What Businesses Need to Know to Prepare for Windows 10 End of Support

• How will Windows 10 end of support affect your business?
• What are your options?
• What costs are involved?

What Does End-of-Support Mean? 

After nearly a decade of reliable service, Windows 10 will officially be laid to rest on October 14, 2025. This means Microsoft will stop providing updates, support, and security patches. Affected systems quickly become vulnerable to cyber threats, compatibility issues, and performance problems. For businesses, this can lead to costly downtime, data breaches, and compliance violations.

The retirement of Windows 10 therefore signals a crucial moment for organizations across the globe. It is estimated that hundreds of millions of devices worldwide are still running Windows 10 and may require upgrading or replacement before support ends. And if you’re thinking you’ll just go on using the obsolete operating system, think again! Here’s why - with no more security updates and patches being provided, hackers will be able to fully capitalize on any newly discovered vulnerabilities. Continuing to use Windows 10 will be like putting up a big neon sign inviting a cyber-attack.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Systems Before the Deadline

This isn’t just about an operating system; it’s about safeguarding your business, maintaining compliance, and ensuring smooth performance. Upgrading might require replacing outdated hardware, but the cost of inaction could be far greater.

• Security First: Running an unsupported operating system exposes your business to ransomware, malware, and data breaches.
• Performance Boosts: Newer systems running Windows 11 benefit from faster updates, enhanced multitasking, and better hardware integration.
• Compliance Risks: Many industries have strict security and compliance standards that cannot be met with unsupported systems. What Businesses Need to Know to Prepare for Windows 10 End of Support

Can I Upgrade My Current Hardware to Windows 11?

If you’re hoping to keep your current systems in operation, you’ll need to ensure they meet the minimum requirements for running Windows 11. Some of the major requirements are:

• Processor Compatibility: Check Microsoft’s list of supported Intel processors and AMD processors.
• RAM and Storage: Ensure your device has at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of available storage (additional storage may be required as features evolve).
• Secure Boot: A feature supported by most modern PCs, you can check if it is enabled in the System Information panel.
• TPM 2.0: Trusted Platform Module chip must be present and enabled. 

As a basic rule, if a machine is more than 5 years old, it likely won’t support the Windows 10 upgrade. Your IT Provider will be able to assist you in determining whether your devices are compatible with Windows 11 or consult Microsoft’s support.

Will My Software Be Compatible with Windows 11?

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just about hardware — your vital software (such as accounting and industry specific software) also needs to be compatible with the new operating system. Reach out to your software providers or check their websites to confirm compatibility beforehand (or have you IT Provider contact them in your behalf). Be certain that your critical software is compatible with Windows 11 before making the change.

What Does it Cost to Upgrade to Windows 10?

Upgrading from Windows 10 Home or Pro to the equivalent edition of Windows 11 is free. If your PC meets the minimum system requirements you should see the option in Windows Update to perform the upgrade.

Why Plan Your Transition Early?

Start planning your upgrade strategy now to avoid lastminute disruptions. As the deadline approaches the demand for new Windows 11 hardware will grow, and hardware prices will likely increase as well. Another concern that may influence an equipment shortage or increase in prices is if the United States puts tariffs on countries where many computer parts are manufactured.

For these reasons, we’re recommending starting now to identify non-compliant devices and plan for their replacement while availability is still high. This approach will ensure a smooth transition, allowing for proper budgeting and a phased roll-out if needed.

Consider Leasing to Stay Ahead

One option to assist with budgeting is leasing hardware. This route can reduce capital expenses while keeping your technology up to date. Instead of a large upfront investment, leasing spreads costs over time, making it more budget friendly. Additionally, leasing allows for regular upgrades, ensuring that your hardware remains current and compatible with the latest software. Our sales team can assist you in deciding if leasing is a good option for your organization.

Act Now for a Seamless Transition

Don’t wait until October 2025 to prepare for Windows 10’s end-of-life. Take proactive steps today by scheduling a free consultation with our experts. We’ll help you assess your hardware, ensure software compatibility, migrate your data securely, and train your staff to maximize the benefits of Windows 11. Stay ahead of potential disruptions and keep your business running smoothly — contact us now to start your upgrade journey.

allCare IT Client Spotlight:

Tell me about Keilty Realty and what you do.

Keilty Realty Corporation is a private equity real estate investment and development firm with a focus on office, residential, and express car wash assets. We have been in business since 2003, managing and developing properties that add long-term value to the communities we serve. Recently, we have expanded into the express car wash industry, bringing the Tommy’s Express Car Wash brand to Canada.

What kind of clients do you typically work with?

We work with a range of investors, property owners, tenants, and business partners. On the real estate side, our clients include institutional and private investors, businesses looking for well-managed office space, and residential tenants. On the car wash side, we are building a strong base of repeat customers through a membership-driven model.

How long have you been in business?

Keilty Realty Corporation was founded in 2003, so we’ve been operating for over 20 years.

What makes Keilty Realty unique from your competitors?

What sets us apart is our ability to combine real estate investment expertise with a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach. We focus on long-term value creation, whether through property management, development, or our new express car wash investments. Our expansion into the express car wash space is driven by our belief in the power of recurring revenue models and the opportunity to bring a proven U.S. brand into the Canadian market.

What has been your biggest business challenge?

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating transitions—whether it’s shifting our focus from traditional property management to investment-driven real estate development or expanding into a new industry like express car washes. Change brings complexity, but also opportunity.

How did you solve it?

By staying adaptable, surrounding myself with strong partners, and ensuring every transition is driven by data, customer insights, and a long-term strategy.

How do you use technology in your business?

Technology plays a key role in our operations, from property management software that streamlines leasing and maintenance to digital marketing tools that help drive customer engagement for our car wash business. We also prioritize cybersecurity and data protection, especially when handling sensitive client and financial information.

How does your partnership with allCare IT enhance your business operations and security?

allCare IT has been instrumental in ensuring our systems are secure and operating smoothly. From network security to cloud-based solutions, the allCare IT team helps us maintain uptime, protect data, and stay ahead of potential IT challenges.

Why is this important to you?

As we scale, security and efficiency are non-negotiable. Whether it’s protecting investor information, tenant information in our real estate business or ensuring seamless customer transactions in our car wash operations, having a reliable IT partner allows us to focus on growth while knowing our technology is in good hands.

Do you have a favorite book about business?

One book that has had a major impact on me is Scaling Up by Verne Harnish (formerly known as The Rockefeller Habits). It provides a structured approach to growing a business, focusing on four key areas: People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash. The book is full of practical tools and frameworks that help leaders scale their companies efficiently while maintaining alignment and accountability. The emphasis on disciplined execution, clear priorities, and strong company culture makes it a must-read for anyone serious about building and sustaining a successful business.

What advice do you have for other business owners that you wish someone had shared with you when you were starting out?

Be patient but decisive. Growth takes time, and not every move will be perfect, but delaying action out of uncertainty can be more costly than making a few missteps along the way. Surround yourself with the right people, focus on long-term value, and never underestimate the importance of adaptability.

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Hackers Love Tax Season

Tax season in Canada creates the perfect storm for cybercriminals targeting businesses. With sensitive financial data like tax filings, payroll records, and client information actively in circulation, hackers exploit the chaos, using phishing emails, ransomware, and identity theft schemes. The increased volume of emails, pressure to meet tax deadlines, and the movement of sensitive data make businesses particularly vulnerable.

Common scams include fake CRA emails and calls, payroll data theft targeting T4 slips and Social Insurance Numbers, and fraudulent accounting software portals designed to steal login credentials. Phishing emails from impostor accountants or bookkeepers are also rampant, often carrying malware-laden attachments or prompting employees to share sensitive information.

To safeguard against these threats, businesses should train employees to recognize phishing scams, secure financial accounts with strong passwords and MFA, and back up financial data to protect against ransomware.