If your business is still running Windows 10, there’s something important you need to act on. Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 10 in October 2025, meaning devices still running it are no longer receiving security updates. In a business environment, that’s a significant risk, and one that’s straightforward to address with a planned migration to Windows 11.

Here’s what Windows 11 offers for businesses, what the end of Windows 10 support means in practice, and how to approach the transition sensibly.

Windows 10 End of Life: What It Actually Means

 

When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it stops releasing security patches and updates for it. Any vulnerabilities discovered after that date remain unpatched — leaving devices running Windows 10 increasingly exposed to cyberattacks, malware, and ransomware as time goes on.

For businesses subject to cyber insurance requirements or industry compliance standards, running unsupported software can also create problems with policy validity and regulatory obligations. It’s not an immediate cliff edge, but the risk grows over time and the sensible course of action is a planned upgrade rather than waiting until something goes wrong.

What Windows 11 Offers Business Users

A More Secure Foundation

Windows 11 was built with security requirements that Windows 10 didn’t mandate. It requires TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and Secure Boot as hardware prerequisites — meaning devices running Windows 11 have a stronger security baseline by design. Combined with Microsoft Defender and integration with Microsoft Intune for device management, Windows 11 provides a more robust security posture for business environments.

Better Integration with Microsoft 365

Windows 11 is optimised for Microsoft 365 — Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, and the broader Microsoft 365 application suite all perform better and integrate more cleanly on Windows 11 than on its predecessor. For businesses already invested in Microsoft 365, this translates to a smoother day-to-day experience for users.

Built-In AI with Microsoft Copilot

Windows 11 includes native integration with Microsoft Copilot, accessible directly from the taskbar. For businesses with Microsoft 365 Copilot licences, this makes AI assistance immediately accessible across the desktop experience — from summarising documents to adjusting system settings using plain English commands.

On newer Copilot+ PCs, additional AI features run locally on the device using dedicated neural processing hardware, enabling capabilities like real-time image generation, advanced voice assistance, and on-device data processing that doesn’t rely entirely on the cloud.

 

Improved Performance and Multitasking

Snap Layouts, virtual desktops, and improved resource management make Windows 11 a more productive environment for users handling multiple applications simultaneously. For knowledge workers spending their day across Teams, browser, email, and productivity applications, the quality-of-life improvements are tangible.

 

 

 

Hardware Compatibility: What to Check

 

Not every device running Windows 10 can be upgraded to Windows 11. Microsoft’s minimum requirements include a compatible 64-bit processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and crucially — TPM 2.0. Many older business devices don’t meet these requirements, meaning a hardware refresh may be necessary alongside the OS migration.

Running Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool across your device estate will quickly identify which machines can be upgraded and which need replacing. This is an important step before planning any migration, as it determines both the timeline and the budget required.

Planning a Windows 11 Migration for Your Business

 

A Windows 11 migration is most straightforward when it’s planned properly. Key considerations include:

• Device compatibility audit — identifying which devices can upgrade and which need replacing
• Application compatibility — ensuring business-critical software runs correctly on Windows 11
• Deployment method — whether devices are upgraded in place or replaced with new hardware pre-loaded with Windows 11
• User communication — preparing staff for interface changes to minimise disruption
• Microsoft Intune — configuring device management policies for Windows 11 devices to maintain security and compliance

At Via Wire, we manage Windows 11 migrations for businesses of all sizes — from initial compatibility assessments through to deployment and ongoing device management via Microsoft Intune. If your business still has Windows 10 devices in use, now is the time to plan the transition.

The longer Windows 10 devices remain in use without security updates, the greater the exposure to cyber threats. A planned migration — carried out at a pace that suits your business — is significantly less disruptive than dealing with a security incident on an unsupported system.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I still use Windows 10 after the end of support date? Technically yes — your devices won’t stop working. However, without ongoing security patches, the risk of exploitation increases over time. Microsoft does offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a paid option for businesses that need more time, but this is intended as a short-term bridge rather than a long-term solution.

 

Do I have to buy new hardware to get Windows 11? Not necessarily. Many devices purchased in the last three to four years will meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements and can be upgraded in place. Older devices that don’t meet the TPM 2.0 requirement will need replacing. A compatibility audit will tell you exactly where you stand before any decisions are made.

 

How long does a Windows 11 migration take? It depends on the size of your device estate and the complexity of your environment. A small business with ten to fifteen devices can typically be migrated with minimal disruption over a short period. Larger organisations with more complex infrastructure will benefit from a phased approach planned around business operations.

 

Will my existing software still work on Windows 11? The vast majority of business software that runs on Windows 10 is compatible with Windows 11. However, older or niche applications — particularly legacy line-of-business software — should be tested for compatibility before a full migration begins. This is a standard part of any well-managed migration process.

 

If you have questions about Windows 11 that aren’t covered here, our team is happy to help. Get in touch today to discuss a Windows 11 migration plan tailored to your business.