free Windows 11 version” from the internet in 2024 – supposedly to save on license costs. Result: ransomware encrypted all customer data and project plans. Ransom: €15,000. Data loss: complete. Downtime: 9 days.
2 Compliance & insurance cover Many cyber insurance policies explicitly exclude damage caused by outdated systems. You also no longer meet GDPR requirements (“state of the art”) with Windows 10. Data breaches can result in fines of up to 20 million euros or 4% of annual turnover.
3. compatibility & productivity New software is increasingly only being developed for Windows 11. Collaboration tools, industry software, modern hardware drivers – what works today may not work tomorrow. You are gradually losing touch.
In plain language: every day on Windows 10 is a day of increased risk. This is not scaremongering, but the reality of IT security.
Inventory in 30 minutes: What you really need to know
Before you buy or change anything: get an overview. You need to know these four areas:
1st device check: What can Windows 11 actually do?
Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than its predecessor. The most important ones:
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) – a security chip
- UEFI boot instead of old BIOS
- At least 4 GB RAM (preferably 8 GB)
- 64 GB storage space
- Processor not older than 2017-2018
You can check this in 2 minutes:
- Press
Windows-Taste + R - Type
msinfo32and press Enter - Check under “System overview”:
- BIOS mode should be “UEFI
- TPM version should be 2.0
Alternatively: Microsoft offers the free “PC Health Check” tool.
Realistic: Devices older than 6 years usually need to be replaced. Devices from 2018-2020 can often be retrofitted with BIOS updates.
2. software inventory: What are you running?
Create a list of all business-critical programs:
- Accounting software (e.g. Lexoffice, DATEV)
- Industry software (e.g. CAD, merchandise management)
- Office applications
- Special hardware (scanners, cash register systems, card readers)
Ask the manufacturer: Does version XY run under Windows 11? Do I need an update? Does it cost extra?
Typical stumbling block: Old USB dongles for license protection often no longer work. Even 32-bit programs sometimes cause problems.
3. data & backup: Is everything backed up?
Critical question: If a device breaks down tomorrow – where are the last invoices, customer data, projects?
- Local files on C:\Users[name]
- E-mail archives (PST files in Outlook)
- Network drives and servers
- Cloud services (partly automatic, but check!)
Now is the time for a complete backup. An external hard disk or cloud solution such as Synology, Veeam or Nextcloud should be mandatory.
4. users & authorizations: Who needs what?
- How many employees work with which devices?
- Who has admin rights (should be as few as possible)?
- Do you use a central user management system (Active Directory, Microsoft 365)?
Important for later: With Windows 11, employees should only have standard user accounts. Admin rights only for installation and maintenance – this drastically reduces the attack surface.
The 3 upgrade paths: What suits you?
There is no one right way – it depends on your situation.
Way 1: Buy new devices
When it makes sense:
- Your devices are older than 6 years
- You’re planning a modernization anyway
- Hardware requirements are not met
Advantages:
- Fresh installation, no legacy issues
- Modern hardware = better performance
- Often pre-installed with Windows 11 license
Disadvantages:
- Higher acquisition costs
- Old data and programs must be migrated
Cost factor: Business laptops from €600-1,200, desktop PCs from €500-900. Fleet discounts are often worthwhile for multiple devices.
Tip: Used business devices (e.g. Dell Latitude, Lenovo ThinkPad) are often cheaper and more robust than consumer models.
Path 2: In-place upgrade (on existing devices)
When it makes sense:
- Your hardware meets the requirements
- Budget is tight
- Programs and data should be retained
Advantages:
- Cost-effective (only working time, possibly new licenses)
- Programs and settings are usually retained
- Quick to implement
Disadvantages:
- Risk: Upgrade may fail or run unstable
- Legacy issues are dragged along
- Not possible with all devices
This is how it works:
- Make a backup (really!)
- Download Windows 11 Installation Wizard from Microsoft
- Perform upgrade (takes 1-3 hours)
- Check software and drivers
Attention: There may be driver problems with self-assembled PCs or very special configurations.
Way 3: Clean Install (new installation)
When it makes sense:
- You want a fresh, fast system
- Hardware is Windows 11 ready
- You have time for a complete refit
Advantages:
- Cleanest solution, no contaminated sites
- Best performance
- Opportunity to optimize software and processes
Disadvantages:
- All programs must be reinstalled
- More time required
- More technical expertise needed
Time required: 3-8 hours per device (depending on the scope of the software).
Must-haves: the 4 safety measures you can’t afford to skip
Upgrading to Windows 11 is the perfect time to close security gaps. These four measures should be mandatory:
1. activate BitLocker encryption
What it does: If a laptop is stolen or lost, the data is unreadable without a password.
This is how it works: Windows 11 Pro offers integrated BitLocker. Simply activate it in the settings under “Privacy & Security” → “Device encryption”.
Important: Keep the recovery key safe (e.g. in the password manager)!
2. introduce multi-factor authentication (MFA)
What it does: Even if someone knows your password – they can’t get in without a second factor (e.g. cell phone app).
Where to set up:
- Microsoft 365 accounts
- Google Workspace
- Cloud services (Nextcloud, Dropbox etc.)
- Password managers such as 1Password or Bitwarden
Reality check: 99% of all account hacks could be prevented by MFA. It costs nothing, but potentially saves tens of thousands of euros.
3. standard user instead of admin rights
What it does: It is much more difficult for malware to infiltrate the system without admin rights.
This is how it works:
- Create a standard user account for each employee
- Only one separate admin account for IT maintenance
- For software installation: temporarily enter admin password
Practical tip: Yes, it’s annoying at first. But after two weeks it works and your risk decreases massively.
4. automatic patch management
What it brings: Windows and software updates run automatically, security gaps are closed immediately.
This is how it works:
- Set Windows Update to “automatic”
- For companies: Use WSUS or cloud solutions such as Microsoft Intune
- Alternatively: Book a patch management service (we offer this from €2.99/device/month)
Reality: Most hacks happen through known but unpatched vulnerabilities. Updates are your airbag.
Your mini project plan: Windows 11 in 1-5 days
You don’t have to do it alone. But if you want to do it yourself or organize it internally, this plan will help you:
Day 1: Inventory (3-4 hours)
- Hardware check of all devices (TPM, UEFI)
- Create a list of all programs used
- Check software compatibility with the manufacturer
- Create a current backup of all data
2-3 day: Preparation (4-8 hours)
- Buy Windows 11 licenses (if necessary)
- Select and upgrade test device
- Install and test all programs
- Write documentation (what works, what doesn’t)
4-5 day: Roll-out (depending on the number of devices)
- Backup of all productive devices
- Perform upgrade/reinstallation
- Installing software
- Activate security measures (BitLocker, MFA, standard user)
- Short briefing for employees
Realistic time planning:
- 1-5 devices: 1-2 days
- 6-20 devices: 3-5 days (staggered)
- 20+ devices: better supported externally
Risk check: What can go wrong?
| Risk | Probability | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade fails | Medium | Backup available? → Clean Install |
| Software does not run | Low-medium | Test in advance, get an update from the manufacturer |
| Data loss | Low | Only upgrade with a current backup |
| Loss of productivity | Medium | Staggered roll-out, not all at once |
| Employees are overwhelmed | Medium | Short training, provide FAQ |
Worst-case scenario: The upgrade is canceled. Then you roll back to Windows 10 (automatically within 10 days) and reinstall – that’s why the backup is so important.
Costs: What will you have to pay?
Transparency is important. Here is a realistic calculation:
- Scenario: Upgrade on existing devices
- Working time (internal or external): 2-4 hours per device
- Windows 11 license (if necessary): 0-145 € per device
- Software updates: 0-300 € depending on program
- Total per device: 150-800 €
Scenario 2: Buy new devices
- Business laptop/PC: 600-1,200 € (with Windows 11)
- Setup: 2-3 hours
- Data migration: 1-2 hours
- Total per device: 700-1,500 €
3rd scenario: External support
- Inventory & consulting: 150-300 €
- Upgrade service per device: 100-250 €
- Complete migration: 300-600 € per device
Avoid hidden costs:
- No “free” Windows versions from the Internet (see practical example above)
- Don’t skimp on the backup
- Do not upgrade to production devices without testing
Our flexible support: at itsupport.online, you can book exactly the help you need – without fixed contracts. Whether it’s a 30-minute consultation for €49 or a full migration, you decide.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Technically yes, but it is becoming less secure every day. This is grossly negligent for companies and can have legal consequences in the event of cyber attacks.
Three options: (1) buy a new device, (2) switch to Linux (for simple tasks), (3) only use the device offline for special applications.
Yes, a single infected device can also put partners and customers at risk via email or cloud services. You also risk your insurance cover.
For a well-prepared appliance: 2-3 hours. For several appliances without preparation: several days.
Windows 11 has a recovery function. In the worst case, you boot back to Windows 10 or reinstall it – that’s why the backup is so important.
For 1-3 devices and simple software: often do it yourself with instructions. For more devices, complex software or if you are unsure: external help saves time and nerves.
Conclusion: it pays to act now
The end of support for Windows 10 is not an IT problem – it’s a business problem. Cybersecurity, compliance, insurance cover and competitiveness all depend on it.
The good news: with this roadmap, you have a clear plan. You know what to do, what the risks are and where you can get help.
The next step:
- Now: Download our Windows 11 upgrade checklist (PDF, free of charge)
- This week: Take the 30-minute inventory
- Within 14 days: Start with a test device
Do you need support? We help you flexibly – without fixed contracts, exactly when you need us. Whether it’s a quick consultation, complete migration or ongoing support for your IT security.
About itsupport.online: We are your partner for reliable IT support – online, throughout Germany and without a contract. From PC problems and server maintenance to modern cloud solutions: You book exactly the help you need, when you need it.
