Hey Lubbock business folks! If you’re running Windows 10, heads up—Microsoft is pulling the plug on support come October 14, 2025. That’s when updates, security patches, and help from Microsoft dry up. For small businesses here in our West Texas community, this isn’t just a tech hiccup—it’s a big deal that could leave you vulnerable to hackers, slowdowns, or even legal risks. Other Microsoft products like Windows Server and Office have their own expiration dates too, so it’s time to get serious.
At Robb.Tech, we’re your local go-to for computers and IT solutions. We sell the gear and know-how to keep you running smoothly, so why send you anywhere else? Let’s break this down—no tech-speak, just plain English—covering why this matters, the risks of ignoring it, and what you can do with our help.
Why Windows 10 EOL Matters to You
When Windows 10 hits its end-of-life (EOL), it’s like a car with no more mechanic visits—things start breaking, and nobody’s fixing it. Here’s why that’s a problem:
- Security Risks: No updates mean new weaknesses stay open for hackers. Small businesses are prime targets—43% of cyberattacks hit folks like us in Lubbock.
- Performance Drops: Old software gets slow and glitchy, dragging your workday down.
- Compliance Issues: If you’re in healthcare or finance, outdated systems could mean fines or audits.
We’ve seen local shops struggle when tech fails. Let’s make sure that’s not you.
The Real Risks of Sticking with Windows 10
Here’s what’s at stake after October 2025:
- Hackers Love It: No security patches? That’s an open invitation. A Lubbock retailer lost big to ransomware last year on an outdated system—don’t let that be your story.
- No Microsoft Lifeline: Bugs or crashes? You’re on your own. Imagine your point-of-sale dying during a rush—customers leave, and you’re counting losses.
- Legal Trouble: Regulated industries need secure, supported tech. A local clinic could face penalties if patient data’s at risk.
- Slower Everything: Old systems can’t keep up, wasting your team’s time and holding you back.
Other Microsoft EOL Dates to Watch
Windows 10 isn’t the only deadline creeping up:
- Windows Server 2016: Done on January 12, 2027.
- Windows Server 2019: Ends January 9, 2029.
- Office 2016 & 2019: Both wrap up October 14, 2025—same as Windows 10.
Your servers and office apps need attention too. At Robb.Tech, we’ve got the hardware and setup to keep you covered.
Apple and Linux: How They Stack Up
Wondering about alternatives? Here’s the scoop:
- Apple: They don’t set hard EOL dates, but they phase out support by tying updates to newer hardware. Take macOS Mojave (2018)—it got security patches until 2021, but full updates stopped earlier. Older Macs get left behind, forcing pricey upgrades. We love Mac OS for its polish, but it’s not always practical for everyone.
- Linux: Our top pick! Most versions, like Ubuntu, offer five years of free updates (e.g., Ubuntu 20.04 LTS lasts until April 2025), with paid options for more. It’s flexible, secure, and cost-effective. We run tons of Linux servers for clients—paired with Windows clients, it’s a powerhouse combo. Honestly, we’d love to see all of Lubbock on Ubuntu or Mac OS, but we get that Windows fits most.
Microsoft’s quick EOL pushes upgrades, Apple sunsets old gear, and Linux gives you control. We lean hard into Linux at Robb.Tech—let us show you why.
What Should Lubbock Businesses Do? (Robb.Tech’s Plan)
You’ve got time, and we’ve got your back. Here’s how we’d handle it:
- Check Your Setup: Look at every device—computers, servers. Right-click Start > System to spot Windows 10 or old Server versions.
- Upgrade Smart:
- Windows 11: Needs a TPM 2.0 chip, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage. We sell PCs that handle it—no need to shop big chains.
- Windows Server 2022: Good until 2031. Perfect if you’re on 2016 or 2019—buy from us and we’ll set it up.
- Office Licenses: Get Office 2021 from us—a one-time buy that lasts.
- Linux Option: Switch servers to Ubuntu LTS. We’ll build and manage it—secure, affordable, and future-proof.
- Backup Now: External drives or cloud (we’ll hook you up). Ransomware hits hard on old systems—protect your data.
- Call Robb.Tech: We’re Lubbock’s local experts. No sending you to outsiders—we’ll audit, upgrade, and support you right here.
A Lubbock Take
Upgrading’s a pain—money, time, hassle. But the alternative? A local business got crippled by ransomware on an old server last year. With six months to prep, don’t wait until you’re slammed.
Your Next Moves
- Today: Peek at your Windows and Server versions.
- This Week: Plan your budget—talk to us about costs.
- This Month: Let Robb.Tech build your upgrade plan.
The Bottom Line
- Windows 10 EOL is October 14, 2025—no updates, no safety net.
- Risks: Hackers, downtime, legal woes, sluggish tech.
- Other deadlines: Server and Office dates matter too.
- Fix it: Windows 11, Server 2022, Office 2021, or Linux with Robb.Tech’s gear and support.
- Apple phases out hardware; Linux rules for flexibility—we’re big on both, but we’ll meet you where you’re at.
Need us? Reach out—Robb.Tech is your Lubbock solution. Let’s keep your business humming!