The End of Windows 10: Time for a Hardware Refresh

Windows 11 has arrived, with Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025.

Microsoft has already began rolling out Windows 11, prioritizing PCs based on how old they are.  All compatible machines should have the option to upgrade by the middle of 2022,  but  Microsoft has pledged to support Windows 10 into 2025, so there’s little risk in holding off if you want to wait until all the bugs are worked out.

However, don’t hold off too long, as you’ll need to prepare for the steep system requirements. Most PCs built before 2018 are non-compliant and the requirements are stringent enough to make even a compatible machine’s install a chore.

If your system is not compatible, you’ll get fair warning from Windows. While you can continue using Windows 10, if not upgraded to 11 by the deadline, you run the risk that your operating system will not integrate with newer software, and more importantly, you open yourself up to increasing security risks without essential updates.

If your computers and IT equipment are as old as your OS, you’re probably well overdue for a hardware upgrade.  How can you make sure you’re in compliance with your IT asset disposition (ITAD) and what are your options?  Here are a few things every business should be aware of, whether you’re located in North Dakota, South Dakota, or beyond.

Legal Compliance

However you choose to dispose of outdated IT assets, you need to make sure your business complies with all applicable environmental and consumer privacy laws along with any industry regulations.  Failure to do so could result in government penalties, and that’s the least of your worries if you end up suffering data breach or identity theft as a result of negligence.

To remain in compliant, you need to find a reputable and certified ITAD service provider that stays up-to-date with changing laws on your behalf.  You’ll also want to look for options that allow you to recoup costs, gain peace of mind, and generally protect your company and your customers to the best of your ability when you upgrade IT systems and get rid of old equipment.

Shredding and Recycling

There are two main options when it comes to disposing of outdated IT assets: shredding and recycling or wiping and remarketing.  Many companies find the first to be the most secure option, and it certainly has a sense of finality to it.  When hard drives are shredded, either on-site while you watch, or at a secure facility, there is zero chance that data can be recovered.

Wiping, Refurbishing and Reselling

Although many businesses are more comfortable with the destruction option, you can also give used IT equipment a second life if it still holds value. Having hard drives professionally wiped allows devices to securely be refurbished and resold.  When done correctly, this process complies with privacy laws, allowing you to potentially recoup some cost through resale.  Of course, the ability to resell equipment depends on whether or not it’s still usable and holds market value, but you always have the option to shred and recycle as a fallback.

When your North Dakota or South Dakota business is ready to upgrade computers and IT equipment and you need to dispose of decommissioned devices, contact the qualified professionals at SEAM at 605-274-7326 (SEAM) or online to request a quote.