Upcoming Windows 10 Support End: What Schools in New Zealand Must Do Before October 2025

As Microsoft Windows 10 approaches its official end of support on October 14, 2025, the education sector in New Zealand—and indeed across the globe—faces a pivotal moment demanding urgent action, careful planning, and critical analysis. The Ministry of Education's recent announcement underscores the significance of this milestone for schools, families, and IT leaders: from that date onward, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive security updates or technical support from Microsoft, exposing them to heightened risks of vulnerabilities, data breaches, and non-compliance with best practice guidelines for digital safety.

Why the End of Windows 10 Support Demands Immediate Attention​

For over a decade, Windows 10 has served as a digital backbone for New Zealand's classrooms and administrative operations. Its reliability and extensive compatibility with a broad range of hardware made it the platform of choice for public, private, and integrated schools. However, operating systems do not age gracefully. Once support is withdrawn, the frequency and severity of unpatched vulnerabilities tend to accelerate. Educational institutions—custodians of sensitive student, staff, and research data—become prime targets for threat actors. This new landscape compels IT planners to take nothing for granted: each unpatched device represents not just a risk to itself, but also to the wider school network and the students who depend on it.
Microsoft’s firm stance is clear: after October 14, 2025, there will be no further security updates, feature enhancements, bug fixes, or technical assistance for devices running Windows 10. Crucially, unsupported systems may also lose access to key online learning tools and networks, as software and platform vendors gradually retire compatibility for legacy versions.

The Stakes for Schools: Security, Compliance, and Community Trust​

The Security Imperative​

The risks of running unsupported software are well documented. Without regular patches, newly discovered vulnerabilities become permanent backdoors into school networks. This makes such devices easy prey for ransomware, malware, and data exfiltration attempts. In academic environments, the stakes are amplified: compromised devices can result in loss or theft of sensitive data—including student records, assessments, and financial information—and can disrupt teaching, learning, and assessment processes at scale.

Keeping Families in the Loop: The Importance of Clear Communication​

The transition affects not only school-owned computers but also the growing number of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) arrangements, where students and staff use personal devices to access school networks and resources. Schools are encouraged to update BYOD guidelines for 2026 and beyond, ensuring that new and existing families are aware: only supported devices—Windows 11 for Microsoft ecosystems—should connect to school networks. Outdated or end-of-life (EOL) devices risk not only their own security, but also that of all connected systems.
School newsletters, emails, and dedicated tech support resources are excellent avenues for informing families. In instances where families face barriers to upgrading, early notice allows for conversations around financial support, device lending schemes, or collaborative solutions.

Policy and Practice: A Checklist for School IT Teams​

To prepare for the Windows 10 sunset, the Ministry of Education recommends:

• Identifying all remaining Windows 10 devices on the school network
• Determining which devices can be upgraded to Windows 11 in place
• Creating replacement plans for aging or incompatible hardware
• Updating BYOD guidelines and communicating policy changes to families
• Exploring alternative use cases for non-upgradable devices (such as running ChromeOS Flex or similar lightweight operating systems)
• Auditing application compatibility and mission-critical functions before transitioning

These recommendations echo best practices observed internationally, with phased upgrades, pilot testing, and ongoing stakeholder engagement forming the backbone of a responsible transition strategy.

The Road to Windows 11: Opportunities, Pitfalls, and System Requirements​

Windows 11: A Forward Leap in Security and Usability​

Windows 11 represents more than just an incremental update. It boasts a refined user interface, stronger performance, integrated cloud tools, and next-generation built-in security features such as hardware-based isolation, improved memory integrity, and advanced Microsoft Defender integration. These make it particularly attractive for education providers seeking to bolster defences against today’s most sophisticated cyber threats.

Hardware Requirements: Which Devices Can Make the Jump?​

The critical bottleneck for many institutions is hardware compatibility. Windows 11’s system requirements are considerably stricter than its predecessor’s:

• 64-bit, dual-core processor (1 GHz or faster) from an approved list
• 4GB RAM minimum (8GB strongly recommended for sustained performance in a modern school environment)
• 64GB of storage
• UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
• TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) support

Devices falling short on these metrics are, realistically, not candidates for an upgrade. Many early Windows 10-era laptops and desktops—especially those purchased on tight school budgets—lack TPM 2.0 or use older processors. In these cases, the only options are participating in a time-limited support extension or replacing the device altogether.

Performance in Real Classrooms​

For low-specification machines that do meet the minimum “on paper” but sit at the lower threshold (e.g., devices with just 4GB RAM), Windows 11’s S Mode—a restricted environment allowing only Microsoft Store apps—offers enhanced security but with trade-offs. S Mode helps avoid malware and maintain system stability but limits app choice, which may restrict educational flexibility. Turning off S Mode is possible but permanent, and removes some built-in protections.

A Sensible Inventory: Hardware Audit and Application Testing​

Prudent IT leaders perform a detailed inventory: which devices meet the upgrade requirements? What legacy devices will need recycling or repurposing? Are key educational applications and peripherals compatible with Windows 11, or do mission-critical workflows rely on deprecated software? Per-department pilot upgrades allow for tailored solutions, addressing edge cases like scientific equipment, bespoke accessibility tools, or unique school administration systems.

When a Device Can’t Be Upgraded: Alternatives and Stopgaps​

ChromeOS Flex and Other Lightweight Operating Systems​

For non-upgradable hardware, platforms like ChromeOS Flex present a compelling second life. Lightweight, cloud-centric, and optimized for security, ChromeOS Flex converts old Windows devices into fast, low-maintenance web terminals. The education sector in many countries—including New Zealand—is exploring this path, with the added benefit of extending fleet life, reducing e-waste, and curbing the financial and environmental cost of mass hardware refreshes.
There are, however, limitations:

• No local support for Windows applications (though most learning now happens via web-based tools)
• Potential peripheral compatibility hiccups (printers, scanners designed for Windows)
• An adaptation curve for students and staff conditioned to the Windows interface

Yet, the financial and sustainability gains are significant: old hardware stays in use, landfills shrink, and schools conserve funds for core educational needs.

Extended Security Updates (ESU): A Temporary Lifeline​

Microsoft acknowledges the unique timetables and budgetary constraints of schools by offering Extended Security Updates (ESU) at discounted rates: a $1 per device fee for the first year, $2 for the second, and $4 for the third (subject to currency fluctuations). This is dramatically less than private users, who might face annual costs surpassing $60 per device. The ESU buys time—three years’ worth—to ensure a smooth, well-funded, and minimally disruptive transition.
However, the ESU comes with caveats:

• Security updates only: No new features, compatibility patches, or usability improvements are included.
• Software “shelf-life” risk: With each passing year, more educational apps and essential tools will require Windows 11 or higher for continued support.
• Rising legacy risk: Older hardware and software will increasingly draw the attention of cybercriminals, as unpatched third-party tools and browsers join the pool of easy targets.
• Complexity in mixed environments: Managing both Windows 10 (under ESU) and Windows 11 across a school network multiplies IT workload and requires extra vigilance.

BYOD, Policy Updates, and Keeping Networks Safe​

Bring Your Own Device: Changing the Rules for 2026​

Schools must proactively update BYOD policies and communicate to families that devices must remain within manufacturer support windows. For Windows devices, this specifically means Windows 11. Unsupported or “end of life” devices present a direct threat not only to the user, but to the entire school network: a single compromised laptop can become a vector for malware, data leakage, or even broader community outbreaks. Updated guidelines and clear communication help set expectations and avoid last-minute disruption as the 2025/2026 academic year approaches.

Practical Steps for Schools​

• Audit all connected devices (including BYOD) for OS version and compliance status
• Set and publish clear requirements for device support in newsletters and digital handbooks
• Offer technical support or guidance to families needing help with upgrades or alternative solutions
• Encourage device hygiene: promote regular software updates, browser security, and network hygiene beyond the operating system alone

The Environmental and Economic Dimensions​

Mass device replacement, while seemingly a neat technical solution, carries environmental and budgetary downsides. Dumping thousands of working but outdated machines into landfill is hardly sustainable or responsible. Forward-thinking institutions treat the Windows 10 sunset as an opportunity: embrace gradual, planned device cycles, explore refurbishment or donation programs, and adopt models such as thin clients or cloud services wherever feasible.
By leveraging ESU, ChromeOS Flex, and phased upgrades, schools can spread both costs and environmental impact over several years, turning an impending crisis into an achievable, sustainable transformation.

Critical Risks and Unvarnished Realities​

While the Ministry's guidelines and Microsoft's programs offer essential breathing space, they are not a panacea.

• Procrastination Trap: ESU should not be mistaken for a permanent fix. Delaying core upgrades too long can result in a “funding cliff,” as costs mount and a new cohort of apps and services demand post-2028 compliance.
• Security Gaps Remain: Even with ESU applied, older devices and software may still harbor vulnerabilities if third-party vendors end support earlier than Microsoft does.
• Mixed Platform Complexity: Managing networks with a patchwork of operating systems multiplies training, disrupts uniform policy enforcement, and risks compatibility collisions in critical learning and assessment apps.
• Lost Innovation: Relying too long on legacy platforms may mean missing out on advances in accessibility, collaborative learning tools, and digital safeguarding that are rapidly becoming standard in education software for Windows 11 and similar modern platforms.

Looking Forward: Modernization, Opportunity, and the Non-Negotiables​

The post-Windows 10 era is not just about compliance—it’s a chance to reimagine digital learning, teaching, and administration for a cloud-first age. For school boards and IT leads, the challenge is as philosophical as it is technical: are you merely keeping systems running, or building a foundation for the next decade of digital innovation?
The most successful transitions will likely embody:

• Strategic vision: Understand that technology change is constant and cyclical, and embrace device lifecycle management as a core IT function.
• Stakeholder engagement: Continually involve teaching staff, leadership, students, and families in decisions so that planned changes actually serve learning outcomes and digital wellbeing.
• Future-facing investments: If new hardware must be purchased, prioritize devices that offer flexibility (e.g., cloud-readiness, Universal Windows Platform compatibility, robust teleconferencing support).
• Continuous education: Supplement technical updates with ongoing cyber safety training for both staff and students. Human error and poor device hygiene remain the most consistent sources of risk.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait—Act Now​

Education institutions in New Zealand—and globally—must move decisively as the Windows 10 end of support date draws near. That means auditing, communicating, planning, and, where necessary, investing in both new devices and new paradigms. The path to Windows 11 (and, where appropriate, ChromeOS Flex or cloud-first alternatives) is not just about navigating risk—it’s about unlocking fresh opportunities for teaching and learning in a secure, flexible, and future-ready environment.
For most schools, the next twelve months are critical. Those that start early, experiment thoughtfully, and keep every stakeholder in the loop will not just weather the Windows 10 sunset—they’ll turn it into a springboard for the next generation of digital education.

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Source: Ministry of Education NZ Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 before 14 October 2025