As the countdown ticks down to Microsoft’s ceasing of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, Australian organizations find themselves facing a ticking time bomb of potential security threats and operational disruptions. A recent event hosted by Dicker Data and Microsoft brought these challenges to light, urging local businesses to act swiftly before they face dire ramifications, including data breaches and regulatory penalties.
Nate Cochrane, a contributing editor at CRN Australia, articulated a compelling image of the landscape ahead. “Microsoft’s impending shuttering of support for Windows 10 exposes a significant portion of the Australian economy to threat actors and losses,” he stated. For many businesses, this transition could signify just an inconvenience; for others, it may be an existential threat.
However, with an estimated 4 to 5 million devices sold annually in Australia, organizations must act quickly to replace the aging hardware that cannot support Windows 11. Gary Lawrence, Microsoft’s business development manager at Dicker Data, emphasized the urgency for resellers to evaluate customer fleets and order replacement devices urgently before the inevitable supply crunch.
If you haven’t already, it’s time to heed the advice: “The best day to switch to Windows 11 was yesterday; the next best day is today.” Don’t let the support deadline pass you by and leave your organization exposed to risks that could have been mitigated with timely action.
Source: CRN Australia Australian business urged to avoid fallout from Windows 10 support deadline - Hardware - Mobility - Software
The Impending Device Supply Chain Crunch
The crux of the issue lies in a looming supply chain crunch anticipated as organizations attempt to replace their outdated devices. With global supply chains still recovering from the tumultuous disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, IT partners at the event warned that the upcoming deadline could lead to a severe bottleneck in device availability.Nate Cochrane, a contributing editor at CRN Australia, articulated a compelling image of the landscape ahead. “Microsoft’s impending shuttering of support for Windows 10 exposes a significant portion of the Australian economy to threat actors and losses,” he stated. For many businesses, this transition could signify just an inconvenience; for others, it may be an existential threat.
The Risks of Inaction
Failing to transition from Windows 10 carries several substantial risks:- Increased Exposure to Cyber Threats: Without regular security updates and patches, devices running Windows 10 will become prime targets for cybercriminals. Companies could find themselves vulnerable to attacks that could lead to catastrophic data breaches.
- Regulatory and Compliance Failures: Companies relying on outdated operating systems may fall short of cybersecurity compliance standards, leaving them open to legal ramifications and hefty fines due to non-compliance with regulations.
- Operational Disruptions: With software vendors shifting their focus towards Windows 11, businesses that remain on Windows 10 could face compatibility issues, resulting in interruptions and potential failures in critical software applications.
The Transition to Windows 11
Despite the threats posed by continued use of Windows 10, there remains a silver lining for the tech-savvy: the transition to Windows 11. The new operating system boasts enhanced productivity features, advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, and a stronger focus on cybersecurity. These improvements could help organizations streamline their operations and bolster their defenses against cyber threats.However, with an estimated 4 to 5 million devices sold annually in Australia, organizations must act quickly to replace the aging hardware that cannot support Windows 11. Gary Lawrence, Microsoft’s business development manager at Dicker Data, emphasized the urgency for resellers to evaluate customer fleets and order replacement devices urgently before the inevitable supply crunch.
Strategic Recommendations
As we inch closer to the deadline, here are some actionable steps for organizations to mitigate their risks:- Conduct an Inventory Assessment: IT departments should immediately assess current hardware to determine which devices are incapable of running Windows 11 and plan replacements accordingly.
- Prioritize Purchases: Since hardware availability is expected to dwindle, prioritize upgrades on essential devices that play a critical role in business operations.
- Training and Development: Upskill IT teams in modern device management and efficient deployment of new systems to facilitate a smoother transition.
- Avoid Extended Support Options: As tempting as it may be to leverage Microsoft's extended support program for Windows 10, the associated costs and risks far outweigh the investment in necessary upgrades.
- Engage with IT Partners: Collaborate with IT resellers and partners for strategic guidance on transitioning effectively to Windows 11 and ensuring compliance with security protocols.
Conclusion
The message is clear: Australian businesses must act decisively to avoid the fallout from the end-of-support for Windows 10. With the clock ticking, now is the time to innovate, upgrade, and future-proof against the vulnerabilities that can creep in from continuing to run obsolete systems. The faster organizations embrace this change, the better prepared they will be for the opportunities that come with Microsoft’s latest offerings.If you haven’t already, it’s time to heed the advice: “The best day to switch to Windows 11 was yesterday; the next best day is today.” Don’t let the support deadline pass you by and leave your organization exposed to risks that could have been mitigated with timely action.
Source: CRN Australia Australian business urged to avoid fallout from Windows 10 support deadline - Hardware - Mobility - Software
