What’s Next After Windows 10 End of Life? Upgrading as a Strategy
October 14, 2025 marks the end of official support for Windows 10 and signals an urgent need for action. After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, resulting in significant privacy and IT security risks. Organizations that continue to use Windows 10 will be exposed to increased cyber threats, compatibility issues, and potential disruptions to business operations.
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Although Microsoft offers the option of continuing to receive security updates through paid extended security updates (ESU), these come at a significant cost. The prices for ESUs are increasing year by year, making the long-term use of Windows 10 economically unattractive. For organizations with a large number of devices, the additional licensing costs can quickly add up without any functional improvements or guaranteed software compatibility.
A timely move to Windows 11 is therefore not only a technical necessity, but also a strategic decision. By migrating early, organizations can not only avoid long-term security risks, but also save on investment costs for expensive transitional solutions. Acting now means future-proofing your IT infrastructure while minimizing costs.
Challenges and strategies for companies
Windows 11 has significantly higher hardware requirements than its predecessor. Devices that are more than four to five years old may not meet these new standards. In particular, many older computers lack the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip or a compatible processor, which are required for Windows 11. Organizations need to carefully evaluate whether their existing equipment can continue to be used or whether they need to invest in new hardware.
For many businesses, especially smaller ones, this transition can represent a significant financial burden. However, early planning can help spread the cost and prioritize which devices need to be replaced. Alternatively, cloud computing or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) can be used to create modern, flexible work environments that reduce the need for powerful local hardware.
Enterprises should start analyzing their IT infrastructure now so they can take the necessary steps in time. A well-planned transition will avoid unplanned costs and minimize the risk of business disruption.
Compatibility checks and support
Before making a large-scale upgrade to Windows 11, organizations should ensure that their key hardware and core business applications are compatible with the new operating system. Not all software will run smoothly, and programs may need to be updated or replaced. Hardware should also be evaluated, as Windows 11 has more stringent requirements. Working closely with IT partners can provide valuable assistance.
Completely testing all applications and devices is often too time-consuming. Instead, test key business-critical applications first and roll out the upgrade gradually. A pilot test with a small group of devices or users can be useful. This allows you to identify and address potential issues before rolling out the upgrade to the entire organization. This phased rollout can ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible and does not impact productivity.
Using modern IT management
Upgrading to Windows 11 not only offers the opportunity for system updates, but also the move to more advanced IT management practices. Implementing solutions such as Microsoft Intune[i] can massively simplify the management of devices - with benefits such as centralized policy distribution, automatic updates and improved security controls. This can significantly reduce the administrative burden on IT teams and strengthen the organization's security strategy. Effective communication is crucial during such transitions. Organizations should keep their teams informed about the upgrade, its benefits and potential workflow changes. Direct support from IT specialists can ease the transition.
Turning the challenge into an opportunity
With careful planning, the right support and a proactive approach to IT infrastructure management, the challenge can be turned into an opportunity for improvement and growth. The window of opportunity for these changes is now open.
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