It’s that time again….
No, unfortunately, it's not tax season. We are approaching the official End of Life (EOL) for a Microsoft Operating System — this time, Windows 10.

“I don’t have time for reading this, it’s too long.”
TL;DR: Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 officially ends on October 14, 2025. To maintain security, performance, and regulatory compliance, it’s imperative that you upgrade to Windows 11 before this date. There are technical and compliance reasons why this is necessary.
If you do not update, we will not be able to assist if there is a problem linked to an out-of-support Operating System.

“I still don’t know if this is really necessary, can you explain more?”
For a deeper dive, continue reading.

Understanding End of Life: Why It Matters

When Microsoft declares an operating system "End of Life," it does not mean that your operating system will stop working on that date. It does mean that your operating system will increasingly become more vulnerable and less compatible.

End of life means Microsoft will no longer provide:

• Technical support

• Software / feature updates: New functionalities and improvements will cease

• Crucially, security updates or fixes: This is the most significant risk. Without ongoing security patches, Windows 10 will become increasingly vulnerable to newly discovered exploits, malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.

Wayne Reaves Software: We may make required security improvements on our end, which may cause software running on outdated operating systems to experience issues.

Specific Technical Risks of Running Unsupported Windows 10

Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities:
After October 14, 2025, any security flaws discovered in Windows 10 will not be patched by Microsoft. Cybercriminals actively seek out these unpatched vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems, steal sensitive data, or deploy malicious software. This creates a severe security gap for your dealership.

Outdated Security Protocols and Browser Compatibility:
While TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols are generally updated independently by applications and browsers, an outdated operating system like Windows 10 can hinder their effective implementation or prevent access to resources that demand the latest versions. Furthermore, major web browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox will eventually cease providing updates for Windows 10.

This means:

• Reduced web functionality: Websites using newer technologies may not render correctly or function as intended.

• Compromised web security: Sites that enforce the latest browser security protocols may not load at all, or worse, expose you to risks due to unpatched vulnerabilities.

Software and Application Incompatibility:
Running an unsupported OS means:

• Outdated system libraries (DLLs): Many programs rely on updated DLLs. Newer software may fail or crash if required features are missing.

• Disrupted integrations: Your dealership management system (DMS) and other third-party integrations may rely on updated Windows components to function securely.

Hardware Driver Limitations:
Newer hardware often comes with drivers designed specifically for Windows 11. Without them, you may face:

• Reduced performance

• Incomplete functionality

• Complete inoperability of new hardware

“Microsoft shows that my PC is not compatible with Windows 11, but there is a 3rd-party tool that will help me install it anyway. Will that be ok?”

There are many reasons why Microsoft may have restricted your hardware. One of the most important is ensuring Windows 11 can reliably manage hardware and installed programs. If bypassed incompatibility causes a system crash, you could lose data. You could also end up with Security/Anti-Malware Programs that cannot function correctly.

The Critical Link to Federal Data Security Laws: Why This Is Not Optional

You might be asking, “Do I really need to do this?” The unequivocal answer is: Yes.

As a motor vehicle dealer, your business falls under stringent federal regulations, most notably the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and its implementing FTC Safeguards Rule. These laws mandate that you maintain robust security measures to protect your customers' Non-Public Personal Information (NPI).

Key Implications for Your Dealership:

• FTC Safeguards Rule Compliance: Running an unsupported operating system demonstrates a failure to maintain "reasonable" safeguards, exposing your dealership and your customers' data to unacceptable risks.

• Mandatory Risk Assessments: An outdated OS will be identified as a critical vulnerability requiring immediate remediation.

• Severe Penalties: Non-compliance can result in fines, lawsuits, reputational damage, and even personal liability.

• New Breach Notification Requirement: As of May 13, 2024, the FTC Safeguards Rule requires notification to the FTC within 30 days of a breach affecting 500+ customers.

Plan Your Upgrade Now

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. Many older computers will not be eligible for a direct upgrade. You may need to budget for and purchase new hardware to meet requirements like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which are fundamental to Windows 11’s enhanced security.

We strongly advise you to start making plans for this upgrade immediately. Assess your current hardware, identify systems that need replacement, and coordinate with your IT team or service provider to ensure a smooth transition before October 14, 2025.

Maintaining a secure computing environment is not just about protecting your business — it’s about upholding your legal obligations and protecting your customers' sensitive information.

Sincerely,
Kevin Scott
CIO

To say we were busy this summer attending Independent Automobile Dealership Association (IADA) events would be an understatement! Summer is the season when many of the IADAs showcase their services, members, vendors and partners at their annual conference and expo events. These important gatherings are the perfect way to learn, connect and build strong industry relationships and increase knowledge, to improve and perfect your dealership operations.

We’ve assembled some highlights from the conferences in the “recaps” below at each region. We hope this information will help inspire you to join your state’s IADA and attend their annual events in 2026!

Special thanks to Wayne Reave’s leadership and sales team for representing Wayne Reaves Software so well on-site at these events!