How to Future-Proof Your IT Environment Before Microsoft Ends Support in October 2025
Think of your IT infrastructure as a towering skyscraper built on aging blueprints. Microsoft’s End-of-Life plans for Windows 10 and other core platforms in October 2025 mark the demolition of some of those foundational pillars. Without updates, these once-sturdy elements become liabilities—cracks in the concrete of your operations. Now is the time to reinforce your structure with newer, more resilient frameworks. Modernizing your digital foundation ensures that your enterprise remains strong, scalable, and safe in an evolving technological skyline.
Key Updates and Actions for Organizations
Microsoft continues its commitment to product lifecycle management by announcing the End-of-Life (EoL) timeline for several widely used software products in October 2025. As these products approach their End-of-Support (EoS) date, organizations are encouraged to proactively plan migrations or upgrades to ensure uninterrupted services and maintain security compliance.
Products Reaching End-of-Support
The following Microsoft products will reach End-of-Support on or around October 14, 2025:
- Windows 10 (all editions):
- Enterprise & Education
- Home & Pro
- IoT Enterprise
- Enterprise LTSB 2015
- Windows 10 Team (Surface Hub)
- Office 2016 and Office 2019
- Exchange Server 2016 and 2019
- Skype for Business Server 2015 and 2019
- Visio 2016 and 2019
- Project 2016 and 2019
- Visual Studio 2015
- Visual Studio Team Foundation Server (TFS)
Once these products reach End-of-Support, they will no longer receive:
- Security or non-security updates
- Technical support
- Bug fixes or patches
Windows 10 Support Extension Options
Microsoft has recognized that some organizations may require additional time to transition from Windows 10. Although mainstream support for Windows 10 will officially conclude on October 14, 2025, Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be available as a paid subscription for up to three more years, extending support through October 2028.
Key details about ESUs:
- ESUs will include critical and important security updates only.
- Available to enterprise customers and educational institutions
- Enterprise Agreements (EA)
- Enterprise Agreement Subscriptions (EAS)
- Server and Cloud Enrollment (SCE)
- Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES)
- Year-by-year subscription model, providing flexibility during the transition.
Recommended Next Steps
As Microsoft phases out support for several legacy products, now is the time for organizations to take proactive steps to ensure business continuity and security. Platforms without Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will soon lack critical patches and support, exposing systems to significant threats and compliance challenges. Transitioning to modern, cloud-based solutions such as Microsoft 365, Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, and Visual Studio Subscriptions not only safeguards your operations but also enhances scalability, collaboration, and integration across your environment. Early planning is key to minimizing disruption, controlling costs, and training users effectively.
Recommended Next Steps:
Inventory: Assess your environment to identify affected Microsoft products.
Plan: Develop migration strategies to supported versions or modern alternatives.
Engage: Reach out to your Select Account Manager to explore ESU licensing options.
Communicate: Ask how Keller Schroeder can help ensure business continuity and compliance.
At Keller Schroeder, we understand that meaningful transformation takes more than just technical changes—it requires a strategic blueprint and the right team to execute it. Our experts specialize in assessing current IT infrastructures, identifying risks, and implementing scalable solutions to prepare your organization for the future. Whether you’re re-platforming, migrating to the cloud, or securing temporary ESUs, we’ll guide you through every step of the journey. Don’t wait for disruptions to reveal the cracks—start strengthening your IT foundation today by contacting Keller Schroeder today.
