Microsoft ended free security updates for Windows 10 last October, and the one-year consumer extension has now run its course as well. That leaves a real gap for many small offices. Any Windows 10 machine that isn't enrolled in Microsoft's paid Extended Security Updates program for organizations is no longer receiving security patches.
For medical practices, law firms, CPA firms, and financial offices, that matters beyond the IT closet. Rules like HIPAA and the FTC Safeguards Rule expect businesses to protect sensitive data with reasonable, current safeguards, and an unpatched operating system is hard to defend after an incident. Cyber insurance questionnaires increasingly ask about unsupported software as well.
The fix doesn't have to be a rushed, all-at-once replacement. Start with an inventory of which machines are still on Windows 10, which can be upgraded to Windows 11, and which need replacing. From there, a phased plan can prioritize the devices that touch sensitive data first and spread costs sensibly. Some older machines won't meet Windows 11's hardware requirements, which is why the inventory step matters, and retired devices should have their data wiped before disposal.
Does your business have an exact count of how many Windows 10 machines are still in use today?
#Cybersecurity #Compliance #techwithintegrity
A realistic photo of an office workstation mid-upgrade, or a simple branded graphic with a three-step plan: Inventory, Upgrade or Replace, Prioritize Sensitive Data. Authentic photos of the SMS-ITC team and real client work are strongly preferred over stock; if stock is used, keep it realistic and non-cliche (no hooded hackers or glowing padlocks). No Google Drive image folder is set up for this client.
Canva text suggestion: "Still Running Windows 10? Make a Plan" or "Inventory, Upgrade, Prioritize"