Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 will reach its end of life on 14 October 2025. After this date, the operating system will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support.
For businesses, this is more than just a software update; it’s about security, compliance, and future-proofing your IT systems. If your organisation still relies on Windows 10, you should start preparing now to avoid disruption later.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
When an operating system reaches “end of life,” Microsoft stops maintaining it. For Windows 10, this means:
It’s important to note that Windows 10 devices will still run after the deadline. However, they’ll become less secure, less reliable, and gradually incompatible with modern software and hardware.
Businesses that continue using Windows 10 after October 2025 face several risks:
Cybercriminals actively target outdated systems. Without patches, any vulnerability in Windows 10 could be exploited. This exposes businesses to malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
If your business handles customer data, you’re likely subject to regulations such as GDPR, PCI DSS, or ISO standards. Running unsupported software can put you out of compliance and may result in fines or reputational harm.
As developers focus on Windows 11 and beyond, new applications won’t be compatible with Windows 10. Businesses may find that crucial software no longer installs or runs properly.
Similarly, new devices may not support Windows 10. Printers, peripherals, and even core systems could stop working effectively.
While delaying upgrades might look cheaper, sticking with Windows 10 could lead to higher costs in the long run. Emergency fixes, security breaches, or Extended Security Updates (ESU) often cost more than planned upgrades.
The most logical path is to move to Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system. Benefits include:
Before upgrading, check if your hardware meets the minimum requirements using Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool.
If you can’t migrate by October 2025, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates for Windows 10. This is a paid service that provides critical security patches for up to three years.
However:
Businesses not ready for a full upgrade might consider virtual desktops or cloud-based solutions like Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. These allow you to run modern systems securely, even on older hardware, while keeping data centralised and protected. For example, Citrix now offers its virtual desktops via Azure Marketplace, giving businesses more flexibility in how they deploy secure cloud workspaces.
Migrating from Windows 10 to Windows 11 (or another solution) takes planning. Here are six steps to prepare:
Identify how many of your PCs and laptops are still running Windows 10. Include remote and hybrid workers in your assessment.
Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to determine which devices can upgrade to Windows 11 and which will need replacing.
Factor in:
Spreading investment across 2024 and 2025 makes the change easier to manage.
Large businesses shouldn’t attempt to upgrade every device at once. Instead, roll out upgrades department by department to minimise disruption.
Windows 10 end of life is the perfect moment to review your wider IT strategy. Could you benefit from:
An experienced IT provider can:
Will Windows 10 stop working after October 2025?
No. Your PCs will continue to run, but they’ll become insecure and outdated.
Is it safe to keep using Windows 10 after support ends?
Not recommended. Without updates, your business will be highly vulnerable to cyber threats.
Can I buy Extended Security Updates (ESU)?
Yes. Microsoft will offer ESU as a paid option for up to three years, but it’s only a short-term solution.
How do I check if my PC can run Windows 11?
Download Microsoft’s free PC Health Check tool. It will confirm if your hardware is compatible.
What if I have hundreds of devices to upgrade?
Start planning now. Large migrations take time, and spreading costs across multiple budgets is easier than last-minute upgrades.
Is upgrading to Windows 11 expensive?
It depends on your hardware. If your devices meet requirements, the upgrade is straightforward. If not, you’ll need to budget for replacements.
October 2025 may feel far away, but time moves quickly in IT. Planning now ensures:
Waiting until the last moment can result in rushed decisions, higher costs, and security gaps.
At Silver Lining, we support businesses through IT transitions like Windows 10 end of life. Our services include:
Start planning now. Contact our team today to discuss how we can help your business move beyond Windows 10 securely and efficiently.
The Windows 10 end-of-life date (14th October 2025) is a milestone businesses can’t afford to ignore. Staying on Windows 10 after this date leaves your organisation open to cyber risks, compliance failures, and unnecessary costs.
By upgrading to Windows 11, using ESU temporarily, or adopting cloud-based solutions, you’ll keep your business secure and ready for the future. Acting now gives you control, choice, and peace of mind.
Learn what Cyber Essentials is, the difference between Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, and why UK businesses should get certified in 2025.
Cybercrime is one of the biggest risks facing UK businesses in 2025. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) regularly warns that cyber attacks are growing in both scale and sophistication. From ransomware shutting down operations to phishing emails stealing sensitive client data, the threats are real and costly.
Protecting your business doesn’t always mean expensive technology or a team of cybersecurity experts. The Cyber Essentials certification scheme, backed by the UK government, provides a straightforward, affordable framework that any organisation can follow.
In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what Cyber Essentials is, why it’s so important in 2025, how the certification process works, and how businesses like yours can benefit.
Cyber Essentials is a UK government–backed scheme created to help organisations defend against the most common forms of cyber attack.
The scheme focuses on five vital but straightforward controls that protect your business from everyday threats such as malware, ransomware, and unauthorised access.
There are two levels of certification:
By gaining certification, businesses show customers, partners, and suppliers that they are serious about cybersecurity and capable of safeguarding sensitive data.
The online risks facing UK organisations today are very different from those of even five years ago. Here are some reasons why Cyber Essentials is so critical in 2025:
To become certified, your organisation must demonstrate that it has implemented these five measures:
Although these may sound simple, together they stop the majority of attacks businesses face every day.
Every year, hotel owners and managers set time aside to review budgets, assess costs, and plan for the future. But with the hospitality industry evolving so quickly, from guest expectations to security threats, planning has never been more critical.
For many hotels, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. Guests are demanding more digital convenience, costs are rising, and cybersecurity risks are at an all-time high. The question is: is your IT set-up ready to meet those challenges?
At Silver Lining, we’ve helped hotels across the UK reduce costs, streamline operations, and build IT strategies that align with their business goals. If you’re reviewing budgets right now, here’s why an IT review should be at the top of your list, and how we can help.
Running a hotel is a constant balancing act. You need to keep costs under control while ensuring guests have a smooth, enjoyable stay. Technology plays a central role in this, from booking systems to Wi-Fi access, payment solutions, and cyber protection.
But many hotels are still running on outdated infrastructure. That often means higher costs, inefficient processes, and unnecessary risk. By reviewing your IT now, you can:
The best place to start is with a clear review of your existing systems. What solutions do you already have in place, and how well are they serving your business?
By working with Silver Lining, you’ll get a full audit of your current infrastructure, highlighting quick wins for efficiency as well as long-term areas for improvement.
Hospitality is built on people, but many day-to-day tasks can be automated to free staff for more valuable work. Manual admin, repetitive data entry, and outdated reporting all eat up time and budget.
Our automated hotel solutions can:
Replacing these tasks with automated systems doesn’t just reduce reliance on costly human resources; it also reduces error, speeds up operations, and creates a smoother guest journey.
Most hotels are working towards ambitious goals for 2026. That might be growing occupancy, improving sustainability, or boosting profitability. Technology plays a significant role in reaching those targets.
By reviewing your IT strategy now, we can help identify solutions that align with those goals, whether that’s:
Think of it as more than just upgrading systems; it’s about positioning your hotel for the future of the hospitality industry.
One of the biggest and costliest risks hotels face is cybercrime. From ransomware attacks to stolen guest data, the impact of a cyber breach can be devastating.
Hospitality businesses are a prime target because of the sensitive payment and booking data they handle. And yet, many hotels still don’t have adequate protection in place.
Silver Lining can provide tailored cybersecurity for hotels, including:
Investing in cybersecurity is not just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting your reputation and maintaining guest trust.
Hotels often rely on outdated hardware and systems. The problem? Obsolete equipment is more expensive to run, harder to maintain, and more likely to fail at critical times.
By carrying out a 2026 equipment review, you can:
For example, a phased Wi-Fi upgrade across floors or buildings can be planned in line with occupancy levels and budgets, making improvements manageable rather than overwhelming.
Technology should work with your long-term goals, not against them. A smarter IT strategy will focus on sustainable efficiencies and growth, including:
Many hotel owners are hiring expensive consultants to shape their IT strategy. But with Silver Lining, you can tap into our Virtual CTO (vCTO) services. We bring the expertise and strategic thinking of a consultant, but with ongoing support and without the premium fees.
September to December is traditionally when hospitality businesses review budgets and plan for the following year. By starting your IT review now, you can:
The reality is that hotels that fail to modernise risk falling behind. Guests now expect seamless technology as part of their stay, from instant booking confirmations to flawless Wi-Fi and secure payments. If you can’t provide that, they’ll go elsewhere.
At Silver Lining, we understand the unique challenges hospitality businesses face. We combine local, personalised support with enterprise-level solutions, giving your hotel the tools it needs to succeed.
We can support your hotel with:
Whether you run a boutique hotel or a large chain, we’ll help you build a cost-effective, secure, and guest-friendly IT environment.
Why should hotels start planning their 2026 IT budgets now?
Rising costs, changing guest expectations, and growing cybersecurity threats mean hotels need to plan ahead. Starting early gives you time to review current systems, spread upgrade costs, and align your IT strategy with your 2026 business goals.
What are the IT challenges that hotels face today?
Many hotels struggle with outdated booking systems, poor Wi-Fi performance, unnecessary software costs, manual admin, and weak cybersecurity. These issues increase costs, slow down operations, and harm guest satisfaction.
How can IT automation help hotels reduce costs?
Automation takes care of bookings, check-ins, payments, and reporting. This reduces manual admin, cuts staffing costs, lowers errors, and allows staff to focus on guest service.
Why is cybersecurity critical for hotels?
Hotels are prime targets for cybercrime because of the sensitive payment and booking data they handle. Strong protection, such as firewalls, endpoint security, staff training, and PCI DSS compliance, helps safeguard both your reputation and your guests.
What is a vCTO, and how can it benefit hotels?
A Virtual Chief Technology Officer (vCTO) provides expert IT guidance without the cost of hiring a full-time executive. For hotels, this means clear strategic advice, planned upgrades, and systems that support long-term growth.
How can Silver Lining support hotels with IT planning?
Silver Lining offers full IT reviews, automation solutions, tailored cybersecurity, phased equipment upgrades, and vCTO services. We help hotels cut costs, improve efficiency, and future-proof their IT for 2026 and beyond.
Budget season is here, and 2026 is closer than you think. The hospitality industry is changing fast, but with the right IT strategy in place, your hotel can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition.
Book your free consultation with Silver Lining today and start planning for 2026 with confidence.
Technology doesn’t stand still, and neither should your business. Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and the upcoming rollout of 6G are no longer “future” concepts; they’re here, shaping the way organisations operate and how customers interact with businesses.
But here’s the reality: no matter how advanced the tools become, they are only as strong as the network supporting them. A weak WiFi connection, an outdated router, or an unsecured system can hinder your business's ability to embrace these opportunities.
That’s where Silver Lining Convergence comes in. We provide future-ready business WiFi and connectivity solutions designed to keep companies secure, productive, and competitive in a fast-moving digital world. In this blog, we’ll explore how AI, IoT, and 6G will impact your business, the risks of ignoring network upgrades, and the practical steps we can take to help you prepare today.
Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping the workplace. From customer service chatbots and virtual assistants to predictive analytics that help businesses make smarter decisions, AI is becoming the invisible engine behind modern operations.
However, AI is only as effective as the network on which it runs. If your video call drops mid-conversation or your cloud-based AI tool struggles to process data because of poor connectivity, your business immediately loses efficiency and credibility.
How Silver Lining Convergence helps:
By working with us, you don’t just get a network, you get the confidence that your AI tools will work exactly when you need them to.
The Internet of Things is expanding rapidly, and businesses are connecting more devices than ever. Office printers, payment terminals, security cameras, bright lighting, and environmental sensors all rely on your network. The convenience is vast, but so is the demand on your WiFi.
Every new device means more bandwidth is required. If your network isn’t built to scale, you’ll soon face sluggish performance, patchy coverage, or worse, security loopholes. Cybercriminals often target unsecured IoT devices as an easy entry point.
How Silver Lining Convergence helps:
As your IoT ecosystem expands, we ensure your network keeps pace.
Discover why two-factor authentication (2FA) is essential for protecting your business from cyber threats. Learn the benefits, risks, and best practices for stronger security.
This blog will explain what two-factor authentication is, why it’s essential, and how your business can put it into practice.
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts. Instead of logging in with just a username and password, you also need to provide a second form of verification.
Common examples include:
This means that even if a hacker has stolen your password, they still can’t access your account without the second verification factor.
Passwords used to be the standard defence against online attacks, but they are increasingly vulnerable. Here’s why relying on passwords alone is a risky strategy:
Adding 2FA means that even if your password is compromised, the attacker still cannot gain access without your second form of identification.
To understand the importance of two-factor authentication, it’s helpful to look at what can happen without it.
Discover what a private cloud is, its benefits, and how it boosts security, scalability, and performance for your business.
One IT solution that has gained increasing popularity is the private cloud. But what exactly is it, and why should your business consider adopting it? This guide will explore what a private cloud is, its benefits, use cases, and how it can help your business thrive.
A private cloud is a cloud computing environment dedicated exclusively to a single organisation. RevolutionCloud is a platform built with the future in mind. Silver Lining can deliver RevolutionCloud as an end-to-end private cloud or hybrid solution, ensuring maximum security at all levels.
Unlike public clouds, where resources are shared among multiple companies, private clouds offer businesses complete control over their IT infrastructure, whether on-premises or through a third-party provider. Also referred to as IaaS, Infrastructure as a Service.
Private Cloud vs Public and Hybrid Cloud:
Private clouds are particularly advantageous for businesses that handle sensitive data, work in regulated industries, or have high-volume workloads, offering a combination of security, compliance, and scalability that public solutions cannot match.
One of the primary reasons businesses adopt private clouds is for enhanced security. With a dedicated environment, companies can control who accesses data, how it’s stored, and how it’s protected. Private cloud can make it easier for an organisation to customise its resources to meet specific IT requirements.
Private clouds also simplify compliance with industry standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001, thereby reducing the risk of fines or data breaches.
Example: A healthcare provider can securely store patient records while adhering to strict legal requirements, ensuring both compliance and peace of mind.
Private clouds provide dedicated resources, which translates into faster processing, consistent uptime, and predictable performance. This ensures that critical business applications run smoothly, even during periods of peak usage.
Example: A financial services firm processing high volumes of transactions can maintain reliability and avoid costly downtime thanks to a dedicated private cloud environment.
A private cloud can grow with your business. You can scale storage, processing power, and applications as your needs change, without compromising security or performance.
Example: An e-commerce business can handle seasonal traffic spikes without slowing down operations, maintaining a seamless shopping experience for customers.
While private clouds often require a higher initial investment than public clouds, they can deliver significant cost savings over time. Reduced downtime, optimised resource usage, and improved efficiency can make private clouds more economical in the long run.
Example: A telecom company that invested in a private cloud experienced a 30% reduction in IT maintenance costs within the first year, thanks to streamlined infrastructure management.
Private clouds allow businesses to customise their IT environment to meet specific needs, from security protocols to software configurations and networking setups.
Example: A financial firm can implement stricter data security measures to protect sensitive transactions, while a marketing agency may prioritise faster processing for large media files.
Microsoft Teams can do it all, so why not switch today?
Microsoft Teams Telephony can ensure your communications are streamlined.
Teams Phone is a unified communications solution which combines the benefits of a cloud phone system with the features of Microsoft Teams. Being able to make and receive calls, hold conferences, share documents and manage communications seamlessly.
Microsoft Teams Telephony offers a more seamless environment for hybrid and remote workers, thanks to its comprehensive platform.
To deploy Teams voice services, businesses can either set up a calling plan directly with Microsoft or integrate with a third-party telephony provider for direct routing. This enables Teams users to make calls to external phone numbers and receive calls from external sources.
Key benefits of A Microsoft Teams Phone System
Taking card payment security has never been more important; protecting cardholder data is necessary for legal compliance, and all businesses must prioritise following PCI DSS when taking card payments over the phone or online.
An information security standard aimed at minimising payment card fraud by strengthening the security measures that protect cardholder data.
Having a secure and bulletproof PCI provider will boost customer satisfaction and trust. Our PCI providers at Silver Lining Convergence offer omnichannel solutions which ensures you’re covered wherever payment comes via SMS, webchat, emails, social media, etc.
There are many ways to take payments from customers, Digital payments being one of them. This includes engagement channels such as web chat, WhatsApp, social media, SMS and email.
This enhances the customer experience by offering them the option to use a preferred payment method. In 2022, Total Card Fraud increased by 6%, which underscores the need to ensure that your customers' cardholder data security is more important than ever.
How Silver Lining can help: With just a couple of clicks, you can fill out a form that will be sent to one of our experts, who will then be in touch with you. We are a Level 1 PCI DSS-certified Service Provider, ensuring you are in the best hands when choosing your PCI software.
Firewalls act as the first line of defence between your internal systems and potential threats from the outside world. They monitor and control the incoming and outgoing traffic based on security rules set by your organisation.
In PCI DSS, having a properly configured firewall helps prevent unauthorised access to cardholder data and stops malicious traffic before it can cause harm. For businesses, this means ensuring that your internet connections and networks are protected by firewalls that are regularly reviewed and updated.
Using default or weak passwords is like leaving your shop doors unlocked overnight, making you an easy target. PCI compliance requires businesses to enforce strong, unique passwords and change any default credentials that come with hardware or software.
Good password practices include:
Not all businesses need to store cardholder data, and if you don’t need it, it’s best not to store it at all. But if you do, PCI DSS outlines strict rules on how that data must be protected.
This includes:
Whenever cardholder data is sent over open or public networks (like the internet), it must be encrypted, which means turning it into a scrambled code that only authorised parties can read.
For example, when a customer enters their card details into a website, SSL/TLS encryption ensures that data is protected as it travels from their browser to your server.
This step is crucial to prevent criminals from intercepting sensitive information during transmission.
Cyber threats evolve constantly, and new malware is discovered almost daily. PCI DSS requires all businesses to install, maintain, and regularly update antivirus software to protect systems from viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious attacks.
Antivirus software acts like a digital security guard, scanning devices for threats and blocking suspicious activity. It should also be:
Not everyone in your organisation needs access to cardholder data. In fact, PCI DSS promotes the principle of least privilege, meaning employees should only have access to the data necessary for their job.
This includes:
PCI compliance isn’t just a “set it and forget it” process; it requires ongoing monitoring and testing to catch vulnerabilities before they become problems.
All of these are something we can take care of at Silver Lining Convergence.
Monitoring includes:
Testing includes:
A real-life example - TJX Companies:
Picture this scenario that plays out across the UK daily.
A business owner has 15 minutes to present to their biggest prospect. £50k deal on the line.
They click "share screen" for the product demo.
Nothing happens.
Try again. Still nothing.
The network's choking. Five minutes pass. Ten minutes. The client's getting restless.
By the time the demo loads, the moment's gone. Deal dead.
All because switches couldn't handle basic file sharing, whilst three people checked email.
Your switches are probably ancient. Your routing makes no sense. Your edges are bottlenecked.
And you don't even know it.
Most UK business owners think networking is just "internet and WiFi." Wrong.
Core switching is your network motorway system. Edge switching connects every device to that system. Routing decides which path your data takes.
As industry experts confirm, "Routing and switching form the backbone of business networks, enabling efficient data, voice, and video communications across multiple locations and devices".
A properly functioning network infrastructure enables seamless communication between all components of your business. Get any of these wrong and your business crawls.
Your team arrives at 9 am. Everyone logs in simultaneously. Your core switches panic.
Everything slows to a crawl. Files that should transfer in seconds take 10 minutes. Your CRM times out. Email stops syncing.
Productivity dies before lunch.
Here's the maths that'll shock you:
Just sitting there waiting for the networks to work.
Video calls that freeze mid-sentence. Presentations that won't load. Files that timeout during screen shares. Demos that crash at crucial moments.
Your prospects think you're unprofessional.
Reality: Your switches can't handle modern business.
Your business network is probably costing you more than your rent. The average UK company wastes £13,000 annually per employee on network inefficiencies, yet most business owners remain blissfully unaware they're haemorrhaging money through their Ethernet cables.
The harsh reality? While you're struggling with file transfers that take longer than a proper British queue, your competitors are implementing LAN infrastructure that delivers lightning-fast performance and rock-solid security. This isn't just about having faster internet – it's about fundamentally transforming how your business operates in an increasingly connected world.
A Local Area Network (LAN) serves as your business's private digital highway, connecting all devices within your office or building through dedicated infrastructure. Unlike standard internet connections that force every computer to compete for bandwidth on congested public networks, LANs create exclusive communication channels between your devices.
Think of it as the difference between driving on the M25 during rush hour versus having your own private motorway. Your printers, servers, computers, and other equipment communicate instantly without bottlenecks, delays, or external interference. The result is pure speed and reliability that transforms daily operations.
Most business owners fail to grasp the true impact of network infrastructure on their bottom line. Every minute your team waits for files to transfer, presentations to load, or systems to respond represents lost revenue and decreased productivity. Modern businesses cannot afford to operate on outdated network technology when competitive advantages increasingly depend on operational efficiency.
The financial impact of inadequate network infrastructure extends far beyond slow file transfers. Teams typically waste two hours daily waiting for basic network operations to complete, representing 520 hours annually per employee. At average UK salary rates of £25 per hour, this translates to £13,000 in lost productivity per employee.
However, the true costs multiply exponentially across your entire operation. Overtime expenses increase as staff work longer hours to compensate for network delays. Client deadlines become difficult to meet when simple tasks require triple the expected time. Projects stall when team members cannot access shared resources efficiently.
Most damaging of all, businesses lose contracts to competitors who deliver faster results through superior network infrastructure. The cumulative effect often exceeds £66,000 annually for typical 12-person teams, yet many business owners attribute these losses to other factors rather than recognising the network bottleneck destroying their competitiveness.
