Windows 10 End of Life. Why your business should upgrade

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May 20, 2025

Windows Lifecycle Dashboard

Why Running Supported Windows Versions Is Critical

Security Risks of End-of-Life Software

Running end-of-life Windows operating systems poses significant security risks to your business:

  • No Security Patches: When new vulnerabilities are discovered, Microsoft no longer provides security updates for end-of-life systems, leaving them permanently vulnerable to exploitation.
  • Compliance Issues: Many regulatory standards (like GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS) require systems to be regularly updated and patched. Running EOL software may put your organisation out of compliance.
  • Increased Attack Surface: Cybercriminals often target known vulnerabilities in unsupported systems, as these weaknesses will never be patched.
  • Network Vulnerability: A single unpatched system can serve as an entry point for attackers to compromise your entire network.

Benefits of Running Supported Versions

  • Security Updates: Receive ongoing protection against newly discovered vulnerabilities and cyber threats.
  • Technical Support: Access to Microsoft support when you encounter issues or need assistance.
  • Feature Updates: During mainstream support, receive new features and improvements that can enhance productivity.
  • Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with modern applications, hardware, and security tools.
  • Business Continuity: Minimise the risk of system failures, data breaches, and business disruptions.

Critical Reminder

If your organisation is running any end-of-life Windows versions, you should prioritise upgrading to a supported version. The cost of upgrading is significantly less than the potential costs of a security breach or compliance violation.

Time Until Windows 10 End of Life

Calculating...

Workstation Operating Systems

Operating System Release Date Mainstream Support End Extended Support End Status
Windows 11 October 5, 2021 October 14, 2026 October 14, 2029 Actively Supported
Windows 10 July 29, 2015 See note* October 14, 2025 Still Supported
Windows 8.1 October 17, 2013 January 9, 2018 January 10, 2023 End of Life
Windows 8 October 26, 2012 January 9, 2018 January 10, 2023 End of Life
Windows 7 October 22, 2009 January 13, 2015 January 14, 2020 End of Life
Windows XP October 25, 2001 April 14, 2009 April 8, 2014 End of Life

Time Until Windows Server 2016 End of Life

Calculating...

Server Operating Systems

Operating System Release Date Mainstream Support End Extended Support End Status
Windows Server 2025* Expected 2025 Coming Soon - Release Expected 2025 Not Yet Released
Windows Server 2022 August 18, 2021 October 13, 2026 October 14, 2031 Actively Supported
Windows Server 2019 October 2, 2018 January 9, 2024 January 9, 2029 In Extended Support
Windows Server 2016 October 12, 2016 January 11, 2022 January 12, 2027 In Extended Support
Windows Server 2012 R2 October 18, 2013 October 9, 2018 October 10, 2023 End of Life
Windows Server 2008/R2 October 22, 2009 January 13, 2015 January 14, 2020 End of Life
Windows Server 2003 April 24, 2003 July 13, 2010 July 14, 2015 End of Life
Note: Windows 10 support varies by edition and version number. The final end of support date for Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations editions is October 14, 2025.
*Windows Server 2025: This is the expected next version of Windows Server. The final product name, release date, and lifecycle dates will be confirmed by Microsoft closer to release. Check back for updates.
Key terms:
  • Mainstream Support: Full support including new features, security updates, and non-security updates
  • Extended Support: Security updates only, no new features
  • End of Life: No further updates or support provided

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At Meta Eagle, we understand that navigating server migrations can be daunting. As your trusted IT partner, we manage the entire process for you. As a supported customer, we will plan, manage, and implement the project from start to finish.

Our comprehensive approach includes:

  • Full assessment of your IT environment
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Last updated: 10th January 2024 at 17:43 GMT

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