Come October 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 — and with it, schools around Australia and the world will face a massive technology problem that many aren’t prepared for.
It’s not just about updates. It’s about affordability, access, and what kind of digital future we want to offer our students.
⚠️ What’s Actually Happening?
Microsoft has announced that after October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive:
- Security updates
- Bug fixes
- Technical support
That means any device running Windows 10 will be at risk — and no longer compliant with cybersecurity requirements in many education systems.
The suggested solution? Buy new devices that support Windows 11.
But here’s the problem: not all existing school laptops can run Windows 11 — and buying new ones isn’t always an option.
💸 The Real Cost for Schools
Most schools are already working within tight budgets, especially in regional and low-SES areas. The idea of replacing dozens — or hundreds — of laptops simply to comply with a software upgrade is not realistic.
Schools may be forced to:
- Stretch outdated systems even further (risking security and performance)
- Cut budgets in other areas (such as learning programs or tech support)
- Limit access to devices altogether
That’s a lose-lose situation — and it highlights a bigger issue in education: technology should serve learning, not dictate it.
🌱 A Smarter, Sustainable Alternative: CReSED
At Digital Education Systems (DigEd), we saw this coming — because we’ve lived it.
That’s why we created CReSED — Cloud-Ready Secure Education Distribution — a full-featured, open-source operating system built on Ubuntu Pro and designed specifically for schools.
Instead of spending thousands on new laptops, schools can give their existing devices a second life — with modern tools, cloud integration, and built-in security.
💻 What CReSED Offers
CReSED is a drop-in alternative to the Microsoft ecosystem. It includes:
- ✅ Active Directory-compatible login and device management
- ✅ Ubuntu Drive (powered by Nextcloud) as a OneDrive alternative
- ✅ LibreOffice/OpenOffice for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
- ✅ SharePoint-style collaboration and team spaces
- ✅ Internal DNS, secure file storage, and web-based admin tools
- ✅ Optional Google Drive integration
All for just $40/year per device, including the Ubuntu Pro licence.
And yes — it runs beautifully on laptops that can’t handle Windows 11.
🏫 Built for Schools That Need Real Options
CReSED was born from a real classroom, where we equipped 20 student laptops on a $2,000 budget by repurposing older hardware and installing Ubuntu.
From that experience, we built an entire platform focused on:
- Lowering tech costs
- Reducing e-waste
- Empowering schools to control their own systems
- Supporting students with modern, reliable digital tools
🧩 What Should Schools Do Now?
With less than 18 months until Windows 10 is retired, now is the time to:
- Audit your current devices
– Which laptops won’t run Windows 11?
– What’s their real condition? - Talk to your IT team
– Explore open-source solutions like CReSED
– Consider dual-boot or pilot setups - Plan for continuity
– How will you maintain access and security beyond 2025?
– How can you stretch your budget without sacrificing quality? - Get in touch with DigEd
– We’re currently enrolling schools in our CReSED Pilot Program
– Early adopters get direct support and help shape the system before full launch in September 2025
📢 Final Thought
Technology in schools should be empowering, not exhausting.
CReSED exists to give schools back control — to replace forced upgrades with thoughtful innovation, and to ensure that every student, regardless of budget or location, has access to the digital tools they deserve.
Let’s not wait for October 2025 to hit. Let’s start building something better — now.