Major changes coming to Microsoft 365 in October 2025

Windows 10, one of the most widely used operating systems, will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for Windows 10. This marks the end of an era for an operating system that has been a staple in both personal and professional environments since its release in 2015.

The end of support for Windows 10 will have significant implications for users and businesses alike. One of the primary impacts will be on security. Systems running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, making them increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. This lack of protection can lead to a higher risk of malware infections, data breaches, and other security incidents.

Compatibility issues are another major concern for Windows 10 users. As new hardware and software is developed after this date, the likelihood of it being compatible with Windows 10 is very slim. This will result in operational challenges, as businesses may find it difficult to integrate new technologies with their existing systems. Over time, this will lead to decreased productivity and increased costs as businesses struggle to maintain outdated systems.

The continued use of Windows 10 after it reaches EOL (end of life) in October 2025 poses several significant risks. The most critical risk is the increased exposure to cyber threats. Without security updates, systems are more susceptible to attacks, which can have devastating consequences for businesses. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other forms of cybercrime can result in significant financial losses, damage to reputation, and legal liabilities.

Operational inefficiencies are another risk. As software and hardware become outdated, businesses may experience increased downtime and reduced productivity. This can lead to higher operational costs and a competitive disadvantage. Additionally, businesses may face compliance and legal risks. Many industries have strict regulations regarding data security and privacy, and using unsupported software can result in non-compliance with these regulations.

To avoid these risks, businesses should plan and execute a migration to Windows 11. Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures continued support, access to the latest features, and enhanced security. It is important to assess current hardware to ensure it meets the requirements for Windows 11 and upgrade if necessary. This may involve investing in new hardware, but the long-term benefits of improved security and performance outweigh the initial costs.

Developing a comprehensive transition plan is crucial when it comes to minimising disruptions during the upgrade process. This plan should include a timeline for your migration, steps for testing and validating the new system, and training for employees to ensure a smooth transition. Regular security audits and employee training should also be part of the ongoing strategy to maintain a secure and efficient IT environment. If you need help with your migration, be sure to contact our team – we’d be more than happy to help you out.

Microsoft has officially announced that support for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019 will end in October 2025. This significant change means that after this date, these applications will no longer receive updates, including critical security patches and bug fixes, or any form of technical support. This decision is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to encourage users to migrate to more modern and secure platform that can better support the evolving needs of their businesses.

The end of support for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019 will have several notable impacts on businesses still using these services. The lack of technical support will lead to potential performance degradation and reliability issues over time. This will result in slower application performance, increased downtime, and a less efficient work environment.

Moreover, the lack of security updates is a critical concern. Without regular security patches, businesses utilising Microsoft 365 Apps on these unsupported servers will become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for weaknesses to exploit, and unsupported software provides an easy target. This can lead to data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and significant financial and reputational damage to businesses.

Continuing to use Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2019 after October 2025 poses several significant risks. The most pressing risk is the increased security vulnerabilities. Unsupported software is a prime target for cyberattacks, as it lacks the necessary security updates to protect against new and emerging threats. This can lead to severe consequences, including data theft, ransomware attacks, and other forms of cybercrime.

Additionally, businesses may face compliance issues. Many industries have strict regulations regarding data security and privacy. Using unsupported software can result in non-compliance with these regulations, leading to legal penalties and loss of customer trust. Furthermore, operational disruptions are a likely outcome. Unsupported software can cause increased downtime and operational inefficiencies, impacting productivity and potentially leading to financial losses.

To mitigate these risks, businesses should take proactive steps to upgrade to a hosting solution that supports Microsoft 365 Apps. Migrating to Windows Server 2022 is a viable option, offering enhanced security features, improved performance, and ongoing support. However, it’s worth noting that support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows Server 2022 is also due to end in October 2026. For this reason, we’d recommend that businesses explore cloud-based solutions such as Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, which provide scalable, secure, and futureproof environments for running their Microsoft 365 Apps.

Regular security audits are also essential. Conducting thorough security assessments can help identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Additionally, businesses should invest in employee training to ensure that staff are aware of the latest security practices and understand the importance of using supported software.