And now?

🚨 The End of Windows 10: What’s Next for Your Business? 

October 14, 2025 marks the official end of the line for Windows 10. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support—even if new vulnerabilities are discovered. While Microsoft urges users to upgrade to Windows 11, it’s time to ask a bigger question: Is it time to rethink your operating system strategy entirely?

At bITs Tech Solutions, we don’t just upgrade—we help you plan for long-term success, whether that means moving forward with Microsoft or switching gears to a more cost-effective, secure alternative like Linux.

🔓 The Risk of Staying on Windows 10 After October 2025 

Let’s be blunt: running Windows 10 after support ends is like leaving your office door wide open—with a neon sign that says “Hack Me.”

Here’s why it’s dangerous: 

• No more security patches: Any vulnerability discovered after October 14, 2025, will remain open and exploitable. Ransomware groups love out-of-support systems.
• Compliance violations: Businesses in healthcare, finance, legal, and other regulated industries may fall out of HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or ISO compliance simply by using unsupported software.
• Antivirus effectiveness declines: Even with a third-party antivirus, your protection weakens as more malware is built specifically to target unpatched systems.
• Unsupported hardware risks: Many older PCs that run Windows 10 aren’t eligible for Windows 11, making you stuck on vulnerable machines or forced into costly upgrades.
• Increased IT costs: Ironically, trying to “save money” by sticking with Windows 10 could lead to higher support costs, more downtime, and emergency fixes when (not if) things go wrong.

If your business has even one Windows 10 machine on your network after EOS, it could become your weakest link—and hackers only need one.

💻 Option A: Stick with Windows 

Familiar but Pricey

Let’s say your company runs 20 Windows 10 machines. Here’s what a 5-year Windows migration plan might look like:

Add to this the hidden costs of staff downtime, forced restarts, and potential ransomware insurance.

Cost Factor                                                     |  Estimate (per device)     | Total (20 devices) 

New Windows 11-compatible PCs.      | $800 (average)                   | $16,000

Windows Pro Licensing (one-time)   | $200                                      | $4,000

Microsoft 365 Business licensing.      | $150/year × 5                      | $15,000

Total over 5 years                                                                                             | $53,000

🐧 Option B: Switch to Linux

Stable, Secure, and Budget-Friendly 

Linux isn’t just for developers anymore. With modern desktop environments (like Ubuntu, Mint, or Zorin OS), it’s clean, intuitive, and ideal for many business use cases—especially cloud-based workflows. 

Here’s how a Linux transition stacks up:

Cost Factor                                                           | Estimate (per device)      | Total (20 devices)

Refurbished or current PCs reused.         | $300.                                     | $6,000

Linux Licensing                                             | FREE                                       | $0

Open-source software replacements.    | FREE or <$50/year            | ~$1,000 

Total over 5 years                                                                                                    | $7,000

You could also use cloud-hosted solutions like LibreOffice Online, OnlyOffice, or Google Workspace—no Windows required.

💬 Windows vs. Linux: Security and Long-Term Strategy

Feature                           Windows (Post-Win10)    Linux

Security Updates              Only with Windows 11           Continuous & free

Licensing Costs                 High (OS + MS365)                 Zero

Hardware Upgrades         Often required                       Mild (but manageable)

Risk of Breaches              Higher post-2025                  ower with updates

Customization                 Limited                                     Highly customizable

🧠 Final Thought

The EOS of Windows 10 isn’t just a deadline—it’s a wake-up call. If your company sticks with unsupported systems, you’re risking not only security breaches, but also compliance failures, operational disruptions, and massive future costs. 

Windows 11 is a viable option—but it comes at a premium. Linux offers a more agile, cost-effective, and secure future—especially for companies willing to embrace open-source flexibility. 

At bITs Tech Solutions, we help you evaluate your full environment and make a custom recommendation based on your applications, team workflows, and long-term goals.

✅ Need Help Making the Switch?

Whether you’re leaning toward Linux, upgrading to Windows 11, or running a hybrid setup—we’re here to make the process smooth, secure, and smart.

📩 Contact us

🌐 Or visit bitstech.solutions to book your migration consultation.