Windows 10 enters its sunset phase in just 97 days. After October 14 2025, Microsoft will stop delivering security patches and bug fixes to the vast majority of Windows 10 devices, leaving any system that remains on the OS increasingly vulnerable to malware, compliance gaps, and downtime. For K-12 schools—where shared carts, classroom laptops, and office workstations must stay secure and classroom-ready—the clock is ticking. A proactive device audit now will keep your faculty, students, and data safe while minimizing surprise costs later.

Why an Audit Matters

  • Security: Unsupported operating systems quickly become prime targets for exploit kits.
  • Performance & compatibility: New learning apps and assessment platforms will assume Windows 11—or cloud-based alternatives—as the baseline.
  • Budget alignment: Knowing exactly what you own helps you plan ESSER, E-rate, or capital budgets before the fiscal year closes.
  • Sustainability: Devices that can’t meet Windows 11 requirements may find a second life under ChromeOS Flex or become donor-ready for community programs.

The Device-Audit Checklist

Step What to Capture Tips & Tools
1. Inventory Every Endpoint Serial number, device type (laptop, desktop, 2-in-1, thin client), location/room, & primary user Pull reports from your RMM, Intune, or Google Admin console; verify against classroom walkthroughs.
2. Check CPU & TPM Readiness CPU generation, TPM 2.0 presence, Secure Boot state Microsoft’s PC Health Check app or a scripted PowerShell export.
3. Verify Current OS Build Windows 10 version (ideally 22H2) Anything older than 22H2 may already be missing patches.
4. Flag Firmware & BIOS Age Last update date Out-of-date firmware can block Windows 11 deployment.
5. Assess Critical Peripherals Smartboard drivers, label printers, legacy science-lab sensors Confirm Windows 11 driver availability or plan work-arounds.
6. Capture Warranty & Lifecycle Dates
Purchase date, warranty expiry, expected replacement year
Purchase date, warranty expiry, expected replacement year
7. Estimate Upgrade Paths
Upgrade in place, re-image to Windows 11, ChromeOS Flex, or replace
Upgrade in place, re-image to Windows 11, ChromeOS Flex, or replace
8. Prioritize by Risk & Impact
High-risk = admin workstations, SIS servers; Low-risk = student loaners
High-risk = admin workstations, SIS servers; Low-risk = student loaners

Mapping Devices to an Action Plan

Once the checklist is complete, categorize each device into one of four buckets:

  1. Ready for Windows 11– Meets all specs and only needs a scheduled in-place upgrade.
  2. Upgrade with Minor Fixes– Needs firmware, extra RAM, or SSD swap to qualify.
  3. Needs Alternative OS / Cloud– Doesn’t meet requirements; consider ChromeOS Flex, VDI, or application streaming.
  4. Retire / Replace– At end of life; begin procurement or donation workflow.

Microsoft will offer paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) for organizations that absolutely must keep a subset of devices on Windows 10, but that program should be a short-term safety net—not a long-term strategy.

Key Dates to Remember

  • Now → Sept 2025: Complete audit, secure funding, and finalize rollout roadmap.
  • Oct 14 2025: Windows 10 support officially ends.
  • Post-EOL (optional): ESU Year 1 begins—costs rise each subsequent year.

Need a Hand?

Our technicians have helped dozens of Florida schools navigate Windows upgrade cycles without disrupting instruction time. Schedule your FREE 30-Minute Discovery Call to find out how we can help you update your IT infrastructure before this fall.

📞 Call us at 305-403-7582 or click here to reserve your slot today: www.itforedu.com/schedule

Don’t let October sneak up on you—start your device audit this week and keep your classrooms learning securely for years to come.