Closing time beckons for Windows 10, with end-of-support looming in October 2025.
While the transition to Windows 11 might seem like a straightforward upgrade on the surface – it’s technically just a download and update - it's proving to be a complex and challenging journey for businesses of all sizes – from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to large enterprises – and by extension, for the resellers and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) who support them. We all understand that it’s slightly more of an issue than simply hitting update and restart on a few machines.
The SMB Conundrum: Device Lifecycles and Unexpected Costs
For many SMBs, the concept of a rolling 3-5 year device replacement cycle is alien. Their philosophy has traditionally been "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
This approach means a significant number of their perfectly functional Windows 10 devices are now facing mandatory replacement due to the stricter hardware requirements of Windows 11. Suddenly, businesses are being confronted with the need to invest in new hardware, a cost that often wasn't budgeted for, despite the announcement of Windows 10's end of life coming all the way back in 2021. This is leading to considerable pushback and a demand for clarity around purchase dates versus warranties to justify these unexpected expenditures.
Adding to this challenge is the common SMB tendency to attempt to delay change until the very last minute, hoping to extract maximum value from existing assets. While understandable from a financial perspective, this approach overlooks the crucial security benefits offered by Windows 11. Waiting until October 2025 to upgrade means businesses potentially exposing their operations to escalating security risks in the months leading up to the deadline.
Large Enterprises: Application Compatibility Takes Centre Stage
Larger organisations, generally adhering to more structured refresh cycles, are less impacted by the hardware requirements. Their challenge lies elsewhere: application compatibility.
Many legacy applications, critical to their operations, simply aren't compatible with Windows 11. This forces these organisations into difficult decisions: investing in costly Extended Security Updates (ESU) licensing to keep Windows 10 devices patched, or exploring complex workarounds and modernisation projects for their application portfolio. The sheer scale of application dependencies makes this a far more intricate migration than just a hardware refresh.
Just a note on the ESU licensing pricing – there actually isn’t a current UK/EU pricing structure in place at present, however the US version is $61 per machine for a single year, and this doubles into the second year.
A Shifting Tide, But Challenges Remain
Interestingly, despite these hurdles, the landscape is undeniably shifting. According to Statcounter data for June 2025, a significant milestone has been reached in the UK, with 58.94% of devices now running Windows 11. This marks a notable change from the beginning of the year when Windows 10 still held the majority, indicating a recent surge in transition efforts.
However, this positive trend doesn't negate the underlying difficulties. The increased adoption in recent months likely reflects the intensifying pressure as the Windows 10 end-of-life date draws nearer. And despite the surge in transition, this still leaves 40% of devices in the UK which are still operating on Windows 10. That’s a huge number given that the Windows 10 end of life is only 3 months away. We've already highlighted why you should be shifting to Windows 11.
The Crucial Role of Resellers and MSPs
This is where resellers and MSPs become absolutely critical.
The transition isn't just a technical upgrade; it's a commercial and strategic decision that many businesses were unprepared for. The education piece, not only on the technical aspects of Windows 11 and its benefits but also on the commercial implications and the necessity of proactive budgeting, needed to be far more robust and planned well in advance of 2025.
Resellers and MSPs are on the front lines, helping clients understand the true cost of delaying, the security risks involved, and the long-term advantages of embracing Windows 11. They are instrumental in guiding businesses through device lifecycle planning, identifying application compatibility issues, and devising tailored migration strategies.
The Windows 10/11 transition is a stark reminder that technology upgrades are rarely just about the software itself. They are deeply intertwined with business processes, financial planning, and risk management. For end-users, it's a period of unexpected investment and operational adjustments. For resellers and MSPs, it's an opportunity to solidify their position as trusted advisors, navigating clients through these complex waters with expertise and strategic foresight.
And we’re here to help! Whether you need to update your stock in order to be able to support your customers, or you need some resources to assist in the education of businesses as to why it is so imperative that they get active in the transition process you can count on us! Get in touch with your Account Manager today to discuss how we can help you.