On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease mainline support for Windows 10. They will no longer provide free security updates, feature improvements, or technical support for Windows 10 PCs and laptops.
As of 10/14/25, CNS support for all Windows 10 workstations, even those with security update entitlement licensing, will be considered best effort. This means:
- CNS will not be able to apply Microsoft software updates to the computer. (Computers with extended security update entitlement licensing will only receive security updates.)
- CNS may charge you for support activities for Windows 10 computers if we determine the issue is due to running out of support software.
- CNS may be unable to correct problems with out of support computers.
Windows 10 computers will continue to function but will become increasingly vulnerable to security threats and compatibility issues. State and federal examiners will take exception to running unsupported software in your credit union environment.
What Should You Do?
Take Inventory of Your Computers
You will need to inventory your network for any computers (laptops, PCs, or virtual machines) running Windows 10.
- Consult your managed services provider or internal IT for supporting reports.
- CU*Answers Network Services (CNS) provides this inventory to managed clients as part of the standard reporting package.
Address Windows 10 Computers
Many computers can be upgraded to Windows 11.
Windows 11 upgrades can be ordered from CNS here:
Order Windows 11 Upgrade from CNS
Computers that cannot be upgraded due to hardware compatibility issues must be replaced, or you must purchase extended security updates entitlements from Microsoft.
New PCs and laptops with Windows 11 can be ordered from CNS here:
Order New Windows 11 PCs/Laptops from CNS
CNS now offers Microsoft’s extended security updates entitlement licensing, which can be ordered here:
Order Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates Entitlement Licensing from CNS
- This licensing entitles one PC or laptop to Year One of Microsoft security updates. The entitlement period expires October 2026. A license is required for each Windows 10 computer.
- With this license, CNS managed clients with Windows 10 computers will continue to receive security updates. However, the computer will not receive other updates (i.e., functionality or bug fixes), and it is not otherwise entitled to Microsoft support.
To ensure the best performance for your network, our strong recommendation is to upgrade all computers to Windows 11.
