With the impending end of support for Windows 10 on October 14th, a significant number of users remain tethered to this operating system. Current estimates suggest that over 120 million PCs will still be operational by the deadline, highlighting a substantial challenge for organizations navigating this transition.
Financial Implications of Extended Support
Recent analysis from Nexthink reveals that the cost of extended support for Windows 10 could be staggering. With the first year of support priced at per device, organizations may collectively face a bill exceeding .3 billion. This figure is particularly concerning given that approximately 30 percent of the 1.4 billion devices running Windows are utilized by commercial or public sector entities, translating to around 420 million enterprise Windows devices.
Data from Nexthink indicates a notable decline in Windows 10 usage, with a 33 percent drop in devices recorded between May 19 and August 1. If this trend continues, it is projected that around 121 million Windows 10 PCs will remain active by mid-October.
Challenges of Migration to Windows 11
As organizations consider migrating to Windows 11, the transition is not without its hurdles. Tim Flower, DEX strategist at Nexthink, emphasizes the importance of a thoughtful approach to OS upgrades. “Windows 11 brings powerful new capabilities, but only if devices and employees are ready to take advantage of them,” he notes. He advocates for planning that prioritizes user experience over mere compliance, ensuring that devices are equipped to handle the new operating system effectively.
However, reluctance to adopt Windows 11 may stem from its current instability. The analysis shows that devices running Windows 11 are experiencing more frequent system crashes (1.2 percent) compared to their Windows 10 counterparts (0.6 percent), as well as a higher incidence of hard resets (9.9 percent vs. 8.5 percent). Such issues, while typical during the early stages of a new OS, underscore the importance of hardware compatibility and system configuration in shaping the employee experience during migration.
Flower further explains, “Every migration comes with teething problems, and what we’re seeing with Windows 11 is no different. These issues aren’t necessarily due to Windows itself, but are often linked to the underlying hardware, drivers, or the way systems are deployed.” He stresses that IT teams must have visibility into these factors to avoid unnecessary complications during the transition.
Strategies for a Seamless Transition
To facilitate a smooth migration to Windows 11, organizations are advised to:
- Identify remaining Windows 10 devices and evaluate their hardware readiness for the new OS.
- Consider the impact on IT resources, as unsupported OS devices may demand additional support.
- Guide employees on utilizing new features such as Copilot, improved multitasking, and enhanced UI capabilities to mitigate ‘AI FOMO’.
As the deadline approaches, organizations must weigh the costs and benefits of remaining on Windows 10 against the potential advantages of upgrading to Windows 11, all while ensuring that their workforce is prepared for the changes ahead.
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