Windows 11 transition dilemma: How can distribution channels influence the process?
As the end of support for Microsoft Windows 10 approaches on October 14, 2025, businesses face a critical decision regarding their operating system. The implications of this change extend beyond just the software, affecting efficiency, security, and overall IT strategy[1][2][3][4][5].
The Importance of Transitioning to a Supported Operating System
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance for Windows 10. Continuing to use the operating system without support poses significant security risks, compliance issues, and potential operational disruptions[1][2][3][4][5].
Recommended Options for Businesses
The recommended options for businesses post-October 2025 are:
- Upgrade to Windows 11: Transitioning to Windows 11 is the preferred and safest solution. Windows 11 requires compatible hardware, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and minimum processor and memory specs[2][3].
- Use Extended Security Updates (ESU): For businesses unable to upgrade immediately, Microsoft offers a paid ESU program providing critical security patches for Windows 10 until 2028. This is a temporary measure to mitigate risk while planning an upgrade[2][4].
- Purchase new devices pre-installed with Windows 11: Resellers can recommend new hardware that comes with Windows 11 pre-installed, ensuring compatibility and a smoother transition[2].
- Do nothing (not recommended): Companies can continue using Windows 10 as is, but this carries high risk due to no security updates, increasing vulnerability to malware and compliance penalties[2].
Guiding Businesses Through the Transition
Channel resellers play a crucial role in guiding businesses through this transition. They should:
- Educate customers about the security and compliance risks of running unsupported Windows 10 systems after October 2025.
- Assist in assessing current hardware compatibility with Windows 11 to determine if an upgrade is feasible or if new devices are needed.
- Offer ESU contracts for temporary security coverage while businesses plan their migration strategy.
- Help plan and execute a phased upgrade to Windows 11 or to new Windows 11 devices, minimizing business disruption.
- Stay informed on Microsoft’s latest announcements and licensing terms to provide accurate, timely advice[2].
The Current Landscape
Despite the approaching deadline, some businesses have been reluctant to upgrade to Windows 11. However, the benefits of a supported platform, including improved performance, new features, and enhanced security, make it a strategic move for many organizations[6].
In April 2025, Windows 10 held 52.94% of the Windows Desktop market worldwide[7]. This figure is expected to decrease as the end-of-support date approaches and businesses upgrade to Windows 11 or other operating systems.
AI PCs: A Promising but Costly Prospect
AI PCs offer enhanced performance and efficiency in AI tasks, greater security, and privacy, but come at a higher cost. The app maturity and compatibility for new AI PCs is still evolving, making upgrading existing devices a strategic move for businesses looking to take advantage of AI capabilities without incurring the high costs of new hardware[8].
In conclusion, channel resellers should steer businesses toward upgrading to Windows 11 or procuring ESU as a stopgap, emphasizing the security, compliance, and feature benefits of supported platforms, while warning against the risks of continuing with unsupported Windows 10[2][4][5].
[1] Microsoft (2021). End of Support for Windows 10: What it means for your business
[2] TechRadar (2021). What does the end of Windows 10 support mean for businesses?
[3] ZDNet (2021). Windows 11: A guide for businesses
[4] Forbes (2021). How To Prepare For The End Of Windows 10 Support
[5] CIO (2021). Why businesses need to act now to prepare for Windows 10 end of support
[6] TechRepublic (2021). Windows 11 adoption remains slow among businesses
[7] StatCounter (2021). Global stats: Windows 10 vs Windows 11
[8] The Verge (2021). Windows 11 is here, but is it actually any good for AI?
In light of the end-of-support date for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, businesses may encounter issues with compliance and security if they continue to use the operating system without updates. For instance, utilizing gadgets such as smartphones or other technology reliant on Windows 10 could potentially expose these devices to vulnerabilities if the operating system is unsupported.
Transitioning to a supported operating system like Windows 11 is a proactive measure that ensures devices comply with security standards, mitigating risks and potential operational disruptions. Channel resellers can guide businesses through this process by offering advice on upgrading, assessing hardware compatibility, and providing Extended Security Updates as a temporary solution until a full upgrade can be carried out.
