FAQs
Have Questions?
When did Windows 10 reach end of support?
Microsoft ended free Windows 10 security updates on October 14, 2025. Devices still running Windows 10 after that date receive no security patches unless the business has purchased Extended Security Updates (ESU). Unpatched Windows 10 devices are an active and growing security risk for any business that has not completed the migration.
What are Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU)?
Extended Security Updates (ESU) is a paid Microsoft program that provides critical and important security updates for Windows 10 devices that have not yet migrated. ESU is licensed per device and per year. CinchOps recommends ESU only as a bridge for devices that cannot yet upgrade to Windows 11, not as a long-term strategy.
How does CinchOps test application compatibility for Windows 11?
CinchOps runs a pilot group of representative users on Windows 11 before any department rollout. The pilot covers the actual applications the business uses (industry-specific software, accounting platforms, line-of-business apps) in the actual usage patterns. Compatibility issues found in the pilot get worked before broader deployment.
What happens to Windows 10 devices that cannot upgrade to Windows 11?
Devices that cannot upgrade to Windows 11 (typically due to CPU age or missing TPM 2.0) have three paths: hardware refresh to a Windows 11 compatible device, Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a bridge for one to three years, or air-gapping the device from the broader network if the business case requires keeping it running.
How long does a Windows 11 migration take?
A typical Houston SMB Windows 11 migration takes four to eight weeks depending on fleet size and application compatibility complexity. The schedule is built around the cutover windows each department can tolerate. Small businesses under 25 devices can complete the migration in two to three weeks of staged rollouts.
