In a landscape characterized by economic unpredictability and supply chain challenges, businesses are compelled to navigate a myriad of obstacles. The urgency to embrace innovative technologies, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence, has never been more pronounced. The 2025 Work Trend Index report reveals that a significant 82% of business leaders recognize this year as critical for reevaluating their strategic and operational frameworks.
As organizations prepare for the impending cessation of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, it becomes increasingly vital to devise effective strategies that ensure seamless operations and robust security. Windows 365 emerges as a beacon of hope for a secure, AI-driven, cloud-enabled future. In a bid to assist our commercial clients during these transformative times, Microsoft is thrilled to announce a 20% discount on all Windows 365 plans for new customers starting today.*
Cloud security and Windows 365 special offer: Rethinking IT strategies
To facilitate a smooth transition to Windows 11, companies must assess whether their existing Windows 10 devices qualify for a complimentary upgrade, consider investing in new Windows 11 PCs, or opt for the cloud with Windows 365. This shift is particularly timely, as businesses seek dependable and cost-effective alternatives to refreshing physical devices or prolonging the lifespan of current PCs. Windows 365 offers a secure Windows 11 experience via a Cloud PC—essentially your Windows environment in the cloud, accessible from virtually anywhere.
Designed with Zero Trust principles, Windows 365 continuously authenticates the identity and reliability of every user, device, and network attempting to access organizational resources, ensuring that your data remains secure against evolving threats. Gartner® analyst Stuart Downes notes, “Today, 95% of work could be cost-effectively performed using virtual desktops compared to 40% in 2019.”
Moreover, transitioning to Windows 365 can significantly lower your carbon footprint, aligning with sustainability objectives. A research study commissioned by Microsoft explored the potential for carbon emissions reductions and energy cost savings associated with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. The findings indicated that for high-intensity workloads, utilizing Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365 on low to medium intensity physical machines results in lower emissions than relying on powerful laptops. For more insights on how Windows 365 can support your environmental goals, visit aka.ms/BeGreenWithWindowsCloud.
As the October 14, 2025 deadline for Windows 10 support looms, organizations have a unique opportunity to reassess their IT strategies. Windows 365 not only serves as a cost-effective alternative to replacing physical devices, but it also offers Extended Security Updates (ESUs) at no additional cost to Windows 365 customers. This ensures that Windows 10 PCs connecting to Windows 365 will continue to receive essential security updates beyond the official support deadline, while users benefit from the enhanced productivity and improved experience of Windows 11 streamed from the Microsoft Cloud.
Customers paving the way with Windows 365
Windows 365 caters to a diverse range of industries and applications—from information workers who require constant access to Windows, to frontline employees who may only need it during their shifts. Crocs, the renowned footwear brand, transitioned to Windows 365 seeking a solution that would alleviate financial pressures while enhancing the experience for both administrators and employees. “After we fully cut everyone over to Windows 365, there was about 0,000 a year in cost savings alone, not to mention we were able to support our users more efficiently and effectively. It was a paradigm shift for the business,” remarked Scott Czarnecki, Crocs’ Senior Director of Global IT Infrastructure.
“It was a paradigm shift for the business”
– Scott Czarnecki, Crocs
Similarly, dnata Travel Group, a global leader in leisure and corporate travel services, selected Windows 365 to ensure secure access to corporate systems for their mobile workforce. “We performed several feasibility studies and ultimately landed on Windows 365 as the best choice to create a secure environment for Cloud PCs and enable employees to work from any device or location,” stated Sean Kelly, Vice President of Information Technology at dnata.
Transitioning to Windows 365 also presents an opportunity to reduce carbon footprints and advance sustainability initiatives. Hamburg Commercial Bank initially deployed Windows 365 to support hybrid work and is now planning a broader rollout for various reasons, including sustainability improvements. “The plan for the future is to go more and more into Windows 365. It’s of utmost importance for us at Hamburg Commercial Bank to pay greater attention to sustainability in everything we do. We expect that using Windows 365 will help us reduce our hardware needs and electricity consumption,” shared Thorsten Lüdtke, Head of IT Infrastructure at Hamburg Commercial Bank.
Embrace the future with Windows 365
The trajectory of end-user computing is firmly rooted in AI and cloud technologies, with Windows 365 positioned as a frontrunner in this evolution. By adopting Windows 365, organizations can enhance productivity, lower IT infrastructure costs, streamline PC lifecycle management, bolster security, and improve agility and resilience. These steps are essential for preparing all organizations for an AI-driven future. For further insights into the transformative impact of cloud solutions like Windows 365, refer to the Total Economic Impact™ study conducted by Forrester Consulting at aka.ms/WCTEI2025info.
Seize the opportunity presented by the promotional offer* and position your business for future success with Windows 365. The 20% discount on all Windows 365 plans for new customers highlights Microsoft’s steadfast commitment to supporting clients during these uncertain times. Transition to Windows 365 and unlock the full potential of the cloud, enhanced security, predictable costs, and operational efficiency that will propel your organization forward.
* NOTICE: Microsoft reserves the right to discontinue this promotion, and to modify these policies and the promotion’s terms and conditions at any time. This offer runs from May 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025, and is available for customers not currently subscribed to Windows 365. The discount applies for either the remainder of the Enterprise Agreement contract period or the first year of the customer’s Windows 365 subscription, whichever is shorter. Transactions must be processed through Microsoft’s operations center before 11:00 p.m. Pacific Time on October 31, 2025. This offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount on Windows 365. This offer is only available once per customer. Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient.
Source: Gartner Conference Presentations: Gartner, Digital Workplace Summit Presentation, Assessing the Use and Future of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and DaaS, Stuart Downes, 12-13 March 2025. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
