Why Upgrading to Windows 11 by 2025 Is Crucial

With Windows 10's End of Life (EOL) fast approaching on October 14, 2025, businesses face an urgent decision: upgrade to Windows 11 or risk being left vulnerable. The clock is ticking, and staying on Windows 10 after Microsoft’s support ends could expose your company to serious operational and security risks. Here’s why.

What Happens When Windows 10 Reaches End of Life?

In October, Microsoft will stop providing free security updates, bug fixes, and support for Windows 10. Without these updates, your business becomes more vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and operational issues. Vulnerability exploitation is one of the most common attack vectors for cybercriminals. Outdated systems are prime targets for cybercriminals and your business could face costly downtime and security incidents if left vulnerable.

If your business is still using Windows 10, now’s the time to act. Upgrading to Windows 11 is essential but the transition requires careful planning. From assessing hardware compatibility to managing costs, here's why upgrading is critical and how to make it happen smoothly.

Why You Need to Upgrade to Windows 11

Staying on Windows 10 after support ends exposes your business to rising security and operational threats. 

Security Risks of Not Upgrading

Cybercrime is on the rise, with 700 million ransomware attacks reported globally in 2023 alone. Windows 10 will no longer receive free security patches, making devices vulnerable to new threats like malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks without a licence uplift. If your business relies on outdated systems, the risks are significant with lost data, increased downtime, and lack of coverage from cybersecurity policies all on the table.

Enhanced Security with Windows 11 Pro

Windows 11 Pro isn’t just an upgrade but a leap forward in security posture. With Windows 11, the risk of a successful attack drops by 20%, while security and IT teams become 20% more productive(1). Help desk tickets drop by 80%(1), and device deployment time is reduced by 25% compared with Windows 10. These improvements not only protect your company from threats but also streamline IT operations.

The new operating system also requires hardware-based protections like TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot, which guard against rootkits and malware. In short, Windows 11 makes it much harder for cybercriminals to breach your systems.

(1)Smith, Mitch. Are you ready for the Great PC Refresh. Ingram Micro Windows 10 Webinar, 2024.

Preparing for the Upgrade: What You Need to Know

Before upgrading to Windows 11, you’ll need to assess your devices and applications. Here’s what to look at:

Hardware Compatibility

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. To be compatible, devices must meet these minimum specifications:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster, with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC.
• RAM: At least 4 GB (16 GB recommended).
• Storage: At least 64 GB (256 GB recommended).
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.

If your devices don’t meet these requirements, you’ll need to procure replacements. Significant delays are expected for hardware delivery in FY25 Q1 due to the volume of replacement devices expected to be ordered. 

Application Compatibility

Some legacy applications may not work with Windows 11. To ensure a smooth transition, here are a few options:

• Cloud PCs: Use a Windows 11 Cloud PC to test apps in a secure environment before the full rollout.
• Pilot Groups: Set up a small group of users to test your apps on Windows 11 before going company-wide.
• App Assure: Microsoft’s App Assure team can be engaged with the help of your support partner. This team can help evaluate and mitigate risks with custom apps, ISV applications and Microsoft products.

Planning Your Upgrade: Budget & Timeline

Upgrading to Windows 11 involves costs and potential delays, so planning ahead is crucial.

Device Shortages & Supply Chain Delays

Due to expected large-scale device shortages, it’s best to order hardware as early as possible. Supply chain issues could extend delivery times by up to 12 weeks, so early ordering helps mitigate disruptions.

High-touch Upgrade Processes

Several factors can increase the duration of the upgrade process, including:

• Application Incompatibility: Testing and fixing apps can take extra time.
• Device Reimaging: Reimaging devices instead of deploying Windows 11 as an update will slow down the upgrade process.
• White-Glove Rollouts: For businesses opting for a more hands-on, personalised rollout, this approach will take longer but will allow for a personal touch with technical staff on hand for immediate issue resolution.

The Cost of Staying on Windows 10

If you’re planning to remain on Windows 10, there are a number of options to ensure you continue to receive security updates. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available as a per-user licence which costs US$61 per user for the first year, doubling each subsequent year. This licence covers critical updates, not feature updates or technical support, and is intended to act as a bridge while an organisation upgrades to Windows 11.

Next Steps: Start Planning Your Upgrade

Now’s the time to take action. Here’s how to get started:

1. Check Device Compatibility: Run a compatibility check across your device fleet.
2. Test Applications: Use Cloud PCs or pilot groups to test your business-critical apps.
3. Engage with Microsoft’s App Assure: If needed, work with Microsoft to ensure compatibility.
4. Order New Devices: Don’t wait until the last minute—order new hardware as soon as possible.
5. Plan the Rollout: Decide on a phased approach using automated tools like Intune, or opt for a more controlled, manual rollout.

By taking these steps, your business will be ready to upgrade to Windows 11 without unnecessary delays or disruptions. The time to act is now—don’t wait until October 2025, when you could already be facing the consequences of running unsupported software.

If you’re looking for expert guidance, contact The Instillery to help ensure your upgrade to Windows 11 is smooth, secure, and successful.