Windows 10 end of support is almost here. What’s your ITAM strategy?

Windows 10 represents over 64% of Microsoft’s operating system (OS) market share as of August. Yet, it will reach end of support (EOS) on Oct. 14, 2025.

After this date, Microsoft will stop providing free software updates, bug fixes, and technical support for the widely used OS, leaving organizations vulnerable to cyber threats and exploitation. The Colonial Pipeline, JBS, and Kaseya ransomware attacks are reminders of what can happen when businesses fail to address their outdated systems.

However, Windows 10 isn’t the only Microsoft product facing EOS. SQL Server 2012 extended security update (ESU) Year 3, for example, ends July 8, 2025. Microsoft Office 2016 and Microsoft Office 2019 both reach EOS Oct. 14, 2025. The same is true for Excel 2016 and Excel 2019, Office 2016 and Office 2019, and Word 2016 and Word 2019. In fact, the list of products facing EOS in 2025 is vast.

These deadlines — which seem far away but will be here before you know it — underscore a broader challenge: comprehensive IT asset management (ITAM).

You can’t manage what you can’t see

ITAM isn’t just a fancy term for keeping track of your computers. It’s about understanding your entire IT ecosystem, from procurement to disposal.

The ITAM market is set to explode from $1.97 billion in 2024 to $2.68 billion by 2029. Why? Because businesses are waking up to the simple truth that you can’t manage what you can’t see. And unfortunately, many organizations underestimate the complexity of their IT environments.

Forgotten servers, employee-owned devices, and outdated software create a tangled web of potential liabilities. Organizations waste an average of $18 million a year on unused licenses. Compliance risks loom as well, with software licensing violations leading to costly audits and fines.

Each passing day without proper management compounds these risks. Security breaches loom, operational inefficiencies hinder productivity and growth, and a lack of visibility creates “ghost assets” — resources you’re paying for but not using.

With the right strategy, however, you can manage these challenges effectively.

Turning ITAM challenges into opportunities

Start by knowing your IT landscape inside and out. Regular asset inventories reveal not just what you have but how it’s used. This knowledge forms the bedrock of strategic decision-making and allows you to optimize your IT investments and avoid unnecessary costs.

Next, implement lifecycle planning. Every piece of technology in your organization has a journey, from the day it’s acquired to the moment it’s retired. By mapping out this journey, you can better anticipate and plan for milestones and prevent outdated systems from becoming security risks or budget drains.

Then, address license optimization — which often uncovers hidden savings. Many organizations unknowingly pay for software they barely use. Many miss out on the best prices and offers when it’s time to renew their licenses. By aligning your licenses with actual usage (and the right timing), you can significantly cut costs without sacrificing productivity.

You can’t forget about ITAM data. This becomes even more powerful when it informs other IT processes. When your asset information feeds into security protocols, procurement decisions, and strategic planning, you can elevate your entire IT operation.

Lastly, invest in the right ITAM tools. They turn complex data into clear insights, automating tedious tasks and freeing your IT team to focus on initiatives that move your business forward.

Why ITAM alone?

This may seem like a heavy undertaking, but SHI can help.

Our relationship with Microsoft spans over three decades, and it shows. Our team of more than 400 Microsoft specialists can help you get the most out of your Microsoft investment. Whether it’s walking you through the intricacies of licensing models or breaking down the nuances of product lifecycles, we’ve got the entire Microsoft ecosystem covered, so you don’t have to.

When it comes to major transitions like Windows 10 reaching EOS, we help you do more than update your OS. We ensure your entire Microsoft environment is optimized for your business needs. With our global reach, we can support your Microsoft strategy wherever your business takes you.

And we don’t stop with Microsoft. Our comprehensive ITAM services tackle every aspect of asset management, from software asset management (SAM) and software as a service (SaaS) cost optimization to audit management, license optimization, and more. For instance, our PRO Renewal Organizer consolidates all your renewal information in one place, gives you a clear view of expiring agreements over a three-year timeline, and even presents cost-saving options based on your specific eligibilities.

Our ITAM approach isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about turning your IT assets from a cost center into a strategic driver that propels your business forward.

Ready to see what your IT can really do? Contact SHI and unlock the full potential of your IT investments.