Mark your calendars: October 14, 2025—the day Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. After this date, security updates, bug fixes, and technical support will no longer be provided. If your school still relies on Windows 10, this could have serious consequences for student learning, administrative efficiency, and cybersecurity.
Many private schools continue to use Windows 10 on teacher and student devices, office computers, and administrative systems. However, once support ends, the risks of keeping outdated systems will increase. Here’s what school leaders need to know to prepare.
No More Security Updates = Increased Cybersecurity Threats
Once Microsoft stops issuing security patches, any vulnerabilities discovered after October 14, 2025, will remain unpatched. Schools are already a major target for cybercriminals, and running an unsupported operating system will expose sensitive student, staff, and financial data to potential threats.
What This Means for Your School:
- Higher Risk of Cyberattacks: Without security patches, your school’s network and student information systems (SIS) could become vulnerable to hacking, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
- Compliance Concerns: Schools that handle financial transactions, student records, and confidential communications may risk violating data protection policies by using outdated, unprotected systems.
- Operational Disruptions: A cyberattack could cause system downtime, preventing staff from accessing schedules, grading systems, or parent communication platforms.
No More Feature Updates = Compatibility Issues
Most educational software providers, including those that support student learning platforms, administrative tools, and testing applications, will eventually stop supporting Windows 10. Schools that do not upgrade could experience:
- Frequent Software Crashes: Educational applications may fail to launch or run inefficiently on outdated operating systems.
- Limited Access to New Features: Upgraded platforms will introduce new tools designed for Windows 11 and beyond, leaving Windows 10 users behind.
- Security Gaps: Many applications rely on operating system security updates to function safely. Without them, even third-party educational tools will be more vulnerable.
No More IT Support for Windows 10
It’s not just Microsoft that will stop providing support—software vendors, hardware manufacturers, and IT providers will also phase out compatibility with Windows 10.
How This Affects Your School:
- No More Technical Support: IT providers and software vendors will stop assisting with Windows 10-related issues, leaving staff without the help they need.
- Limited Integration with New Tools: Future educational technology—such as cloud-based learning management systems (LMS), virtual reality (VR) education tools, and AI-driven tutoring platforms—will be optimized for Windows 11 and newer systems.
- Hardware Incompatibility: New printers, projectors, and student devices may not work with older Windows 10 computers, making expansion and upgrades more difficult.
Declining Performance Will Impact Learning and Operations
Outdated operating systems struggle to keep up with modern educational demands. As schools continue incorporating digital learning, video conferencing, and cloud-based collaboration tools, older systems will create unnecessary challenges.
The Impact on Your School:
- Slow System Performance: Teachers and students will experience delays when using instructional technology.
- Increased Downtime: Frequent crashes and glitches will disrupt lesson plans and administrative processes.
- Rising Maintenance Costs: IT teams will spend more time and money trying to maintain aging systems instead of focusing on innovation and growth.
How to Prepare Your School for the Windows 10 Transition
To ensure a smooth and secure transition before Windows 10 support ends, private schools should take the following steps:
1. Conduct a Full IT Inventory
- Identify how many devices on your network still run Windows 10.
- Determine whether those devices meet the system requirements for Windows 11 or need to be replaced.
2. Develop an Upgrade Plan
- Upgrade to Windows 11 on compatible devices.
- Plan for New Hardware Purchases if devices are too old to support Windows 11.
- Ensure Software Compatibility by checking that your school’s learning management system, administrative tools, and communication platforms will work on Windows 11.
3. Strengthen Cybersecurity Measures
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure staff and student logins.
- Upgrade firewall protection and endpoint security tools.
- Ensure a data backup and recovery plan is in place to protect student and administrative records.
4. Partner with a Trusted IT Provider
Working with an IT expert can help schools:
- Evaluate their current IT setup and recommend the best upgrade path.
- Ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to learning and administrative functions.
- Implement security measures to protect sensitive school data throughout the upgrade process.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The end of Windows 10 support is approaching fast. Schools that wait too long to upgrade risk security vulnerabilities, software failures, and increased operational costs.
To avoid last-minute disruptions, start planning now. We are offering a FREE Network and Security Assessment to help your school evaluate its IT infrastructure and develop a seamless transition plan.
Schedule your FREE discovery call today to ensure your school stays secure, efficient, and prepared for the future. Contact us at 305-403-7582 or schedule a consultation to discuss how the right IT solutions can support your school’s mission.
