As the tech world marches forward, a significant milestone is approaching: Microsoft will officially end support for certain versions of Windows on October 14, 2025. For everyday users, this might just seem like another update on the horizon. But for businesses relying on specialized tools like ACT! CRM software, this change carries deeper implications.
What’s Happening on October 14?
Microsoft has announced that on October 14, 2025, it will officially end support for Windows 10 (and potentially other legacy versions). This means no more security updates, patches, or technical assistance for these operating systems. Without regular updates, any system running these versions will be increasingly vulnerable to security risks and compatibility issues.
Why Should ACT! Users Care?
ACT! software—whether you’re using a legacy version or a modern release—is deeply integrated with Windows environments. Here’s how the end of Windows support could impact ACT! users specifically:
1. Security Vulnerabilities
Without Windows updates, your entire system—including ACT!—could be exposed to new security threats. This is especially critical if you store sensitive client information or business data within ACT!. Hackers often target unpatched systems, and once Windows drops support, the risk of exploitation increases significantly.
2. Compatibility Issues
ACT! relies on Windows components and frameworks (like .NET Framework versions) to function smoothly. With no further updates from Microsoft, newer versions of ACT! may not run properly on unsupported Windows versions. You might encounter bugs, crashes, or features that stop working as intended.
3. Lack of Vendor Support
Software vendors, including ACT! developers (now part of Swiftpage or other related entities), typically align their support with Microsoft’s lifecycle. This means that if you encounter an issue running ACT! on an unsupported version of Windows, technical support may be limited—or completely unavailable.
4. Compliance Risks
For companies in industries like finance, healthcare, or legal services, running outdated and unsupported systems can put you at odds with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA). An unsupported OS could mean non-compliance, risking hefty fines and reputational damage.
What Should ACT! Users Do?
1. Upgrade Your Operating System:
The simplest solution is to migrate to a supported Windows version (such as Windows 11). Ensure that your hardware and other business applications are compatible with the new OS before making the move.
2. Review Your ACT! Version:
Some older versions of ACT! may not be fully compatible with newer Windows releases. This could be the time to consider upgrading ACT! to a newer version or exploring cloud-based CRM alternatives.
3. Plan Ahead:
Waiting until October could result in rushed migrations and business disruptions. Start your transition plan now, including backing up your ACT! databases, testing compatibility, and scheduling upgrades during non-peak business hours.
The Bottom Line
While October 14 might seem far away, proactive planning is key. The end of Windows support impacts more than just your operating system—it directly affects critical applications like ACT! that keep your business running smoothly.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start preparing now to protect your data, ensure business continuity, and take advantage of modern security and performance enhancements.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure about how this affects your specific setup or need assistance with upgrading ACT! or Windows, reach out to our IT and CRM specialists. We’re here to help make your transition as smooth as possible.
What’s Happening on October 14?
Microsoft has announced that on October 14, 2025, it will officially end support for Windows 10 (and potentially other legacy versions). This means no more security updates, patches, or technical assistance for these operating systems. Without regular updates, any system running these versions will be increasingly vulnerable to security risks and compatibility issues. In laymen’s term this means that your chances or getting a virus will dramatically increase!
Why Should ACT! Users Care?
ACT! software—whether you’re using an older version or the latest release—is deeply integrated with Windows environments. Here’s how the end of Windows support could impact ACT! users specifically:
1. Security Vulnerabilities
Without Windows updates, your entire system—including ACT!—could be exposed to new security threats. This is especially critical if you store sensitive client information or business data within ACT!. Hackers often target unpatched systems, and once Windows drops support, the risk of exploitation increases significantly.
2. Compatibility Issues
ACT! relies on Windows components and frameworks (like .NET Framework versions) to function smoothly. With no further updates from Microsoft, newer versions of ACT! may not run properly on unsupported Windows versions. You might encounter bugs, crashes, or features that stop working as intended.
3. Lack of Vendor Support
Software vendors, including ACT! developers, typically align their support with Microsoft’s lifecycle. This means that if you encounter an issue running ACT! on Windows 10, technical support from Act will be completely unavailable.
4. Compliance Risks
For companies in industries like finance, healthcare, or legal services, running outdated and unsupported systems can put you at odds with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA). An unsupported OS could mean non-compliance, risking hefty fines and reputational damage.
What Should ACT! Users Do?
1. Upgrade Your Operating System:
The simplest solution is to migrate to a supported Windows version (such as Windows 11). Ensure that your hardware and other business applications are compatible with the new OS before making the move.
2. Review Your ACT! Version:
Some older versions of ACT! may not be fully compatible with newer Windows releases. This could be the time to consider exploring other cloud-based CRM alternatives such as Zoho.
3. Plan Ahead:
Waiting until October could result in rushed migrations and business disruptions. Start your transition plan now, including backing up your ACT! databases, and exploring other CRM alternatives such as Zoho to avoid having to pay for an expensive Act upgrade.
The Bottom Line
While October 14 might seem far away, proactive planning is key. The end of Windows support impacts more than just your operating system—it directly affects critical applications like ACT! that keep your business running smoothly.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start preparing now to protect your data, ensure business continuity, and take advantage of modern security and performance enhancements.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure about how this affects your specific setup or need assistance converting your ACT! database, reach out to the Act and Zoho CRM specialists at Tech Benders. We’re here to help make your transition as smooth as possible!
