Some organisations are already humming along having already migrated their entire fleet to Windows 11. Yet others are continuing to ignore the pending deadline, just beginning to weigh up a move, or perhaps aren’t even aware it’s coming. But it is! Windows 10 end-of-life is now fast approaching, which means no more updates, security patches, or support from Microsoft.
And here’s the rub – Windows 10 EOL is not like OS upgrades of the past. Organisations must migrate to its successor operating system, Windows 11, or there will be unavoidable consequences – from security vulnerabilities to unsupported systems.
Windows 11 delivers advanced security, smoother performance, and plenty of AI-powered tools. It’s an OS built to keep your organisation running efficiently and securely for years to come.
Let’s explore what makes this transition so different, and why so many of our customers are viewing it as a strategic opportunity to position their organisation for what’s coming next.
Microsoft announced that support for its most successful operating system release ever, Windows 10, will officially end on 14 October 2025. Beyond this date – while devices running Windows 10 will continue to function – they’ll no longer receive essential monthly security patches or quality updates. This is significant – staying on Windows 10 post-support carries huge security risks and compliance concerns. It’s also worth noting that in their bid to nudge organisations towards the secure, up-to-date environment offered by Windows 11, Microsoft has also halted new sales of Windows 10 PCs. The clock is indeed ticking.
You may be hoping that Microsoft will extend the support deadline for Windows 10, but there’s no indication of this happening. Microsoft has been clear that support will end on the current deadline, and relying on a possible extension is a risky strategy – especially given Microsoft is actively pushing adoption of Windows 11.
Know the security and compliance implications of staying put
If you’re still on the fence about migrating or pushing timelines back, remember that Windows 10 end-of-life is more than just a routine update. When support ends, real security and compliance issues begin:
Preparing for a timely upgrade to Windows 11 is the safest way to avoid security vulnerabilities.
For security reasons alone, migrating to Windows 11 has to happen. But it’s actually an opportunity to rethink and refresh your entire setup. Windows 10 end-of-life is becoming the push many organisations need to address a backlog of outdated tech, rationalising technical debt and moving towards efficient, modern device management that will support teams well into the future. For many, it’s the start of a broader journey to upgrade systems, tools and devices.
Many organisations are still using on-premises Active Directory, legacy applications, and outdated deployment tools like Configuration Manager – tools that create barriers to implementing the more efficient, cloud-based solutions that today’s IT environments demand.
Moving to Windows 11 provides a clean slate to adopt a modern management approach that utilises tools like Microsoft Intune and Azure AD, and introduces capabilities like remote, cloud-based provisioning, streamlined updates, stronger security, and improved support for hybrid work – all aligned perfectly with the needs of a modern workforce.
Here’s just a few scenarios where we see this shift play out.
In both scenarios, the conversation around how devices are deployed, managed, and secured naturally leads to the bigger piece – moving to a modern management approach supported by a migration to Windows 11.
This shift in device management also impacts the overall device strategy. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) options are being reconsidered (it is so easy now with Azure Virtual Desktop), and unrelated but still part of future-proofing strategies, the availability of ARM-based, AI-ready devices change how a fleet needs to be managed. This is about ensuring that the hardware and software invested in today can handle the AI-driven and cloud-based applications of tomorrow. Microsoft’s Copilot is of course a staple in this, and we expect it to play a much larger role in changing how we work and the associated productivity benefits.
This is where proactive planning comes in – by assessing device compatibility early they can roll out Windows 11 across compatible hardware, while gradually replacing older devices. For more on how this shift can work for your organisation, read our in-depth device strategy blog.
The Windows 10 EOL opportunity is clear. We encourage customers to stop seeing it as just another deadline to meet, and instead consider it as a moment to set up a modern management strategy that’s truly built for the future.
Let Data#3 guide you through a seamless Windows 11 migration, tailored to fit your organisation’s needs. Our team of Microsoft experts can help with: