In the fast-changing world of technology, businesses must adapt to stay competitive. As Microsoft ends support for Windows 10, thousands of organisations face a significant challenge. The end of life (EOL) for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, marks a crucial milestone for businesses of all sizes.

Authored by Dan Hall, Technologist Data Centre & Cloud

To help our customers prepare for this transition, we aim to ensure they understand why Windows 10 is ending, what this means for their business, the benefits of Windows 11, and how modern deployment tools like Autopilot can simplify and streamline the process.

“According to Enlyft, 61,705 companies use Windows 10 worldwide, with over 3,000 of them based here in the UK.”

So why is Windows 10 ending?

Microsoft introduced Windows 10 in 2015, and it has been a reliable operating system for nearly a decade. However, as technology evolves, upgrades become inevitable. The decision to end support for Windows 10 is part of Microsoft’s long-term strategy to focus on Windows 11, which offers enhanced security, improved performance, and new features.

Maintaining and updating Windows 10 alongside newer systems like Windows 11 has become less efficient. Moreover, with increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity threats, the advanced protection features built into Windows 11 are essential for keeping businesses secure, making the transition to the new OS a necessary move.

What does the end of Windows 10 mean for your business?

The end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025 means Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. This exposes organisations still using Windows 10 to security vulnerabilities and cyberattacks. Companies that don't upgrade may also face software compatibility issues as developers shift away from older systems.

For many businesses, transitioning to Windows 11 is necessary but challenging, requiring operational changes, licensing upgrades, and new deployment strategies. Without proper planning, this shift could result in downtime, higher costs, and productivity disruptions, making it crucial to prepare ahead of time.

“Windows 11 is designed to offer advanced cyber security protection due to an alarming increase in breaches. According to IT governance the number of breached records in 2023 reached a colossal 8,214,886,660.”

What are the main changes and upgrades with Windows 11?

Key changes and upgrades in Windows 11 include:

• Enhanced security: Windows 11 introduces advanced features like hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection, designed to address modern cybersecurity challenges.
  
  
• Modern user interface: The cleaner, more intuitive interface includes a streamlined taskbar, redesigned start menu, and features like Snap Layouts for improved productivity.
  
  
• Improved performance: Windows 11 is optimised for speed, offering faster boot times, better battery life for mobile devices, and efficient resource management for demanding applications.
  
  
• Virtual desktops and collaboration: With hybrid work in mind, Windows 11 integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams and supports virtual desktops for better team collaboration.

What you need to consider when updating to Windows 11

To smoothly transition to Windows 11 organisations must allocate time, resources, and money to manage the switch. Key concerns include:

• Licensing costs: Upgrading to Windows 11 may require new licences, depending on your current licensing agreement. This could translate to a significant upfront investment, particularly for larger organisations.
  
  
• Hardware compatibility: Not all devices currently running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. The new OS has stricter hardware requirements, such as support for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which may necessitate hardware upgrades or replacements.
  
  
• Downtime and disruption: The migration process can be time-consuming, leading to downtime that could affect employee productivity. Proper planning is crucial to minimise disruptions.
  
  
• Training and adaptation: Employees will need to familiarise themselves with the new interface and features of Windows 11. Training programs may be required to ensure a smooth transition.

Autopilot deployment of Windows 11 on your new devices

Microsoft Autopilot is a cloud-based solution that simplifies the deployment of Windows. Supporting your business with:

• Zero-touch deployment: Autopilot allows new Windows 11 devices to be shipped directly to employees. Deployment begins as soon as devices are powered on and connected to the internet, enabling IT teams to remotely configure them without physical setup, saving time and reducing complexity.
  
  
• Personalisation: Autopilot customises the deployment experience. Employees log in with corporate credentials, and their devices automatically configure to company policies and settings.
  
  
• Simplified management: Integrated with Microsoft Intune, Autopilot ensures devices are automatically enrolled, making them easy to monitor, manage, and update, keeping them secure and compliant with organisational policies throughout their lifecycle.
  
  
• Cost efficiency: By eliminating manual setup and reducing deployment time, Autopilot lowers labour costs. Its cloud-based infrastructure also avoids large-scale hardware investments, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

Supporting your upgrade to Windows 11 with InTune (for existing devices)

At CAE, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with upgrading your operating system. That’s why we leverage Microsoft InTune to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to Windows 11 for our customers. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the upgrade process, from hardware compatibility assessments to zero-touch deployments.

Although the end of Windows 10 presents challenges, with the right tools and strategies, businesses can turn this transition into an opportunity for growth and innovation. Windows 11, offers a secure, efficient, and cost-effective way to work in the future.

How we can help

CAE is an official Microsoft Solutions Partner enabling us to specialise in Windows 10 and 11. This partnership status strengthens our commitment to transform your business and your customer’s experiences through technology, by offering cutting-edge solutions to lead to great success.

Book an envisioning call with our team today and discover how Microsoft Windows 11 will support your business, what steps we can take together to prepare for the end of Windows 10 and how to manage the upgrade.