Navigating the Urgent Migration to Windows 11

As the deadline for Windows 10 support draws near, the imperative to migrate to Windows 11 grows increasingly urgent. By October 2025, Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10, discontinuing vital security updates and new feature rollouts. This cessation will create a significant technological divide between companies that have upgraded and those that still need to, potentially placing the latter at a severe disadvantage in terms of security and operational efficiency. The financial implications of delaying the migration are also steep, with costs for Microsoft’s Extended Support Updates starting at $61 per user in the first year and escalating to $244 per unit annually by the third year.

The Current Landscape and Financial Stakes

Findings from our recent study illustrate a critical gap in migration progress: 82% of enterprise Windows endpoint devices have yet to transition to Windows 11. This statistic underscores a widespread need for organizations to prioritize and expedite their migration strategies to avoid falling behind. The urgency is compounded by the financial repercussions of remaining on an unsupported platform. Organizations continuing on Windows 10 post-deadline will face escalating costs for extended support and increased susceptibility to cyber threats—a risk vividly highlighted by incidents like the WannaCry malware outbreak and security breaches at critical infrastructure facilities.

Particularly lagging behind are finance organizations, with 89% still not running Windows 11 despite having the highest device readiness at 97%. Healthcare and general business sectors also show significant delays, with 80% and 78% of devices not yet migrated, respectively, despite 78% and 73% readiness levels.

Additionally, the migration status varies regionally. In Europe, 20% of enterprises have completed the migration, slightly ahead of the Americas, where only 17% have migrated. This discrepancy highlights regional differences in migration readiness and execution, with 88% of enterprise devices in the Americas ready for migration, compared to 87% in Europe.

Addressing Hardware and Software Readiness

The transition to Windows 11 is not merely a software update but a comprehensive overhaul, often requiring significant hardware updates. Windows 11 demands specific specs and system requirements to provide compatibility and enhance security and performance. ControlUp’s data reveals that of the devices that are yet to migrate, while 88% of enterprise devices are ready for migration, just 1% can be upgraded to meet the requirements, and a concerning 11% need to be completely replaced.

This phase of readiness assessment and hardware evaluation is crucial, particularly as the shift toward remote and hybrid work models adds complexity to the migration efforts. Organizations must ensure all employees, irrespective of location, can seamlessly transition to the new operating system. This might involve comprehensive strategies like hosting informational town halls, conducting webinars, or distributing detailed digital checklists to prepare and support every end-user.

Software compatibility is another critical aspect. Ensuring that all business-critical applications function smoothly on the new operating system is imperative to maintaining productivity and avoiding costly disruptions. The planning phase should involve thorough compatibility checks and necessary software updates to facilitate a smooth transition.

Strategic Migration and Long-term Benefits

Given the complexities and high stakes of upgrading to Windows 11, strategic planning must be balanced. Starting early is crucial to manage the multifaceted process effectively. It’s wise to take a proactive approach, using tools that simplify the readiness assessment and support a smooth transition. Organizations can minimize downtime, mitigate risks, and ensure a successful upgrade with a solution that has complete visibility into the migration process.

Moreover, the migration to Windows 11 presents an opportunity not just to update systems but to optimize the entire IT landscape. Implementing digital employee experience (DEX) tools during the rollout can enhance IT performance visibility, improve device functionality, and elevate the user experience. This holistic approach not only secures digital assets against growing threats but also drives operational efficiencies, reducing support tickets, and enhancing overall control.

While daunting, the migration to Windows 11 is an essential step for organizations aiming to secure their digital futures in today’s dynamic tech landscape. With careful planning, a comprehensive readiness assessment, and strategic execution, companies can transition smoothly and reap significant long-term benefits from their upgraded IT infrastructure.