Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will stop providing security updates and technical support. Businesses that continue using Windows 10 will face increased security risks and IT challenges.
“Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025. No more updates, security patches, or technical help will be provided. If your device isn’t compatible, upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program,” says Microsoft in their official statement.
Upgrading to Windows 11 is an option. However, many organizations struggle with hardware compatibility and high replacement costs. So, what’s a better solution?
Moving to Cloud VDI is the right choice for quick remote user access without compromising performance and security.
In this article…
In this blog, you’ll learn what the end of Windows 10 support means for your business and how Cloud VDI can help you transition smoothly to a modern desktop environment.
Windows 10 End-of-Life: Key Updates
Microsoft will release the last update for all versions of Windows 10, including Home, Pro, Education, and Enterprise, on October 14, 2025. After that, Windows 10 stops receiving:
- Monthly quality or reliability patches.
- Security fixes for newly found vulnerabilities.
- Feature updates and driver packages are delivered through Windows Update.
The operating system will continue to run. However, the update pipeline will stop, which often concerns users.
Hidden Risks of Staying on Windows 10
Security Gaps: Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates after a certain time. That means no more patches for new threats or vulnerabilities. While your system won’t shut down, it will become easier for hackers to break in. New exploits appear and won’t be fixed even with antivirus tools. It leaves your data and systems open to attacks like ransomware or phishing.
Compliance Risk: Outdated systems often fail to meet the security standards required by industry regulations. Sticking with Windows 10 after its support ends could lead to non-compliance with rules like GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO standards. This could result in legal trouble, fines, or loss of client trust, especially for businesses that handle sensitive data.
IT Overhead: IT teams must work harder to keep unsupported systems safe. They might need to install third-party security tools and restrict certain functions to prevent cyberattacks. They also have to run time-consuming manual checks, leading to more errors. All this extra effort increases the workload and still doesn’t fully close the security gaps. Managing an outdated OS also creates friction during software updates or hardware replacements.
Costs: Staying on Windows 10 may seem like a cost-saving move. But the long-term costs add up quickly. Unsupported apps and drivers may stop working. It could lead to crashes, lower productivity, or data loss. Replacing these apps or fixing issues manually wastes time and money. If a security breach occurs, the recovery costs and reputational damage could far exceed the price of upgrading.
What Can You Do After Windows 10 End of Support?
Continue Using Windows 10
You can still use Windows 10 even after it reaches end-of-life. But only safely if you purchase Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU). These paid updates offer critical security patches for up to three additional years.
However, ESU is costly and intended mainly for businesses with legacy systems. While Microsoft offers this to individual users for the first time, it’s not a long-term solution. The program only delays the inevitable need to upgrade.
Switch to a Virtual Desktop
Instead of paying for temporary updates, you can move your current Windows 10 setup to a secure virtual desktop.
Cloud-based VDI solutions let you access a Windows 11 desktop from your existing Windows 10 device without replacing hardware. You can keep using your familiar apps and workflows without the risks of running an unsupported operating system on a physical machine.
Buy New Hardware and Devices for Your Employees
Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements. Some existing devices will not meet those standards. Consider replacing older PCs with newer models. Buying new devices will prepare your team for Windows 11and improve performance.
It will also improve security and compatibility with fewer technical issues. Upgrading hardware reduces the risk of hardware failures and productivity or compliance issues.
Switch to Windows 11
The most direct and future-proof option is to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft designed it to align with today’s security standards, cloud integration, and user experience needs.
While there may be a learning curve, Windows 11 supports regular updates and access to new features. Just as Windows XP and Windows 7 reached their end, Windows 10 is following the same path. Migrating to Windows 11 helps you stay current and secure.
However, upgrading to Windows 11 also comes with challenges. It may cause app compatibility issues and still rely on local device performance.
Cloud VDI is a better alternative as it offers a secure and flexible setup with centralized control. You can access desktops from anywhere and avoid frequent hardware upgrades. It also supports both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Run Windows 11 securely via Cloud VDI—no hardware upgrade needed.
How Does Switching to Windows 11 Boost Security and Performance?
- Ransomware Protection: Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module). It enables hardware-based encryption and identity protection. This shift moves critical security functions away from software alone, making it much harder for ransomware or malware to hijack systems. With Secure Boot, virtualization-based security (VBS), and Windows Hello, the OS defends your data from login to runtime.
- Reduce IT Costs: Windows 11 simplifies operations with IT-built-in security and better update management. Fewer patching emergencies, improved system stability, and longer support windows mean lower maintenance costs. The system also supports cloud management through Microsoft Intune and Azure AD. It reduces the need for complex on-premises infrastructure and manual intervention.
- Better System Performance: Windows 11 is optimized for newer processors, SSDs, and memory architecture. That means faster boot times and smoother multitasking. It also has a better battery life for laptops. Apps run more efficiently, and users experience fewer crashes or slowdowns. Over time, these performance gains can lead to improved employee output and fewer support tickets.
- AI-Ready for Modern Workflows: Windows 11 is designed to support AI-powered features like Microsoft Copilot. It is an intelligent assistant that helps users with writing, summarizing, searching, and more. These tools improve productivity and enable smarter decision-making. Windows 10 lacks the architecture to support these features, which are rapidly becoming essential in modern digital environments.
- Long-Term Support: Windows 11 is aligned with Microsoft’s long-term vision. It receives regular features and security updates, making it future-ready. Unlike Windows 10, which will stop receiving updates after 2025, Windows 11 will continue to evolve. It is adding support for new hardware, software, and cloud integrations. Upgrade your investing systems today for long-term returns and less disruption in the years ahead.
Why Just Upgrading to Windows 11 Isn’t Enough?
Switching your Windows 10 desktop to a Windows 11 desktop is a smart solution. But it’s simply not enough to meet today’s remote work demands.
On-prem desktops offer zero elasticity. Scaling up during peak times (e.g., tax season, hiring sprints, BPO contracts) demands buying new endpoints. Scaling down leaves unused hardware, which adds to depreciation and idle assets.
This model doesn’t fit today’s dynamic, project-based workforce, where you may need 500 users this quarter and just 200 the next.
Windows 11 + Cloud VDI: The Smarter Choice
Upgrading to Windows 11 is a great start. However, businesses should host their desktops in the cloud for secure and quick access to data. Windows 11 virtual desktops hosted on the cloud deliver the same UI, features, and experience users expect without local hardware dependency. Here’s how:
Multi-Session Access
Traditional desktops allow only one user to actively log in at a time. However, Windows 11 on Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) enables multi-session access. It allows multiple users to securely share a virtual machine from any location or device.
Remote Access and Flexibility
Users can access their Windows 11 virtual desktop from any device, anywhere. Whether on a legacy PC, Mac, or thin client, all users’ experience remains the same. Support for RDP ensures seamless access even across various devices and environments.
Moreover, FSLogix instantly loads personal profiles, files, settings, bookmarks, and preferences when a user logs in. It gives users a consistent desktop experience every session and reduces frustration.
Enterprise-Grade Security
Hosting a Windows 11 desktop on Azure protects your data in a fully compliant environment with advanced security measures. These are:
- End-to-end encryption and firewalls.
- Intrusion detection and access logging.
- HIPAA, SOC 2, and other regulated data centers.
- Regular backup and updates are necessary to restore data quickly.
- Data Loss Prevention to prevent unauthorized access or file sharing.
High-Performance Graphics
Physical desktops have limited power, which can disrupt performance. Cloud desktops help you work without interruptions or lag across multiple apps. It includes Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, and graphics-intensive tools, even during high-demand sessions.
Auto-Scaling
A physical Windows desktop is a single machine with a fixed CPU, RAM, and storage. Windows virtual desktop automatically adjusts the number of desktops or users based on demand or real-time usage. It helps improve performance during peak hours and minimize costs during off-peak periods.
Fast Storage Access
Each virtual desktop is backed by high-performance block storage. It enables faster access to files and applications like a physical hard drive. This results in quicker app launches, file retrieval, and better responsiveness.
Advanced Policy and Device Management
Use built-in policy controls to manage access to local devices like USB drives or printers from within the virtual desktop. Enforce restrictions to keep data from leaving your environment.
Customizable Desktop Experience
Every business has different needs. Choose persistent desktops for a personal and consistent workspace. You can also opt for non-persistent desktops that reset after each session. It is ideal for BPO agents or seasonal staff where security and scalability are priorities.
Migrate Your Windows 11 Desktop to the Cloud with Ace Cloud Hosting!
Moving your Windows 11 desktop to the cloud is a smart move to future-proof your operations. Find trusted providers like Ace Cloud Hosting with certified data centers to keep your data secure and always available.
Ace Cloud Hosting migrates your on-premises desktops to the cloud with end-to-end delivery within 48 hours. Our pay-as-you-go pricing-based model provides advanced protection and 24/7 support even during holidays or weekends to resolve your queries quickly. Start your free trial today!
Ace Cloud Hosting’s VDI supports Linux virtual desktops, offering speed, stability, and cost-efficiency for your specialized workloads.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Will my PC shut down when Windows 10 support ends?
No. Windows 10 will keep running. However, Microsoft will seek customer support and security updates. Malware risks rise each month you stay on the old OS.
2. How do I check if my PC can run Windows 11?
Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to check upgrades. Verify CPU generation, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and other requirements manually to know whether your PC can run on Windows 11.
3. Can I use Windows 11 on my Windows 10 device with a virtual desktop?
Yes, you can access a Windows 11 desktop from your Windows 10 device using a cloud-based virtual desktop. There’s no need to buy new hardware or spend on expensive upgrades.
4. Will legacy Windows 10 apps run on Windows 11 Cloud VDI?
Yes. Ace Cloud Hosting deploys your Windows 11 virtual desktops instantly with pre-installed apps and tools for a smooth user experience.
5. How much do Windows 10 Extended Security Updates cost?
You can get the ESU license for a year at $30 per PC. Visit the website to find out about their detailed pricing.
6. Do Cloud VDI providers offer licensing for Windows 11?
Yes, most Cloud VDI providers, including Ace Cloud Hosting, offer Windows 11 licensing bundled with their virtual desktop plans. This means you don’t need to purchase separate Windows licenses. The cost is typically included in the monthly subscription, which covers:
- Windows 11 OS licensing
- Compute resources
- Storage
- 24/7 support
