The countdown to the end of Windows 10 support is now less than a year away, prompting the tech channel to leverage this impending deadline as a catalyst for encouraging PC upgrades. Microsoft has officially announced that it will phase out support for Windows 10 in October of next year, marking the cessation of free system updates, technical assistance, and security patches in just 356 days.
This pivotal transition was a focal point at the recent Canalys Channel Forum, where industry leaders, including representatives from Lenovo and Microsoft, discussed the potential opportunities arising from the shift to Windows 11. As the clock ticks down, customers are urged to devise a strategy for migrating away from Windows 10, with the channel amplifying the message to ensure awareness.
Lewis Pope, the head nerd at N-able, emphasized the importance of this transition for managed service providers (MSPs). He stated, “This transition, beginning on 14 October 2025, presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses, especially when it comes to upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. For companies with newer systems, this may be a straightforward software upgrade. However, older systems lacking Trusted Platform Module 2.0 or nearing the end of their lifecycle pose more complex issues, often requiring new hardware.”
Pope further highlighted the crucial role MSPs play in assisting clients during this change. “Many business leaders are hesitant to operating system upgrades, viewing it as an unnecessary expense, especially when systems seem to be functioning well. However, after Windows 10’s end of support, these systems will no longer receive security patches, leaving businesses exposed to serious risks that an MSP now must pick up the slack and attempt to mitigate, which is often a losing proposition.”
Sustainability
Beyond the immediate need for security patches and support with a current operating system, the transition also presents an opportunity for companies to reflect on their desktop strategies, particularly in terms of sustainability. Steve Haskew, group director of sustainability and growth at Circular Computing, noted, “The sunsetting of Windows 10 has significant implications for companies across the globe. Microsoft’s flagship is estimated to be installed on well over a billion PCs and still dominates its successor in market share, despite Windows 11 launching three years ago.”
Haskew added, “UK businesses need to plan now to avoid getting left with obsolete technology, which could cause disruptions to operations. The next 12 months also gives companies a great opportunity to adopt more sustainable practices, such as having their hardware remanufactured to extend its lifespan.”
Market analysts are optimistic about the prospects for 2025, anticipating that the pressure from the Windows 10 support switch-off, combined with the allure of artificial intelligence-capable products, will drive users toward enhanced functionality and modern solutions.
