Microsoft has announced Windows 10 will reach End of Support on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will stop providing security updates and technical assistance, exposing businesses to significant security risks.
For businesses running Windows 10, the time to plan migration to Windows 11 Pro is now. A proactive approach ensures seamless transition while maintaining security compliance and enables you to harness advanced features and performance improvements.
This article explores the implications of Windows 10 End of Support, the security and performance benefits of Windows 11 Pro, and how to ensure a smooth transition in the process.
Key takeaways
- Windows 10 End of Support: October 14, 2025; Microsoft will halt security updates and technical support. Immediate planning for Windows 11 Pro migration is essential.
- Windows 11 Pro offers 42% faster workload completion and 58% fewer security incidents, with AI capabilities that enhance business operations.
- ET Works provides comprehensive assessment services that minimise business disruption while maximising productivity benefits from your upgrade.
Understanding End of Support (EOS) and Its Implications
End of Support represents a critical milestone in any operating system’s lifecycle, when Microsoft discontinues all security updates and technical assistance. This leaves systems increasingly vulnerable to newly discovered cyber threats and exploits, creating an expanding attack surface that malicious actors can target with impunity.
Running Windows 10 beyond October 2025 exposes your business to a cascade of serious security risks that go far beyond routine IT concerns. To understand the full impact, consider that security incidents can lead to immediate data breaches, substantial financial losses, and damage to your reputation.
The stakes are even higher for organisations in regulated industries. Many regulatory frameworks and industry standards explicitly require using supported operating systems to maintain certification and compliance. Failure to upgrade before the Windows 10 End of Support deadline could result in penalties, loss of certifications and potential legal consequences that could have been avoided with proper planning.
Security Enhancements in Windows 11 Pro
At its core, Windows 11 Pro offers a fortress of advanced security features, including sophisticated hardware-based isolation, military-grade encryption, and enhanced malware protection. Because of these core security improvements, Windows 11 Pro provides robust protection against modern cyber threats, making it a highly secure Windows version.
The integration of key security components like TPM 2.0 support, Secure Boot, and virtualisation-based security creates a robust defence mechanism against sophisticated attacks. These features work together to provide significantly better protection than previous Windows versions, establishing a solid foundation for enterprise security.
Microsoft’s commitment to ongoing security updates ensures that Windows 11 Pro remains resilient against emerging threats. This proactive approach to security has delivered impressive results, with businesses experiencing a significant 58% decrease in security incidents after upgrading from Windows 10 devices.
Windows 11 Pro revolutionises user authentication with smarter identity protection features, including advanced Windows Hello facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, and sophisticated biometric solutions. These sophisticated biometric solutions provide more secure access with unprecedented convenience, striking the perfect balance between security and usability.
IT teams gain expert-level control over their security infrastructure with Windows 11 Pro’s granular security controls. These powerful tools enable the implementation of sophisticated governance policies and efficient security management across all organisational devices, ensuring consistent protection throughout your enterprise.
Performance Benefits and Modern Experience
The performance improvements in Windows 11 Pro represent an evolutionary leap forward, delivering an impressive 42% faster completion of demanding workloads compared to its predecessor. This substantial boost in processing capability directly translates to enhanced employee productivity, and operational efficiency across all business functions.
Modern Windows 11 Pro devices showcase remarkable endurance with 61% longer battery life while maintaining responsive performance. These improvements particularly benefit organisations embracing hybrid work models, ensuring mobile professionals can remain productive regardless of location, or working conditions.
The reimagined user interface in Windows 11 Pro introduces an intuitive layout that streamlines workflow navigation. This thoughtful design has proven its worth through concrete results, with businesses reporting an 80% reduction in helpdesk tickets following deployment of new Windows 11 Pro devices.
Deep integration with Microsoft 365 elevates collaboration, and productivity to new heights, while premium hardware features including high-quality cameras, microphones, and displays enhance virtual communication. The addition of versatile input methods through enhanced pen, ink, touch and voice support ensures that every user can work efficiently according to their preferred style.
AI-Enhanced Capabilities and Business Benefits
Windows 11 Pro represents a significant advancement in artificial intelligence integration, with new devices featuring optional Neural Processing Units (NPUs) that deliver unprecedented performance for AI-intensive tasks. This hardware optimisation ensures your business can fully leverage advanced AI capabilities without compromising system performance.
The integration of AI-enhanced workflows transforms routine business operations by automating repetitive tasks, providing intelligent suggestions based on user behaviour, and improving the quality and consistency of work output. These smarter features significantly reduce time spent on administrative tasks while improving the quality and consistency of work output.
Microsoft’s Copilot integration takes productivity to new heights by offering AI-assisted tools that help users navigate complex workflows, locate information more efficiently, and improve operational efficiency. The impact of these AI capabilities extends beyond individual productivity, with studies showing businesses achieving a remarkable 250% ROI through reduced support costs and improved operational efficiency.
The combination of advanced AI features, cloud capabilities, and measurable business benefits positions your organisation to gain significant competitive advantages in your market. These technological improvements translate directly into measurable business benefits, including dramatically reduced helpdesk tickets and enhanced user productivity.
Addressing Common Objections
While you may currently be satisfied with your Windows 10 PCs, it’s important to consider the hidden costs of maintaining older systems. Beyond immediate functionality, these devices often incur increasing management overhead, expose your organisation to growing security risks, and subtly erode productivity through slower performance and outdated features.
When comparing operating systems, users who prefer Windows 10 may find Windows 11’s superior performance offers a strong incentive to switch. The new operating system’s faster start times, streamlined workflows, and innovative features like Copilot demonstrate clear advantages that enhance rather than disrupt existing work patterns.
The transition to Windows 11 has been designed with compatibility in mind, with most Windows 10 applications running seamlessly on the new platform. Microsoft’s commitment to smooth migration is evident through the App Assure program, which offers free resolution services for any compatibility issues that may arise.
Because of potential complications, those considering delayed adoption should be aware of the risks associated with waiting until the EOS deadline. A rushed implementation not only increases the likelihood of disruptions but also leaves your business vulnerable to security threats that could have been avoided with proper planning and early adoption.
When hardware requirements cause concern, professional assessment services help evaluate your existing equipment. These assessments help identify which devices are eligible for upgrade, which need replacement, and enabling better budget planning and resource allocation.
Delaying an upgrade to Windows 11 introduces significant risks related to security and implementation. Late adopters often face rushed implementations, potential business disruptions, and missed opportunities to outsmart competitors by leveraging new features that could provide advantages in your market.
Partner with ET Works
for Your Windows 11 Pro Journey
ET Works can guide your organisation through every step of the Windows 11 Pro transition, offering comprehensive assessment, planning, and deployment services. Our experienced team ensures minimal disruption to your business operations while maximising the benefits of your upgrade investment.
Don’t wait until the last minute to protect your business. Contact ET Works today.
Linked Resources:
Marcus Evans
Commercial Sales Manager
An industry veteran with 30+ years of supporting and advising customers on Managed IT Services plus Infrastructure, End-User Computing, Security, Networking and Business Applications. A nomadic British-Australian Dual Citizen that has lived in 7 countries and dreams of one-day getting to a single-figure golf handicap (one day…)
Show all articles by Marcus EvansRelated reading from the works
The Bedford College Group Ends Support Woes with Lessons from Nutanix
KnowBe4
Wasabi