How to Easily Check if Your Municipality Is Running Windows 10 (or Older)

You’re busy. Running a municipality isn’t easy—and dealing with technology probably isn’t why you got into public service. But here’s something that can’t wait: Windows 10 is going away—and the clock is ticking. As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10. No updates. No security patches. No protection.

That means any computer still using Windows 10 (or older!) becomes a risk. And for municipalities, risks can turn into real-world problems: cybersecurity breaches, system outages, data loss, and compliance issues.

If you're not sure what version of Windows your computers are running, you're not alone. Many small and mid-sized municipalities don’t have IT departments and you may not feel confident checking this kind of thing. So, we’re going to make this simple. No tech jargon. Just plain, clear steps.

First, What’s the Issue?

Windows 10 is reaching its end of life. That means:

• No more updates from Microsoft.
• Devices become vulnerable to hackers and viruses.
• You can’t stay compliant with security standards.
• Critical software and systems may stop working properly.

To put it plainly: Old systems can break, get hacked, or slow down your entire operation. And the closer we get to the October 2025 deadline, the harder it’ll be to get help in time. Waiting too long could leave your systems exposed—and your municipality scrambling.

Imagine your police chief tries to pull up a report for court and the system crashes. Or your finance team can't process payments because of a compatibility issue. That’s the real risk when old systems stop working.

And no—it’s not as easy as walking into a store and picking up a new laptop. This is a project. It takes time, planning, and support.

How to Check What Version of Windows You're Using

Quick Windows Version Check (Takes 2 Minutes)

☐ Look for the search bar in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
☐ Type "About your PC" and press Enter.
☐ Scroll to "Windows specifications."
☐ Check your Edition and Version.

What Your Edition Means

• Windows 11 — You’re in good shape (for now).
• Windows 10 — You should plan an upgrade soon.

(No search bar? You might be using Windows 7 or 8, which are no longer supported.)

If You Have Windows 10, Here’s What Your Version Means

• 22H2: This is the final version of Windows 10. Microsoft has confirmed there will be no more feature updates.
• 21H2: Support ended June 2023.
• 21H1: Support ended December 2022.
• 20H2 or others: Already long expired.

Unsupported versions of Windows 10 don’t receive critical security patches, leaving your systems vulnerable.

What If You’re on Windows 10 (or Older)?

You’ve got some work to do before October 2025. And it’s better to get ahead of it now than scramble later.

• You’ll need the right computers. Not all current devices are capable of running Windows 11. Some may need to be replaced.
• You’ll need some time. Upgrading a device—or several—takes coordination. It’s not something to figure out at the last minute.
• You’ll need a plan. Someone has to manage the upgrade process, ensure data is backed up, keep municipal operations running, and avoid downtime.

If you don’t have someone qualified to lead this project, now is the time to get help.

What Should You Do Next?

Start by checking your devices. Pass this article along to your department heads, clerks, or anyone using a municipal computer. It’s good to make a list of which machines are still on Windows 10 or older.

If any of your computers are running Windows 10 or older, you need to move upgrades to the top of your priority list. Delaying just a few months could mean higher costs, rushed decisions, and avoidable headaches.

The sooner you start, the more control you’ll have—over budget, timing, and minimizing disruption. Waiting until late summer or fall? You may be competing with dozens of other municipalities for support and hardware.

Need a Hand? VC3 Can Help

If you're still on Windows 10 and unsure how to move forward, now is the time to assess your systems and make a plan. VC3 has helped many municipalities navigate this transition.