The transition to Windows 11 is not just a possibility; it is an impending reality, as articulated by Thomas Tapsas, the Director of Channel Sales at Synnex. Speaking at a recent partner event in Melbourne, Tapsas emphasized the significant opportunities this shift presents for partners in the industry.
“For those who have been in the business for a while and remember Y2K, the opportunity here is significantly greater with about four times as many PCs needing to be replaced,” Tapsas remarked, highlighting the scale of the transition.
Strategic Support for Partners
As Australia’s leading Personal Systems provider, Synnex is strategically positioned to assist channel partners in navigating this transition. However, the shift to Windows 11 encompasses more than just the prospect of operating PCs with a supported version of the operating system.
Chris Bright, the Device Partner Sales Lead for Microsoft ANZ, shed light on the dual motivations driving this transition. “The end of technical support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025 is significant as it means there won’t be any further security or feature updates after that date. And, importantly, Microsoft 365 will not be supported on Windows 10,” he explained. “But there’s also a significant incentive as many Windows 11 capable PCs will be able to take advantage of the innovations that come from Copilot. AI will revolutionise the way we all work with our computers.”
Organizations that opt against upgrading to Windows 11 face various risks, including unpatched security vulnerabilities unless they invest in extended security—an option that has seen limited uptake. Bright cautioned that organizations experiencing a security breach on a Windows 10 PC could find themselves in regulatory trouble, potentially jeopardizing their cyber-insurance coverage.
A Growing Market for Upgrades
The potential for partners in this market is substantial. In Australian commercial organizations, approximately 5.7 million PCs are still operating on Windows 10, with over half of these unable to support Windows 11, which requires a Generation 8 or later Intel processor. In the education sector, around one million of the 1.8 million PCs running Windows 10 are also incompatible with the new operating system. This translates to nearly 4 million computers across both sectors that need replacement before the looming deadline of 14 October 2025.
Interestingly, during a recent tour of the UK, Bright discovered that Australia is lagging in its adoption of Windows 11, with over half of the UK market already upgraded, while Australia’s adoption rate hovers around 38%.
Beyond AI: The Hardware Advantage
While AI continues to capture attention, Glen Boatwright, the Regional Sales Manager for HPI at Intel, pointed out that the benefits of upgrading to new PCs running Windows 11 extend beyond artificial intelligence. “There are huge hardware gains that aren’t AI,” Boatwright noted. “Many PC fleets were upgraded at the start of the pandemic. Since then, there have been six new processor generations. Battery life has doubled in some cases, and integrated cameras, Wi-Fi, microphones, and other components have all markedly improved. There are massive productivity and user satisfaction gains to be made by upgrading.”
Boatwright advised that partners who emphasize how users’ lives will improve, alongside long-term benefits, will find greater success in this competitive landscape.
Navigating Challenges with Expert Guidance
Chris Woodall, the National Configuration Services Manager at Synnex Australia, acknowledged the challenges that may arise during the transition to Windows 11 but assured that Synnex is equipped to guide partners through this journey. “There can be challenges ensuring that InTune is configured optimally. And many partners underestimate the time it takes for AutoPilot to execute. But we can work with partners to ensure the deployment to customers is executed as smoothly as possible,” he explained, detailing services such as unboxing, bagging, cable testing, tagging, and proper AutoPilot configuration.
With security being a paramount concern, Bright highlighted that newer PCs are designed to support hardware protection for BitLocker-encrypted drives, and PCs running Windows 11 experience 58% fewer security incidents.
The transition to Windows 11 is underway. With the average mid-range upgrade program spanning approximately 450 days, organizations that have yet to begin are already around 300 days behind schedule. Given the pressing need to replace about 4 million PCs across commercial and educational sectors, channel partners have a prime opportunity to assist their customers in making this essential shift. By focusing on the myriad benefits in usability, performance, and productivity, as well as the added advantage of being prepared for the ongoing AI revolution, partners leveraging Synnex’s expertise will be well-positioned to enhance revenues while supporting their clients.
To stay ahead of the Windows 11 transition and explore the latest in AI and next-generation hardware, join industry experts at the Synnex Alliance event. Get practical insights, see new technology in action, and connect with peers navigating the same challenges. Reserve your spot today.
