Windows 10 EOS: How Financial Firms Can Prepare

Microsoft Windows 10 EOS (end of support) will occur on October 14^th, 2025, according to the Microsoft website. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide users with free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10.

Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11, which “offers a modern and efficient experience designed to meet current demands for heightened security.”

Updating to Windows 11 is relatively simple, but there are some important steps firms need to take before doing so if they are still relying on Windows 10. Organizations may be tempted to continue using Windows 10, but this would open them up to significant security and productivity risks.

Here, we’ll explore what financial institutions can do to prepare for Windows 10 EOS in 2025.

The Risks of Not Preparing for Windows 10 EOS

The end of Windows 10 support presents significant security and compliance challenges for financial institutions. It could also hinder productivity and prevent organizations from taking advantage of new technologies.

Security and Compliance Risks

Without ongoing security updates, systems become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, potentially compromising sensitive financial data and client information.

This vulnerability extends beyond immediate security risks, as using unsupported software may lead to non-compliance with industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or financial sector-specific standards. Firms face potential penalties, loss of accreditation, and reputational damage if they fail to address these issues promptly.

To mitigate these risks, companies must prioritize upgrading their systems, ensuring robust security measures are in place, and maintaining strict compliance with regulatory requirements throughout the transition process.

Productivity Risks

With automatic updates suspended, firms that continue to use Windows 10 after the EOS date won’t receive updates containing new features and efficiencies in their operating system. Meanwhile, Windows 11 users will receive those updates.

Lack of technical support would also make it difficult to troubleshoot and solve problems. According to a report by Management Today, this could result in an up to 42% decrease in productivity.

Innovation Risks

Companies that don’t upgrade to Windows 11 may also have a difficult time implementing emerging technologies and finding support for using them on their operating systems.

For example, artificial intelligence capabilities are becoming increasingly important as competitive features in finance. AI itself is also driving a significant amount of innovation in financial services and will continue to do so for years to come.

“This transformation is apparent in the broad spectrum of available AI applications, from automated knowledge management to investment research and bespoke banking services, each underscoring the remarkable advancements and potential of GenAI,” says EY.

Without support from Microsoft to use large language models (LLMs), third-party AI applications, and in-house AI products through the Windows OS, firms may fall behind competitors who are receiving ongoing support.

Strategic Transition Planning for Windows 10 EOS

For individual users, making the switch to Windows 11 may simply be a matter of purchasing the upgrade and allowing it to download onto their systems. Financial institutions and other firms have much more complex needs, however.

To effectively navigate Windows 10 EOS and upgrade to Windows 11, financial services firms must develop a comprehensive strategic plan. This plan should encompass several key elements:

Asset Inventory and Assessment: Conduct a thorough inventory of all hardware and software assets to identify systems running Windows 10. This includes desktop computers, laptops, servers, and any specialized financial software that may be impacted. Categorize assets based on their criticality to business operations and compliance requirements.
Timeline Development: Create a detailed timeline for the transition, working backward from the October 14, 2025, end-of-life date. Allow ample time for testing, pilot programs, and phased rollouts to minimize disruption to critical financial operations.
Hardware Upgrade Plan: Evaluate existing hardware against Windows 11 system requirements. For devices that don’t meet these specifications, budget for replacements or upgrades. Consider the potential impact of ongoing chip shortages on hardware availability and pricing.
Application Compatibility Analysis: Assess all business-critical applications, particularly those specific to financial services, for compatibility with Windows 11 or alternative systems. Work with vendors to ensure continued support and functionality post-transition.
Data Migration Strategy: Develop a robust data migration plan to ensure the secure transfer of sensitive financial information. Implement stringent data protection measures throughout the migration process to maintain compliance with financial regulations.
Vendor and Partner Coordination: Engage with key vendors, partners, and clients to ensure their systems and processes will remain compatible with your upgraded environment. This is particularly crucial for asset managers and hedge funds that rely on complex financial ecosystems.
Compliance Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of the transition process, including risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and implementation steps. This documentation will be vital for demonstrating due diligence to regulators and auditors.
Contingency Planning: Develop fallback plans and establish isolation strategies for any systems that cannot be immediately upgraded. This may include network segmentation or enhanced monitoring for legacy systems that must temporarily remain on Windows 10.

By implementing a well-structured strategic transition plan, financial services firms can minimize risks, ensure compliance, and maintain operational continuity throughout the Windows 10 EOS process. Regular review and adjustment of the plan will be necessary to address emerging challenges and opportunities as the transition progresses.

Allocating Budget and Maintaining Operational Continuity During the Transition to Windows 11

Unfortunately, there will likely be costs and operational challenges in their efforts to transition to Windows 11.

Financial services firms must carefully consider the budgetary implications and operational continuity challenges associated with the Windows 10 EOS transition. This process requires a significant allocation of resources and strategic planning to ensure seamless operations throughout the migration.

Budget Allocation for Windows 10 EOS

In preparing for the transition to Windows 11, financial services firms need to develop a comprehensive budgeting strategy that thoroughly addresses various critical elements involved in the process.

Budgeting for the transition should account for the following key factors, each of which plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth and efficient migration:

Hardware Upgrades: Many existing devices may not meet Windows 11 system requirements, necessitating substantial investment in new hardware. Asset managers and hedge funds should factor in potential price increases due to ongoing chip shortages and supply chain disruptions.
Software Licensing: Firms must budget for new Windows 11 licenses and potential upgrades to financial software packages to ensure compatibility.
Training Costs: Allocate funds for comprehensive user training programs to minimize productivity loss during the transition.
IT Support: Additional IT staff or outsourced support may be necessary to manage the migration process and address user issues.
Contingency Funds: Set aside resources for unforeseen challenges or delays in the transition process.

Maintaining Operational Continuity During Windows 10 EOS

To maintain operational continuity, financial services firms should focus on the following strategies:

Phased Migration: Implement a phased migration approach to minimize disruption to critical financial operations. This allows for testing and troubleshooting in controlled environments before full-scale deployment.
Parallel Systems: Establish temporary parallel systems to ensure uninterrupted access to essential financial data and applications during the transition.
Rollback Protocols: Develop detailed rollback procedures in case of unexpected issues during migration. This ensures you can revert to stable systems if necessary.
Internal Communication Framework: Create a comprehensive communication plan to keep stakeholders informed about the transition process. Keep them aware of any potential impacts on services.
Ongoing Performance Monitoring: Conduct thorough testing of all financial applications, trading platforms, and data analysis tools. Implement enhanced monitoring systems to quickly identify and address any performance issues or security vulnerabilities during and after the transition.

Through careful management, financial services firms can navigate the Windows 10 EOS transition while minimizing risks. They’ll also be able to maintain their core business functions and client trust.

Training Employees on Windows 11

Financial firms can implement a streamlined training approach for Windows 11, leveraging employees’ existing familiarity with Windows 10.

The training program should focus on highlighting the key differences and new features in Windows 11, such as changes to the user interface, new Microsoft productivity applications, and enhanced security features. By emphasizing these changes through short, targeted training sessions or interactive tutorials, firms can quickly bring their staff up to speed without disrupting daily operations.

Firms should also provide easily accessible resources such as FAQs, quick reference guides, and internal support channels to address any questions or concerns that may arise during the transition. Any changes to frequently used apps or programs as they are rolled over to Windows 11 should also be addressed.

By focusing on the similarities between Windows 10 and 11 while highlighting productivity-enhancing features, financial firms can ensure a smooth and efficient transition for their workforces.

Prepare Your Organization for Windows 10 EOS

The impending end-of-life for Windows 10 in October 2025 presents a critical juncture for financial services firms. Delaying the upgrade could expose institutions to significant risks, including vulnerabilities to cyber threats, potential compliance violations, and operational inefficiencies.

By proactively transitioning, firms can ensure continued security updates, maintain regulatory compliance, and leverage new features that enhance productivity and cybersecurity. To learn more about how your organization can leverage Windows 11, contact us today at Option One Technologies.