May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
Windows 10 IoT vs Regular Windows 10 – What End of Life Means for Your POS Devices
Title:
If you’ve heard that Windows 10 is going end of life, you might be wondering—does this affect your Point of Sale (POS) systems too?
The short answer: not necessarily, but it’s important to understand the difference between regular Windows 10 and Windows 10 IoT.
What’s the Difference?
Most office computers run regular Windows 10, like Home or Pro editions. These are general-purpose operating systems used on laptops and desktops. Microsoft has officially announced that support for these versions will end on 14 October 2025.
But many POS systems and kiosks run something called Windows 10 IoT—a special version of Windows designed specifically for embedded or dedicated-use devices.
The good news? Windows 10 IoT has a much longer lifespan. Depending on the version, support can go out to 2029 or even 2032.
So, Do You Need to Upgrade Your POS Devices?
It depends on a few things:
- What version of Windows is your POS actually running?
If it's regular Windows 10 Pro or Home, you'll need to upgrade or replace the device before October 2025. After that, it won’t receive any more security updates.If it's Windows 10 IoT, your device may still be supported for years to come.- Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2019 LTSC: Supported until Jan 2029
- Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC: Supported until Jan 2032
- Is the hardware still up to scratch?
Even if your operating system is supported, slow or glitchy POS hardware could be costing you time and money. If it’s been more than 5 years, it might be worth reviewing. - Can it be updated?
Some devices can be upgraded to a newer IoT build. Others may be locked down or not meet requirements.
Why End of Life Matters
When Windows reaches its end of life, Microsoft stops releasing:
- Security patches
- Performance updates
- Compatibility fixes
That leaves your systems vulnerable to viruses, data breaches, and breakdowns—especially risky when handling payments and customer data.
What Should You Do?
We recommend a simple review:
- Check what version your POS systems are running
- Review whether the hardware is still performing well
- Plan ahead so you’re not rushing when support ends
How GBS Can Help
At Gunners Business Solutions, we’ve helped dozens of local businesses across Warrnambool and South West Victoria prepare for end-of-life transitions without downtime or stress.
Our team can:
- Audit your current IT Setup
- Identify whether it’s running Windows 10 or Windows 10 IoT
- Recommend a clear path forward (upgrade or replacement)
And with our Managed IT services, we’ll keep you ahead of the curve with ongoing reviews and support. You’ll never be caught out by tech deadlines again.
📞 Need advice? Call us on 03 5562 8233 or visit us at 16 Fairy Street, Warrnambool.
We're here to make technology simple, secure, and tailored to your business.