Ready for the End of Windows 10 Support?

Preparing for Migration, Security, and Success with Image Star and Dynabook

The Clock Is Ticking for Windows 10 Users

The countdown has begun. Microsoft has officially announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. While that may seem far away, the reality is that millions of users — both individuals and businesses — are still relying on this version of Windows every day.

In fact, as of mid-2025, nearly 45% of global PC users are still running Windows 10. That’s a massive base of systems soon to lose critical updates, patches, and security protection.

For businesses — especially resellers, managed service providers (MSPs), and IT dealers — this transition period represents both a challenge and an opportunity. End-of-life (EOL) events like this can strain resources, complicate security postures, and disrupt operations if not handled strategically.

But with the right planning and the right partners — such as Dynabook, a Windows-first OEM brand, and Image Star, your trusted technology distribution partner — your business can transform the Windows 10 sunset into a smooth migration experience and a growth opportunity.

Understanding the Windows 10 End-of-Life Timeline

Microsoft’s lifecycle policy is straightforward: when a product reaches the end of support, it no longer receives software updates, including security patches and bug fixes.

For Windows 10, this means:

• End of Security Updates: Devices running Windows 10 will become vulnerable to emerging cyber threats.

• End of Compatibility Updates: Future software releases, including drivers and business apps, may not function correctly.

• End of Compliance Assurance: Unsupported software can expose organizations to compliance risks, especially in regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, and government.

Microsoft will offer limited Extended Security Updates (ESU) for enterprise clients — but these come at an additional cost per device and are only a temporary stopgap.

For most organizations, the smarter path forward is migration to Windows 11 on hardware designed to support it natively.

Why So Many Users Are Still on Windows 10

Despite Microsoft’s push for adoption, Windows 11 has not yet reached full saturation. Many businesses have delayed migration due to:

• Hardware Incompatibility: Older devices often fail to meet Windows 11’s security requirements, such as TPM 2.0.

• Software Compatibility Concerns: Businesses depend on legacy applications that may not run smoothly on the new OS.

• Resource Constraints: Rolling out upgrades across hundreds or thousands of endpoints requires planning, testing, and training.

• Change Management Fears: Employees accustomed to Windows 10 are often reluctant to switch interfaces or workflows.

The good news? With modern Windows 11-ready devices from Dynabook and strategic planning through Image Star, organizations can overcome these barriers with minimal disruption.

Why Migration Matters: The Security Factor

Once Windows 10 reaches end of life, any vulnerabilities discovered afterward will remain unpatched. This leaves organizations at risk of:

• Malware and ransomware attacks targeting outdated systems

• Data breaches due to unprotected endpoints

• Loss of business continuity or compliance standing

Cybercriminals actively exploit end-of-life software because it’s no longer maintained. The longer you delay migration, the greater the potential exposure.

For IT resellers and MSPs, educating customers on this risk — and offering a managed migration plan — is a key differentiator in today’s security-first business climate.

Hardware Readiness: Why Now’s the Time to Upgrade

Windows 11 introduces strict hardware standards to deliver stronger security, faster performance, and better efficiency.

Some of the requirements include:

• TPM 2.0 security chip

• Secure Boot

• Modern processors (Intel 8th Gen or later, AMD Ryzen 2000 or later)

Many older systems, even those still performing well, simply don’t qualify. That’s why planning hardware refresh cycles now is critical.

Dynabook, a long-time leader in enterprise computing, builds every notebook and business laptop in its Windows-first lineup to meet or exceed Windows 11 standards. Models like the Dynabook Tecra, Portégé, and Satellite Pro series provide reliable, performance-driven options for organizations preparing for migration.

As a trusted Dynabook distribution partner, Image Star can help you source and support these Windows 11-ready systems — ensuring your clients transition seamlessly.

Step-by-Step: Building a Smart Migration Plan

Here’s how businesses and resellers can prepare for the Windows 10 end-of-life in a structured, low-risk way:

1. Assess Your Inventory

Identify all devices currently running Windows 10. Note their hardware specifications, processor generations, and TPM status.

2. Classify by Upgrade Path

• Windows 11-Ready Devices: Can be upgraded via software.

• Non-Compliant Devices: Should be replaced with Windows 11 hardware (like Dynabook laptops).

3. Prioritize Critical Systems

Start with the systems that handle sensitive or business-critical data. These should move first to ensure security and compliance.

4. Communicate with Users

Provide clear timelines and support documentation. Manage expectations with training resources to ease the learning curve.

5. Leverage Partner Support

Work with trusted distributors like Image Star who can coordinate hardware supply, migration logistics, and after-sale support.

6. Manage Rollout with Dynabook Tools

Dynabook offers management utilities for large-scale rollouts, including firmware updates, driver packages, and remote configuration tools that make deployment faster and more efficient.

Beyond Migration: Strengthening Your IT Ecosystem

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just about staying supported — it’s a chance to optimize your technology stack.

With the shift, organizations can also adopt:

• Cloud-based management tools like Microsoft Intune or Endpoint Manager.

• Modern collaboration ecosystems, integrated with Microsoft 365 and Teams.

• Enhanced device security, leveraging Windows Hello, BitLocker, and built-in encryption.

Working with Image Star, IT resellers and MSPs can build a value-added approach:

“We don’t just sell devices — we help clients modernize their workplace.”

This mindset helps resellers elevate their role from vendor to trusted technology partner, increasing customer loyalty and long-term recurring revenue.

Image Star and Dynabook: Your Migration Partners

At Image Star, we understand that major operating system transitions can be daunting — especially for organizations managing multiple endpoints. That’s why we partner with technology leaders like Dynabook to provide reliable, Windows 11-ready solutions backed by personalized service.

Our role is to make migration easy for our partners and their customers:

• Access a full portfolio of Dynabook notebooks and laptops optimized for Windows 11.

• Leverage custom rollout support to streamline deployment.

• Ensure supply chain stability, avoiding the last-minute scramble as demand spikes closer to EOL.

Whether you’re a reseller helping small business clients, or an MSP managing enterprise deployments, Image Star helps you take a proactive approach to this critical transition.

Don’t Wait — Start Planning Now

The end of Windows 10 support isn’t just a date — it’s a defining moment for IT strategy. With nearly half the world still running Windows 10, now is the time to assess, plan, and act.

By partnering with Image Star and leveraging Windows-first Dynabook hardware, your business can ensure every client migrates smoothly — securely, and ahead of schedule.

Reach out to us to learn more