Why Now Is the Time to Ditch Windows 10 and Upgrade to Windows 11

A staggering 64 percent of Windows users worldwide are still running Windows 10. That’s nearly two-thirds of the Windows ecosystem clinging to an operating system that’s approaching its twilight years. 

But despite Windows 10 still being the go-to choice for millions of users, the time to upgrade to Windows 11 has come—even for those who are completely satisfied with their current setup. Why? Because the end of support is looming on the horizon for many editions of Windows 10, and that’s not something any organization can afford to ignore.

Windows 10 End of Support Is Near 

As the table above shows, the End of Support date is rapidly approaching for Windows 10. When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it stops providing security updates and technical assistance. 

Without regular security updates, any newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain unpatched, creating an open door for cybercriminals. Moreover, the lack of technical assistance means that when issues inevitably arise, you’re left to fend for yourself. In a business environment where every minute of downtime can translate to lost revenue and productivity, this is a risk few can afford to take.

For most Windows 10 editions, including Home and Pro, this critical date is October 14, 2025—just around the corner in terms of IT planning and implementation. The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) versions will receive updates for a bit longer, but their users will be affected by the official end of support as well, albeit in a different way. 

End of support from Microsoft often signals a broader shift in the software ecosystem. Many software developers are likely to stop maintaining compatibility with Windows 10 once mainstream support ends. This means your favorite applications—and possibly essential business tools—may no longer receive updates or might not run at all on Windows 10. That’s not just a nuisance; it’s a significant security risk. Outdated software can become a gateway for cyberattacks, leading to data breaches and compliance issues.

The same goes for Microsoft’s own software and services. Perhaps the most glaring example is the limited access to Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant capable of instantly providing relevant answers to questions, creating concise summaries of lengthy emails, generating professional illustrations for PowerPoint presentations, and more.

In essence, the end of Windows 10 support isn’t just about losing Microsoft’s backing—it’s about potentially losing your place in the modern digital business landscape and, at the same time, becoming a prime target for cyber threats. 

How to Prepare Your Organization for the Upgrade 

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 doesn’t have to be a stressful, productivity-halting experience. With proper preparation and planning, the transition can be smooth and seamless. 

1. Verify System Requirements

Before moving on with the upgrade, it’s paramount to check if all your organization’s devices meet Windows 11’s minimum system requirements:

If your devices don’t meet these requirements, you’ll need to plan for hardware upgrades or replacements. 

The one requirement you need to pay special attention to is the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. This special motherboard chip is designed to perform various cryptographic operations to protect users against firmware and hardware attacks. 

Not all older motherboards have this chip, and some that do have it disable it by default. In such cases, a simple BIOS setting change is all it takes for the computer to become Windows 11-ready.

2. Conduct a Software Compatibility Audit

Before you upgrade your first machine, you should conduct a comprehensive software compatibility audit across your entire network to verify that your organization’s software ecosystem is ready for the transition. 

Start by creating an exhaustive inventory of all applications used within your organization, from mission-critical business software to seemingly minor utilities. Don’t forget about custom-built applications or legacy systems that may be integral to your operations but aren’t frequently updated.

Once you have your inventory, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and do some detective work. Check with each software vendor or consult their official websites to verify Windows 11 compatibility. Some applications might work but could have reduced functionality or performance issues. Others might require updates to work with Windows 11. 

3. Plan Your Rollout Strategy

Upgrading an entire organization to a new operating system is no small feat, and a well-thought-out rollout strategy is a must. 

Rather than attempting a company-wide switch overnight, consider a phased approach that allows you to iron out any kinks before they impact your entire workforce. You could, for example, start with a pilot group of tech-savvy users from different departments who can provide valuable feedback on the transition process. 

Once you’ve successfully navigated the pilot phase, gradually expand the rollout to larger groups. Prioritize departments based on their readiness, the criticality of their work, their potential to benefit from Windows 11’s new features, and, most importantly, the risks associated with the continued use of Windows 10 beyond the End of Support date. 

4. Back Up Important Data

The transition to Windows 11 is an ideal time to revisit and, if necessary, reinforce your data backup measures. The most important step is to verify that all user data has been synchronized to the cloud—such as Microsoft OneDrive—so it can be easily recovered after the upgrade.  

Of course, this straightforward cloud-based backup approach works only if users are consistently saving their files in cloud-synced folders. If this isn’t current practice in your organization, the Windows 11 upgrade presents an excellent opportunity to educate users on the importance of cloud storage.

Consider conducting brief training sessions on how to use cloud-synced folders effectively. You can, for example, emphasize the benefits of automatic backups, file versioning, and accessibility from multiple devices.

5. Train Your Team

While Windows 11 shares many similarities with its predecessor, it introduces a range of new features and interface changes that can initially throw even seasoned Windows users for a loop. For example, the Start button is now in the center of the taskbar and some context menu options have been hidden inside a new “Show more options” sub-menu. 

Since different people have different learning styles, it’s important to offer a variety of training options to ensure everyone can adapt to Windows 11 effectively. For those who thrive in a structured learning environment, consider organizing formal training sessions or workshops. On the other hand, for self-directed learners who prefer to explore at their own pace, create a resource hub with written guides, video tutorials, and/or interactive e-learning modules. 

Don’t Upgrade Alone: Partner With OSIbeyond for a Smooth Transition

The end of Windows 10 support isn’t a distant concern; it’s a rapidly approaching reality that demands proactive action. By making the switch now, you’re not only avoiding the pitfalls of outdated software but also unlocking every new feature and improvement that Windows 11 has to offer.

While the steps outlined in this article provide a roadmap for the transition, the process can still be daunting, especially for smaller organizations with limited IT resources. This is where OSIbeyond comes in. 

As a top-rated managed IT services and cybersecurity provider, we can handle all aspects of the upgrade process, allowing you to focus on what you do best: running your organization. Get in touch with us, and let’s start planning your Windows 11 upgrade today.