Think about what would happen if a key piece of equipment in your shop or office suddenly stopped being safe to use. That is what many small businesses in Southwest Oklahoma will face when Windows 10 support ends. The deadline is closer than you think, and ignoring it could put your company at serious risk.

Windows 10 support ending

Microsoft has announced that free support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025. At first, that date might sound far away. Yet once you add up the time it takes to budget, plan, and upgrade every computer in your business, you will realize the deadline is approaching fast.

When support stops, it stops completely. There will be no more updates, no more bug fixes, and no help from Microsoft if your system breaks. You will still be able to use your computer, but every day after that point brings bigger Windows 10 security risks. Using an outdated system is like leaving your shop’s front door unlocked all night.

What happens when Windows 10 support ends

The answer is simple. When support ends, hackers know your system has holes that will never be patched. If a new security flaw is found, it stays there forever. That puts your business data, your customer records, and even your bank accounts at risk.

Research shows that many business owners are not ready. About 18 percent have no idea support is ending, and another 14 percent know about it but have not started planning. That means too many companies will be caught off guard.

Why extended security updates are not enough

Microsoft does offer something called Extended Security Updates, or ESUs. These give you a few extra years of paid updates. However, they are not free. In fact, the cost goes up every year. It is a short-term fix, not a real solution. Paying for ESUs is like patching a leaky roof again and again while the damage keeps spreading.

Why Windows 11 is the smarter choice

The better option is moving to Windows 11 before the deadline. Windows 11 is faster, safer, and built for the way small businesses operate today. It has stronger protections against cyberattacks, smoother performance, and better integration with Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and new tools like Copilot.

Employees will notice fewer glitches and better productivity. At the same time, you will have peace of mind knowing your business is protected with modern technology.

Of course, there is a challenge. Not every device running Windows 10 can handle Windows 11. Some computers may need upgrades, while others might need to be replaced. This is exactly why planning early matters. If you wait too long, you could be stuck making last-minute purchases that cost more and cause stress.

Why acting now helps Southwest Oklahoma businesses

Small businesses in towns like Lawton, Duncan, and Chickasha often run lean. Losing access to systems, even for a day, can hurt revenue and customer trust. Acting now lets you spread costs over time, prepare staff for changes, and avoid rushed decisions.

The deadline is set for October 2025, and it will not move. Waiting only makes the switch harder and more expensive. Ask yourself right now, ‘Are we ready for Windows 10 end of life?’ If the answer is anything but a confident yes, it’s time to take action before this deadline puts your business at risk.

How to get help with your upgrade

Handling Windows 10 support ending is not only about installing Windows 11. It also means checking your hardware, updating your security, and making sure your IT provider is guiding you through the process.

At Wolferdawg IT Consulting, we help small businesses across Southwest Oklahoma upgrade smoothly. We can review your systems, explain your options in plain language, and roll out changes without disrupting your operations.

Reach out today so you can move forward with confidence and keep your business safe well before the deadline arrives.