A significant supply chain challenge is on the horizon for Australian organizations as the end of support for Windows 10 approaches. This situation, described as a potential “crunch,” could expose thousands of businesses to heightened risks of data breaches, as well as insurance and regulatory non-compliance, leading to substantial costs and penalties. This insight was shared with a Sydney audience of IT partners during a recent event hosted by Dicker Data and Microsoft, with sponsorship from Dell Technologies, Dynabook, HP, and Lenovo.
Preparing for Change
At the event, Nate Cochrane, a former editor of ITnews and CRN Australia, presented findings from a CRN Australia report titled “End of Support For Windows 10: A Guide For IT Channel Partners.” The report, which is powered by Dicker Data and Microsoft, revealed that many Australian businesses are ill-prepared for the impending transition to Windows 11, with fewer than 200 business days remaining until the support for Windows 10 ceases on October 14, 2025.
One of the primary concerns highlighted was the global shortage of devices, which could hinder local businesses from replacing their aging technology. Cochrane remarked, “Microsoft’s impending shuttering of support for Windows 10 exposes a significant portion of the Australian economy to threat actors and losses. For many, it will be a hiccup, but for some, the end of Windows 10 will be an existential crisis.”
However, the transition to Windows 11 is not without its silver linings. Many end-users are expected to embrace the new operating system, which promises enhanced productivity features, artificial intelligence capabilities, and improved cybersecurity measures. Yet, the clock is ticking, and the urgency to act is palpable.
According to analyst IDC, approximately 4 million to 5 million devices have been sold annually in recent years. While devices purchased in the last three years may be capable of upgrading, millions of Windows 10 PCs still in use across Australia will require replacement.
Gary Lawrence, Dicker Data’s Microsoft business development manager, urged resellers to promptly evaluate customer fleets and place orders for replacement devices that are at risk of becoming obsolete. Chris Bright, Microsoft’s device partner sales lead, drew parallels to the early days of the Covid pandemic, when remote work surged and supply channels were severely strained.
Continuing to operate Windows 10 devices post-support could lead to several complications:
- Non-compliance with cybersecurity insurance policies may expose resellers and their clients to potentially unlimited liabilities in the event of cyber incidents.
- Businesses may be reluctant to engage with those operating unsupported environments, particularly if privacy laws are at risk of being breached.
- Application incompatibility could arise as software vendors shift their focus to Windows 11, disrupting operations and hindering productivity for users still on Windows 10 after the deadline.
In response to these challenges, Microsoft and Dicker Data are collaborating to enhance skills in preparation for the transition, offering training for IT professionals on the rapid deployment of new systems through ‘Modern Device Management’ and assisting businesses in migrating their applications.
While an ‘extended support update’ program is available, partners recommend against it, emphasizing that the costs associated with maintaining outdated hardware far exceed the investment required for new devices. Cochrane succinctly stated, “The best day to switch to Windows 11 was yesterday; the next best day is today.”
Download a copy of the CRN Australia, Dicker Data & Microsoft report – “End of Support For Windows 10: A Guide For IT Channel Partners.”
