Windows 10 has been the digital equivalent of a reliable and useful pickup for Spokane businesses — solid, familiar, and rarely flashy. However, every workhorse has its last lap, and with Microsoft set to pull the plug on support in 2025, this isn’t just another nudge to upgrade. It’s a hard stop. The kind that turns ‘we’ll get to it’ into ‘why didn’t we do this sooner?’
What ‘End of Support’ Actually Means For You
It’s tempting to view software end-of-life as a purely technical formality; it’s not. When Windows 10 hits end-of-support, Microsoft stops releasing security patches—full stop. No more critical updates when the next ransomware flavor-of-the-month pops up. No help desk tickets. No quiet bug fixes behind the scenes.
For Spokane businesses, this means your systems become sitting ducks for cybercriminals who know precisely which vulnerabilities won’t be patched. And if you think, ‘I’ve got antivirus, I’m fine,’ remember: most exploits target unpatched software, not just viruses lurking in email attachments.
- No more security or critical patches after 2025.
- Software vulnerabilities become permanent open doors.
- Microsoft won’t reply to tickets for Windows 10 support.
Waiting Isn’t a Good Option (Unless you like Surprises)
Delaying the upgrade is like ignoring a slow leak in your roof because the weather’s good today. It works—until it doesn’t. The real cost of waiting isn’t just about a hacker locking up your files for ransom (though that’s bad enough).
It’s insurance policies refusing claims because you ran unsupported software. It’s vendors pulling compatibility for their apps, or compliance auditors slapping you with fines.
In the Inland Northwest, most companies don’t have an army of IT pros or cybersecurity analysts on payroll. They have lean teams who need things to work, without drama or downtime. But that’s why you can’t afford last-minute chaos—and why insurance underwriters, industry partners, and even customers are starting to scrutinize what you’re running behind the scenes.
- Insurance can deny claims for breaches on unsupported systems.
- Vendor and regulatory requirements may necessitate unexpected upgrades.
- Last-minute transitions always cost more—in dollars and lost productivity.
Under the Hood: Ransomware, Phishing + Compliance Trouble
Running Windows 10 past end-of-life isn’t just a technical faux pas—it’s asking for trouble.
- Ransomware risk shoots up: Unpatched systems are prime targets for automated attacks that don’t care if you’re running a five-person shop or a regional powerhouse.
- Phishing gets nastier: Attackers love exploiting old software because it makes their job easier—and your people more likely to click something they shouldn’t.
- Compliance headaches: Whether it’s HIPAA, PCI, or a vendor contract, almost every framework requires ‘actively supported’ systems. Ignore that and you’re practically waving a red flag at auditors.
Beyond that, you also face these additional risks:
- Unpatched systems = easy targets for hackers.
- Phishing and social engineering attacks spike on out-of-date devices.
- Being out of compliance can mean fines, lost clients, or legal headaches.
How to Prepare (Without Burning Your Budget)
Here’s where theory meets reality: you don’t need to scrap everything overnight. But you do need a plan—now.
Cycrest’s starts by auditing your current PCs and laptops. What’s running Windows 10? Which devices are borderline obsolete anyway? Work with your IT provider (or bring in a local pro if you don’t have one) to map out:
- Which machines can be easily upgraded to Windows 11?
- Which ones will need replacing?
- Are there mission-critical apps that won’t play nice with Windows 11? (Don’t assume—test first.)
- Is there an opportunity to move some workflows to the cloud or managed services?
Cycrest then tackles the noticeable upgrades first—older machines are often budget-busters in disguise anyway. Set milestones leading up to October so you’re not boxed into panic-buying when deadlines hit.
- Cycrest Audits every workstation—don’t guess what you’ve got.
- Test software compatibility before upgrading in bulk.
- Stagger upgrades to avoid significant budget shocks and operational downtime.
Futureproofing should be part of your planning—not an afterthought.
Don’t wait for a crisis—or a tech news headline about another ransomware attack—to act. The end of Windows 10 support isn’t just a date on a calendar; it’s a pivotal moment for Spokane businesses that value stability and trust with their clients. The companies that get ahead of this transition will spend less, stress less, and stay protected when it matters most.
Ready to get started? Reach out to Cycrest today and we’ll ensure your organization is well prepared for a transition away from Windows 10 end of support.
