Running a business means staying on top of industry requirements and government regulations, as well as keeping up with technology security and network safety. Even if you don’t rely heavily on computers for your day-to-day business, the operating system that your computer utilizes for basic activities, such as sending emails, making spreadsheets, recording company data, and updating your business website and social media, is essential. Windows 10 will be reaching its end of life (EOL) on the 14th of October in 2025. The current and final version of Windows 10 has already been released and will only remain in support with security updates and patches through that date. This includes Windows Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations. Now is the time to upgrade to Windows 11 for every computer within your business network.
Small Businesses and Network Security
You might think that the only thing you need to do to protect your small business is to have a good firewall, antivirus, and anti-malware program installed, but the truth is that there is much more to it than that. The latest studies on cybercrime reveal that small businesses and individuals are just as likely to become victims of malware, ransomware, and other cyber-attacks as larger corporations. In fact, many of these cyber criminals take advantage of the lack of an IT department or misunderstanding about what is required to protect sensitive data in these often under-protected small business computer systems.
Synivate offers a wide range of services for small to medium-sized businesses designed to help you protect your company’s sensitive data and ensure you are ready for any eventuality. From our 24/7 monitoring and management services to technology opportunities designed to augment your existing IT departments and prepare your business for the future, we can assist you with a variety of innovative technology solutions created according to your needs, goals, and budget. Staying current with operating system updates, as well as software, firmware, and data backups, is essential to protect your organization from common attacks.
What Happens After Windows 10 EOL?
Whenever a software program or operating system reaches its end of life or EOL, it means that it is no longer supported by the manufacturer. All of those security updates that you have received over the years will cease, meaning that your computer could become vulnerable to hackers, attackers, and malicious software designed to steal your essential data or otherwise manipulate your system. The Windows Update system is designed to install the latest version of the software, along with any other security updates, to improve performance and provide the best possible results for the user. The end of life for Windows 10 is coming faster than you think, so there is no better time than the present to schedule a company-wide upgrade to Windows 11 operating system.
Some of the dangers of using an unsupported operating system include:
- Vulnerability to viruses, spyware, and malicious software.
- Reduced performance, efficiency, and reliability.
- Increased operating system crashes and loading issues.
- Expired drivers for hardware and associated peripherals.
Upgrading Hardware Incompatible with Windows 11
Another thing that businesses will need to consider when upgrading their devices from the Windows 10 operating system to the newer Windows 11 software is compatibility. Some of your computers, peripherals, and mobile devices may not be compatible with Windows 11. This would require an update to ensure proper operation of these devices when connected to a computer or device that is operating Windows 11. Attempting to install Windows 11 on a device that is not compatible will not yield positive results. The most likely case is that it simply would not work, but even if you got it to work, it is not likely to be able to receive future updates and security patches if the system does not meet the basic requirements.
This is another service that our team at Synviate can provide. We can assist you in determining which computers and other hardware within your network might require additional upgrades in order to keep performing effectively after you upgrade to Windows 11. Instead of waiting until the last minute, weeks or even days before the Windows 10 EOL deadline, addressing this change now could help you to prepare for replacing outdated hardware and peripherals logistically and financially in advance of the operating system upgrade. If you have to replace several computers, printers, and other equipment, it would be better to know now so you have the time necessary to do so.
Advantages of Operating System Upgrades
Windows 11 came out in 2021 and many business owners are still dragging their feet on making the change from Windows 10. While some may be leery of jumping into a new operating system that hasn’t been tried and tested by other organizations first, plenty of time has now passed since its launch to feel secure in the validity and security of this latest version. Windows 11 has been designed to offer a variety of new productivity features and delivers upgraded functions designed to help today’s businesses and users to maximize their results.
Some of benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 include:
- New features in Windows 11, include improved support for multiple monitors, an improved taskbar, increased security options with firewall and a new anti-malware program, as well as a wide range of other enhancements and features.
- Windows 11 was designed to be more user-friendly and intuitive, making it easier for users to be more productive and reduce the time spent working on the computer by streamlining everything.
- Improved performance across the board can be enjoyed when you upgrade to Windows 11, as it has been optimized to provide faster boot times and overall operations, making better use of the available RAM on your computer.
- Increased security and stability can prevent frequent crashes, providing more stability than previous versions of the popular operating system.
- A more modern and sleeker design helps the user to focus more on function than flair, provides easier access to most-used programs and links, as well as tools and information about how to optimize the entire user experience.
The Dangers of Windows 10 EOL
Some people just don’t like change, but when it comes to upgrading from one operating system to another, there are loads of people who just don’t want to go through the hassle. The good news is that upgrading your operating system has become much easier in recent years. Windows 11 has been out for a while now and, in spite of being more than eight years old now, Windows 10 still remains the most popular and widely used operating system in the world today and is currently used on more than two-thirds of all PC devices. However, there are many good reasons why it is time to make the change and the sooner you do it, the quicker you can get done with it. The good news is that Microsoft has made it easier than ever to make the switch, so there’s no real reason not to move forward and enjoy all the benefits that come when you upgrade to Windows 11.
Your year-end planning strategy for business should be to make sure that you perform all hardware, firmware, software, and operating system upgrades to start the New Year on the right foot. Imagine putting all that behind you and being able to simply focus on making plans for your business instead of hassling with computers and program updates. Microsoft pulling its support of Windows 10 by announcing an end-of-life date on October 14, 2025, means that it is now official – the time has come. Our team of trained and experienced technicians at Synivate can help you make plans to update your computers and network so you are better prepared for what is to come. You don’t want to kick it down the road and then be forced to do it quickly right before the Windows 10 EOL deadline. Instead, take this time to do it now on your terms and get it done right.
Overcoming Obstacles Before You Update
One of the many reasons to work with a support team and service provider like Synivate is that we can help you to overcome common obstacles before they become a problem for your daily operations. Some software programs – many that are regularly used in business – will not be prepared for Windows 11 and might not work again beyond Windows 10. We will work with you and your team to discuss your needs, including any software programs, hardware, firmware, and peripheral support, to ensure that your upgrade to Windows 11 goes smoothly. You don’t want to be frozen out of the latest versions of your favorite spreadsheets or software programs, but you also don’t want to be tied to an outdated service that did not prepare for the operating system upgrade.
Performance issues, difficulties with new features, and training for some of the new opportunities may also need addressing for you and your staff. In addition to consulting and developing innovative technology solutions, Synivate also offers a wide range of in-person training and ongoing support to ensure that every member of your team is prepared and ready to move to the next phase with Windows 11. In addition, we can also provide training to prevent common phishing, spear phishing, social engineering, and other malicious attacks on your organization. The more you know about how cyber criminals work, the easier it is to stay one step ahead. We can assist in the development of a comprehensive backup and recovery plan as well, to ensure quick recovery after an attack or any other type of situation that might cause you to lose data or compromise your system in any way.
Upgrade to Windows 11: Required Steps
Once you have decided to make the move and perform operating system upgrades, you will need to follow some fairly basic steps. Your IT department can take care of this for you or you can work with our team at Synivate to make sure it all goes off without a hitch. Remember, Microsoft has made it easier than ever to include these upgrades in your year-end planning ahead of the Windows 10 EOL deadline. However, if you do not have any experience with upgrading an operating system, it is best to leave it to the professionals to make sure you don’t lose any essential company data.
Step 1 – Make sure your system is compatible with the Windows 11 update.
Step 2 – Ensure that your system meets the minimum Windows 11 system requirements.
Step 3 – Take time to backup all of your data, either as a hard copy or to a reliable, secure cloud storage.
Step 4 – Begin the Windows 11 installation, following all provided instructions.
Step 5 – Once installed, try out and test your new operating system and explore the features.
Step 6 – If you have difficulties with programs or if you are not satisfied, revert to the previous version.
Step 7 – Perform a compatibility check with all of your existing apps, software, firmware, and other programs that your company uses on a day-to-day basis before attempting to upgrade Windows again.
Professional Services and Support for Your Business
The services that we offer at Synviate go above and beyond traditional IT. We have a structured approach to helping your business align with industry best practices. We can assist with complex migrations, cloud projects, infrastructure deployments and more. When you partner with our team, we can help to enhance your operational efficiency and security across the board. We offer vCIO services, which include executive IT leadership without full-time executive costs. We work proactively instead of reactively, to help prevent business delays and setbacks.
Our seasoned team has over a half century of collective experience and we are committed to providing each and every client with excellent service that goes above and beyond their expectations. We begin by getting to know your company on an in-depth level to ensure that we understand exactly what is needed to create solutions based on your unique requirements. Synivate is your trusted partner for design, implementation, and ongoing support to give you the tools, confidence, and support necessary to take your business to the next level. Whether you are interested in 24/7 monitoring and management services or simply require a singular service to take your company in the right direction, Synivate can help you to achieve your goals. Give us a call at 617-517-0704 and speak with one of our friendly agents about your immediate and future needs.