Windows 10 Home & Pro End-of-Life: What Businesses Need to Know

Windows 10 Home and Pro are older workhorses across many businesses, from back office PCs to point-of-sale terminals. However Microsoft has scheduled their end of free support, which brings serious implications for security, compliance and system stability. In this post, we explain what end-of-life (EOL) means, when it’s coming and how retailers can prepare.

What Does “End of Life” Mean in Practice?

When an operating system reaches its EOL, Microsoft will no longer provide free security updates, bug fixes or technical support. That means:

• Vulnerabilities won’t be patched
• Your system becomes more exposed to malware and cyberattacks
• Any compliance certifications tied to security may be at risk
• Hardware and software compatibility may degrade over time

For retail, wholesale & hospitality systems that handle payments, customer data and inventory, that’s a high-stakes risk.

Microsoft’s Timeline: When Will Windows 10 Home & Pro Reach EOL?

• Windows 10 (Home and Pro, standard builds) will reach end of support on 14th October, 2025
• After that date, users will no longer receive updates, including critical security patches
• Devices still running Windows 10 after that date will continue to operate—but at increasing risk

Note: Versions such as IoT Enterprise LTSB will also reach EOL on the 14 October 2025. We covered that here.
Source: Microsoft lifecycle pages

Why This Affects Environments in Which Unsupported Operating Systems are Running

Retail, wholesale & hospitality systems are prime targets for cyber threats. Running unsupported OS versions on EPoS terminals or back-office systems invites danger:

• Payment Data Vulnerabilities — with no OS patches, Point-of-Sale software becomes a vector for card data theft
• Third-Party Software Breakage — POS, reporting and loyalty tools may stop being compatible
• Compliance Issues — PCI DSS and other standards require supported, secure OS environments
• Operational Instability — unexpected crashes, driver issues or incompatibilities

What Businesses Should Do Now: A Step-by-Step Migration Guide

1. Audit your hardware
   Identify PCs, tills, kiosks and devices running Windows 10 Home/Pro.

2. Check compatibility
   Confirm whether they meet the requirements for newer OS versions (Windows 11, or supported Windows 10 IOT LTSC variants).

3. Plan for migration

   • Choose your target OS (Windows 11, or Windows 10 IOT Enterprise Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC))

   • Decide whether to refresh or replace hardware

   • Backup all systems and data

4. Test software compatibility
   Ensure your EPoS, peripheral devices (scanners, printers) and integrations work under the new OS.

5. Pilot deployment
   Start with one or two stores or workstations, monitor for issues, then roll out gradually.

6. Full rollout before the cut off
   Complete the migration before the 14th October 2025 to maintain full security coverage.

How RMS / OpSuite Can Support You During the Transition

• We can help audit your systems and identify which devices need upgrading
• OpSuite is tested across supported OS versions, and we ensure compatibility with new Windows releases
• Our support team can guide your team through the pilot and rollout phases to minimise disruption
• We can recommend hardware replacements or refresh options where needed

Conclusion

The clock is ticking. With Microsoft ending free support for Windows 10 Home and Pro in October 2025, businesses must act now to safeguard their operations, compliance and customer trust. A successful migration is more than an upgrade, it’s essential protection for your business.

Need help migrating your retail systems? Contact RMS today to ensure you’re ready long before the deadline.

Why Choose RMS?

RMS have worked with ambitious businesses since 2004, supplying tailored software solutions and EPoS hardware from the Shetland Islands to the Seychelles. We work with businesses in most retail verticals, contact us to see how we can help you empower your staff with an intuitive EPoS. Let us show you how OpSuite EPoS turns the challenge of user experience and onboarding staff into your greatest strength.

Information correct at the time of publication.