As the clock ticks down to October 14, a significant transition looms for computer users in the Middle East. Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10, which celebrated its tenth anniversary on July 29, is set to create operational and financial challenges, particularly for businesses that have woven this operating system into the fabric of their daily processes.
Windows 10’s Popularity in the Region
Windows 10 remains a dominant force in the Middle East, with a notable presence among users. In Saudi Arabia, it holds the title of the most popular operating system, powering 53 percent of Microsoft computers, slightly above the global average of 49 percent. Oman leads the Gulf region with a 57 percent usage rate, while Egypt boasts an impressive 66 percent. In contrast, the UAE reports the lowest proportion of Windows 10 users at 43 percent.
The impending end of support raises concerns, particularly for organizations that have invested heavily in Windows 10. MJ Patent, a member of the Global Technology Industry Association advisory council, cautions that while devices may continue to operate post-deadline, the absence of critical security updates and support could jeopardize compliance and security frameworks.
Challenges for Businesses
Transitioning to Windows 11 may seem straightforward for individual users, but for companies, the process can be daunting. “It can take years for the installed base in any organization to modernize, and it is often a gradual process,” explains Chris Silva, VP analyst at consultancy Gartner. This slow evolution means that tens of millions of devices across the region will require updates or replacements, particularly in office settings.
For those unable to migrate immediately, Microsoft offers an extended security updates (ESU) service. However, this comes at a price: per device for the first year, escalating to 2 in the second year and 4 in the third. While this service provides critical and important security updates for a maximum of three years, it does not cover vulnerabilities deemed moderate or low, potentially leaving businesses exposed.
The Path Forward
According to Timon Watson, director analyst at Gartner, the ESU program is strategically designed to nudge organizations toward adopting Windows 11. “The rising costs and incomplete patching mean it will not be a viable option for some organizations,” he notes, emphasizing that this solution serves as a temporary bridge rather than a sustainable long-term strategy.
As the deadline approaches, businesses must weigh their options carefully, balancing the immediate costs of upgrading against the potential risks of remaining on an unsupported operating system. The transition may not be as catastrophic as the Y2K scare, but it certainly demands attention and action from all corners of the region’s tech landscape.
