Windows 10 Support Stops in 2025 – What Now?

On Oct. 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ends support for Windows 10. That means no security updates, no quality improvements, and no more bug fixes. For many Dutch organizations – from SMEs to healthcare institutions and governments – this heralds an important transition period. Windows 10 is currently still running on some 62.5% of Windows systems in the Netherlands. Time for action.

Without updates, your organization becomes more vulnerable to malware, ransomware and zero-day exploits. In addition, compliance obligations such as the AVG or NEN7510 can be jeopardized if systems are not replaced or upgraded in a timely manner.

Cbw (NIS2) Control Framework.

What are the risks of getting stuck in Windows 10?

Organizations that continue to operate with Windows 10 after October 2025 are taking significant risks:

Cybersecurity: No patches means open vulnerabilities. Hackers specifically target outdated systems.
Compliance: Without updates, you may no longer comply with legal requirements such as the AVG or industry standards such as NEN7510.
Software compatibility: Vendors will stop supporting Windows 10. This could lead to unstable or unusable software.
Operational disruption: Old hardware combined with unsupported software often leads to unexpected downtime.

Migrating to Windows 11 – your roadmap

1. Inventory

Map which systems within your organization are still running on Windows 10. Use tools to quickly analyze versions, builds and hardware compatibility.

2. Upgrade or replacement plan.

Upgrade: Devices that meet Windows 11 system requirements can be upgraded directly.
Replacement: For older devices, migration can be combined with hardware replacement. Extended Security Updates (ESU) are a temporary interim solution, but limited in availability and costly.

3. Testing and training

Test crucial software for compatibility with Windows 11. In addition, provide employee training so that the transition goes smoothly.

4. Compliance check

Make sure your IT policies and processor agreements are up to date. AVG, NEN7510 and BIO require that software used is current and supported.

5. Resource Planning

Plan your migration project ahead of time. Consider budget, hiring experts, communication with stakeholders, and any licensing costs.

The ROI of timely action

Migrating before the deadline saves money, time and risk. ALTA-ICT customers who migrated on time:

Reduced their IT management costs by an average of 24%
Gained 99.9% uptime through more stable systems
Avoided fines or penalties from regulators

Why choose ALTA-ICT?

At ALTA-ICT, we assist Dutch organizations in this process with:

ISO27001 / ISO9001 / NEN7510 certified approach
Specific expertise in AVG compliance and Dutch regulations
Local IT consultants, knowledge of market and culture
Full guidance from inventory to monitoring and support

FAQ

Does every piece of equipment need to be replaced? No, only if it is not compatible with Windows 11. Otherwise, an upgrade will suffice.

What exactly is ESU? Extended Security Updates are paid updates for organizations that continue to use Windows 10 temporarily. Available until October 2028, but pricey.

Will my software work with Windows 11? Usually yes, but always test mission-critical applications beforehand.

How long does a migration take? Depending on the size of your organization: 2 to 6 weeks on average.

Can ALTA-ICT also perform migrations in healthcare facilities or governments? Yes, we have experience with DigiD, NEN7510 and BIO requirements.

Conclusion: take timely action

Windows 10 support ends permanently on Oct. 14, 2025. Organizations that do not migrate on time:

Run increased cyber risks
Risk compliance issues
See their management costs rise

📞 Want to know how ALTA-ICT guides your organization through a secure, AVG-proof migration? Schedule a free consultation via
alta-ict.co.uk/ModernWork
.