Windows 10 End of Support: What Small Businesses Must Do in 2026

Windows 10 support officially ended on October 14, 2025 — and if your small business is still running Windows 10 computers in 2026, this episode is for you. In the very first episode of Manage and Secure, host Olivia sits down with IT and Cybersecurity expert Mark to break down exactly what the end of Windows 10 support means for small business owners, and what you should do about it right now.You'll learn why your computers may still "work" but are no longer safe for business use, the real-world risks of running an unsupported operating system — from ransomware and data breaches to downtime, slow performance, and sudden hardware failures — and the biggest myth business owners believe about Microsoft 365 still updating on Windows 10 (and why that does not keep your business secure).Mark walks you through a simple, practical 5-step upgrade plan any small business can follow this week:

1. Identify which PCs can upgrade to Windows 11 for free
2. Flag older machines that should be replaced
3. Prioritize users handling customer data, payments, and finances
4. Plan migrations around business hours to avoid disruption
5. Treat Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a short-term bridge, not a strategy

You'll also learn how to think about the budget the smart way — not as an expense, but as a stability and security investment that reduces help desk tickets, strengthens cybersecurity, and keeps your team productive.Whether you run a local shop, a professional service firm, a medical practice, or a growing business in Orlando or anywhere else, this episode gives you clear, jargon-free guidance to navigate the Windows 10 end-of-life transition with confidence.Topics covered in this episode:

• Windows 10 end of support (October 14, 2025)
• Windows 11 upgrade requirements and readiness
• Microsoft 365 Apps support on Windows 10 through October 2028
• Cybersecurity risks of unsupported operating systems
• Ransomware protection for small businesses
• Managed IT services and IT upgrade planning
• Data migration, backup, and disaster recovery best practices
• Budgeting for a small business computer refresh

Manage and Secure is your go-to podcast for straightforward guidance on business IT support and cybersecurity — covering managed IT services, Microsoft 365, cloud services, VoIP phone systems, network setup, backup and disaster recovery, and ransomware protection.🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. 📩 Got a topic you want us to cover? Send it our way.

 

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