The clock is ticking - what should you do?

When it comes to IT, there are generally two types of people: those who love to tinker and chase the latest technology, and those who prefer a stable, predictable environment.

For many years, businesses have leaned towards stability, because constant tinkering with PCs and applications quickly leads to higher costs and inefficiencies. Back in the 1990s, the annual cost of managing a single PC was estimated at over £3,000. That figure drove IT leaders to seek standardisation and smarter ways of managing their IT estates.

One of the biggest steps towards keeping IT manageable has been adopting the latest versions of Microsoft Windows. When Windows 10 was released, it was positioned as the “last” major version of the operating system. But Windows 11 arrived, and with it came a ticking clock: support for Windows 10 ends on 14 October 2025.

That means, in just over a year, Microsoft will stop issuing critical security patches and updates for Windows 10. Businesses still running the system will face two risky choices:

Carry on with an unsupported OS, exposing the business to major security threats, or

Pay for an Extended Security Update (ESU) contract, which can be costly.

Surely it's just a case of migrating my software isn't it?

And for many, migrating to Windows 11 isn’t as simple as pressing “update.” Some older devices and peripherals (printers, scanners, cameras, etc.) that work perfectly on Windows 10 won’t work on Windows 11, as Microsoft has dropped support for older drivers. In practice, this means businesses could find themselves with expensive hardware that suddenly becomes obsolete.



While this feels frustrating and wasteful, the reality is that newer devices bring more capability, while older ones eventually lose compatibility. The key is to plan your transition early so you can make informed choices about where to upgrade software, where to replace hardware, and where to explore alternative solutions.

At Quicksmart IT, we’re already helping businesses across South Wales and beyond navigate this challenge. Whether it’s upgrading your systems, sourcing new hardware, or making sure your business data and operations stay protected, we’ll work with you to find the right balance between performance, cost, and sustainability.

Let Quicksmart IT Handle the Switch - So You Don't Have To

If you’re a Quicksmart IT customer, speak to us today about your Windows 10 migration plan.

If you’re not yet a customer, now is the perfect time to start a conversation with us. We’ll help you understand your options and prepare your business for a secure, smooth move to Windows 11.

📧 contact@quicksmart-it.com

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