Windows 10 nears its end: how to ensure your hardware remains compatible
Windows 10 end of support: What it means for your Microsoft Teams Audio Visual hardware
The clock is ticking for Windows 10. From 14 October 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for its widely-used operating system. While this may not come as a surprise to many in IT, the implications reach far beyond desktop PCs and laptops. One area that’s set to feel a significant impact is Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR) systems – especially those still reliant on Windows 10.
The end of support: What does It actually mean?
When Microsoft ends support for an OS, it stops providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance. In other words, any device still running Windows 10 after October 2025 will be increasingly exposed to cyber threats, compliance issues, and performance degradation. While consumer users might risk it, businesses -particularly those operating in regulated industries - simply cannot afford to.
Teams AV systems at risk
Many Microsoft Teams Rooms are built on dedicated Windows 10-based devices, including integrated conferencing PCs, touch controllers, collaboration bars, and compute modules within AV appliances. These systems are designed to operate reliably for several years, often beyond standard desktop upgrade cycles.
However, once Windows 10 support ends:
· These systems will no longer receive critical security patches, making them vulnerable.
· They may become non-compliant with corporate IT policies or industry standards.
· Microsoft may phase out compatibility or support for Teams Rooms running on outdated OS platforms.
· Firmware and software updates for MTR peripherals may also assume Windows 11 as the baseline, leaving older hardware behind.
The Windows 11 barrier: Which hardware will be affected?
Not all Teams Rooms devices running Windows 10 can be upgraded to Windows 11 due to Microsoft’s stricter hardware requirements. This will particularly affect older or entry-level systems that were perfectly functional under Windows 10.
Key requirements for Windows 11 include:
· TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
· Secure Boot capability
· UEFI firmware
· A supported 64-bit processor from Intel (8th Gen or newer), AMD (Zen 2 or newer), or Qualcomm.
As a result, the following types of Teams AV hardware may be affected:
· Older MTR compute modules (e.g. Intel NUCs or small-form-factor PCs from 2018 and earlier)
· Integrated collaboration bars that run Windows 10 and have non-upgradeable chipsets
· Touch panels and consoles with embedded OS environments
· All-in-one conference systems where the CPU and operating system are not modular or replaceable
In many of these cases, the system cannot be upgraded due to hardware limitations - even if it’s still working well. These devices will become unsupported and potentially insecure after the Windows 10 EOL date.
What should companies do?
Audit your AV estate
Identify which Teams Rooms systems are still running Windows 10. Take note of both standalone PCs and embedded solutions within AV kits.
Check for Windows 11 compatibility
Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check or work with us to determine if a device meets the minimum requirements.
Budget for replacement hardware
If your existing AV kit isn’t upgradeable, plan now to refresh your Teams Room devices. Consider modular AV solutions, which are more adaptable for future OS changes.
Explore Android-based Teams Rooms
Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android (MTRoA) offer a more lightweight, appliance-style alternative that bypasses the Windows OS lifecycle entirely, and they’re increasingly popular for small and medium meeting spaces.
Futureproof your setup
Choose AV platforms that support remote management, modular upgrades, and long-term support cycles to reduce disruption in the future.
Talk to us!
AV manufacturers such as Logitech, Lenovo, Yealink, Poly, and Crestron are already rolling out Teams-certified Windows 11 hardware. Talk to us about what’s upgradeable and what needs replacing.
Final thoughts
The end of Windows 10 support is not just a routine update - it’s a clear signal for businesses to re-evaluate their collaboration infrastructure. Teams Rooms hardware tied to outdated operating systems won’t just become obsolete; it may pose operational and security risks.
Being proactive now will help ensure your organisation maintains reliable, secure, and modern meeting experiences in a hybrid-first world.
Don’t let outdated systems hold back your workplace collaboration. Plan your upgrade path - before time runs out.
To discuss your best options upgrading your hardware to support Windows 11, talk to one of our friendly AV specialists today:
0113 256 2200