Windows 10 End of Life – Plan Ahead and Stay Secure

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, the operating system will no longer receive critical security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. Unless you have extended support, continuing to use Windows 10 beyond this point creates significant security, operational, and compliance risks.

Windows 11 brings stronger built-in security, faster updates, better performance on new CPUs, and handy touches like Snap Layouts (Win+Z) for multitasking.

Learn more about Windows 11.

A Strategic Time to Upgrade

With Windows 11 requiring newer hardware, this is an ideal opportunity to evaluate and refresh aging systems. Devices that are more than four to five years old often lack the necessary specifications for Windows 11 and are typically due for replacement. Upgrading during this period allows organizations to benefit from better performance, enhanced security, and long-term support while avoiding last-minute disruptions or inflated costs.

Comprehensive Support for Organizations of All Sizes

Canada Computing offers tailored support for both large enterprises and smaller businesses. Engagements can include full project management, such as assessments, procurement, and deployment, or limited roles like field support for in-house IT teams.

Support services include:

Device compatibility assessments
Procurement and configuration of Windows 11-ready hardware
Secure data migration and user profile setup
Coordinated deployment planning and implementation
Post-upgrade system optimization and security configuration

Proven Experience in System Upgrade Projects

Canada Computing has supported numerous successful operating system transitions, including migrations from Windows XP to Windows 7, and from Windows 7 to Windows 10. These projects have served a broad range of clients, from small businesses to national organizations such as RBC, Canada Post, and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Upgrade Process

How is user data preserved during the upgrade?
Canada Computing supports both user-led and IT-managed data migration. Users may back up data themselves, or the technical team can perform secure transfers centrally.

Can systems be configured similarly to their previous state?
Yes. Most user profiles, settings, and commonly used applications can be reconfigured to closely match the original setup. Some variation may occur depending on the system and licensing structure.

How can downtime be minimized during the upgrade?
Deployments are planned in coordination with the organization’s schedule. This can include phased rollouts or after-hours work to reduce business disruption.

What are the options for systems that cannot be upgraded?
Microsoft provides Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10 as a paid option. These updates are available annually through 2028. Canada Computing can assist with licensing and security support for systems that must remain on Windows 10.

What if my Windows 10 device isn’t joined to a company domain, can I still get security updates after October 14, 2025 for free?
Yes. If your PC is running Windows 10 Home or Pro and isn’t part of an organization, you can continue receiving security updates through Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Enrollment requires signing in with a personal Microsoft Account. This will extend your Windows 10 security updates until October 13, 2026.

Useful links

Compare Windows 11 with Windows 10:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/compare-windows-11-home-vs-pro-versions

Help me choose the correct hardware:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/help-me-choose

Keep Windows 10:
https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/windows-operating-systems/windows-10-will-die-this-fall-heres-how-to-survive?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Official Details from Microsoft on Windows 10 end of support:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/end-of-support?r=1

Minimum Hardware Requirements for Windows 11

Based on Microsoft’s published specifications, the table below outlines the baseline requirements and recommended configuration tiers:

Requirement	Light User (Basic Tasks)	Performance User (Heavy Use)
Processor	Processors like Intel® Core™ i5, Intel® Core™ i7, Intel® Core™ Ultra 5, Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 or AMD Ryzen™ 5, AMD Ryzen™ 7 or for Copilot+ PCs AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series, Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 200V Series 2 or Qualcomm Snapdragon® X series.	Processors like Intel® Core™ i5, Intel® Core™ i7, Intel® Core™ Ultra 5, Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 or AMD Ryzen™ 5, AMD Ryzen™ 7 or for Copilot+ PCs AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series, Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 200V Series 2 or Qualcomm Snapdragon® X series.
RAM	8 GB to 16 GB+	16 GB+
Storage	256 GB to 512 GB	256 GB to 512 GB
Firmware & Security	UEFI with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0	UEFI with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0
Graphics	DirectX 12 compatible, WDDM 2.0 driver	DirectX 12 compatible, WDDM 2.0 driver
Display	720p resolution, >9" diagonal	720p resolution, >9" diagonal
Internet & Accounts	Required for initial setup (Home/Pro)	Required for initial setup (Home/Pro)
NPU	Not required	Neural Processing Unit is required for optimized copilot experience.

Get Started

To begin planning or to request a consultation, please complete the interest form below. A representative from Canada Computing will follow up to explore the appropriate next steps.