Microsoft has announced its plan to discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. With the end of life (EOL) deadline swiftly approaching, now is the time to start executing a plan to upgrade your Microsoft Windows operating system.
Implications of Windows 10 End of Life
Continuing with Windows 10 after support ends isn’t merely inconvenient. The lack of Microsoft support for your operating system will have substantial implications for your operations and data security. Windows 10 EOL will mean:
- Microsoft will cease making security updates and providing patches to the operating system, which will heighten your vulnerability to cyber threats. For regulated sectors, this could lead to immediate compliance issues.
- Microsoft will no longer provide technical support for the operating system, which will mean any incidents, software bugs or breaks will either go unresolved or will have to be resolved reactively by your IT team, leading to productivity downtime.
- Microsoft will no longer provide software updates to improve Windows 10, which will impact the performance of your system.
With those factors in mind, we recommend any organization currently using Windows 10 to start updating their compatible devices to Windows 11 and replace the remaining incompatible Windows 10 devices.
Why Upgrade to Windows 11?
Windows 11 offers more than just an upgrade. It’s a comprehensive modernization of the Windows platform. Windows 11 offers several benefits:
- Introduces advanced security features like TPM 2.0 and secure boot, protecting against sophisticated threats while enhancing the user experience with a refreshed interface.
- Provides greater stability and minimizes system crashes and downtime.
- Lowers maintenance costs with the ability to deploy Intune and AutoPilot as it streamlines device management required for deploying, managing and retiring workstations.
- Is compatible with the latest and emerging technologies.
- Improves performance and increases productivity with faster startup times, improved multitasking and more efficient resource management.
- Provides a modern interface with a sleek and user-friendly design created to boost your productivity.
- Ensure your system’s compatibility with the latest software and hardware via continued support.
- Integrates with advanced technologies like Copilot, virtual meeting software and communications features.
Strategies for Upgrading to Windows 11
When it comes to upgrading your organization’s operating system, we understand that the question isn’t just why you should upgrade, but how to upgrade seamlessly and without disruption to your business. Operating systems like Windows hold a lot of responsibility for keeping operations running smoothly day to day, so an equally smooth transition is required.
For a successful transition, the proof is in the planning beforehand. These steps are the backbone to a successful upgrade for any integral technology in your organization.
Assessment
- Device inventory: Conduct an inventory of all existing devices being leveraged in your organization
- Compatibility audit: Audit each device to determine which are compatible to be upgraded to Windows 11. For any incompatible device, consider replacing it with a Windows 11 compatible device.
Planning
- Migration timeline: Develop a phased approach and detailed timeline for your implementation to minimize business disruption.
- Budget planning: Determine the cost of upgrading compatible devices and replacing those that are not. Align your budget and plan with the larger organization goals and be sure all parties organization-wide are aware of the looming deadline.
- Training development: Prepare comprehensive training materials for staff transition to ease user adoption and avoid disruption to daily functions that may be impacted.
- Data backup: Take stock of your data and establish robust backup solutions before beginning the migration to make sure no important information is lost.
Implementation
- Start early: Migrations require a lot of work, so begin the process of upgrading and replacing your devices well before the EOL date to avoid any disruptions.
- Pilot testing: Before a full-scale rollout, perform pilot tests with a small group of users to identify potential issues and gather feedback. This helps ensure a smoother transition and allows for adjustments based on real-world usage.
- Communication plan: Create a detailed communication plan to keep all stakeholders informed throughout the migration process. Regular updates, clear instructions and support channels will help manage expectations and reduce confusion.
- Data storage: Enforce user data to be stored in a cloud service, like OneDrive, before your implementation to ease the pain of user data migration.
- Workstation management modernization: Implement Intune and AutoPilot to reduce the overhead required to deploy, manage and retire Windows workstations and the time required for setup. Post-migration support: Establish a dedicated support team to assist users with any issues that arise after the migration. Offer training sessions, FAQs and a helpdesk to ensure users can quickly adapt to the new system.
Trying to upgrade your operating system alone takes extra time that you don’t have. enVista’s Enterprise Technology Solutions team is here to guide you efficiently through the entire process so you don’t miss any critical steps or considerations. Our team provides robust Windows migration planning, execution and support. Contact us today to get your Windows 11 migration underway.
