Many businesses are still relying on Windows 10 across their organizations. It is estimated that nearly a billion PCs are still running Windows 10 and half are too old to upgrade.<\/a> If your business is among them, it’s time to develop a transition plan\u2014not only to protect your systems from evolving cyber threats, but also to maintain productivity and compliance.<\/p>\n When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it stops providing:<\/p>\n The most significant concern is security.<\/strong> Cybercriminals actively target unsupported operating systems<\/a> because newly discovered vulnerabilities remain unpatched, making them easier to exploit.<\/p>\n Continuing to use Windows 10 after support has ended increases your organization’s exposure to cyberattacks. Some of the biggest risks include:<\/p>\n Without ongoing security updates, newly discovered vulnerabilities remain open indefinitely.<\/a> Attackers often reverse-engineer Microsoft’s security patches for supported operating systems to identify similar weaknesses in unsupported versions.<\/p>\n Many cyber insurance providers expect organizations to maintain supported operating systems as part of their security requirements. Running unsupported software could impact eligibility or complicate claims following a security incident.<\/p>\n Organizations subject to cybersecurity or privacy regulations may struggle to demonstrate reasonable security practices while using unsupported operating systems. Depending on your industry, this could create unnecessary compliance risks during audits or customer security reviews.<\/p>\n Over time, software vendors will begin phasing out support for Windows 10. New business applications, security tools, and hardware may no longer function properly<\/a>, leading to unexpected downtime and increased IT costs.<\/p>\n The answer depends largely on your current hardware. The sticker shock of transitioning to Windows 11 has held many businesses back from making the upgrade \u2013 especially for older PCs. Many computers purchased within the past several years may be capable of upgrading to Windows 11. However, Windows 11 introduces stricter hardware requirements, including:<\/p>\n If your devices don’t meet these requirements, replacing aging hardware may be the smarter long-term investment. While purchasing new computers requires upfront costs, modern devices also provide faster performance, improved battery life, enhanced security features built directly into the hardware, and a longer lifecycle before future replacement. For many organizations, a phased hardware refresh can minimize disruption while spreading costs over time.<\/p>\n A successful migration starts with planning rather than rushing into upgrades. Consider these steps:<\/p>\n 1. Inventory Your Devices –\u00a0<\/strong>Identify every Windows 10 computer in your environment and determine whether each device is eligible for Windows 11.<\/p>\n 2. Prioritize Critical Systems –\u00a0<\/strong>Upgrade devices that access sensitive business data or are essential to daily operations first.<\/p>\n 3. Review Business Applications –\u00a0<\/strong>Confirm that your line-of-business applications, printers, and specialized hardware are compatible with Windows 11 before deployment.<\/p>\n 4. Plan for Hardware Replacement –\u00a0<\/strong>Older computers may cost more to maintain than replace. Building a phased replacement schedule helps avoid large, unexpected capital expenses.<\/p>\n 5. Backup Before Every Upgrade –\u00a0<\/strong>Always perform verified backups before migrating operating systems to minimize downtime if unexpected issues occur.<\/p>\n Many businesses postpone technology upgrades because “everything still works.” Unfortunately, cybercriminals don’t wait for convenient timing. Every month unsupported systems remain connected to your network, the risk grows. A proactive migration strategy helps protect your business, improve employee productivity, and avoid costly emergency replacements.<\/p>\n Migrating to Windows 11 doesn’t have to be disruptive. Our team can assess your current environment<\/a>, identify which devices can be upgraded, recommend replacement options where necessary, and develop a phased migration plan that minimizes downtime and fits your budget. Whether you have ten computers or hundreds, we’ll help ensure your business remains secure, supported, and ready for what’s next.<\/p>\nWhat Does \u201cEnd of Support\u201d Mean?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Security Risks of Staying on Windows 10<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Increased Vulnerability to Malware and Ransomware<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Higher Cyber Insurance Risk<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Compliance Concerns<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Software Compatibility Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nUpgrade or Replace Existing PCs?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How to Prepare for the Transition<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Moving on From Windows 10<\/strong><\/h2>\n