With the termination date for Windows 10 support just around the corner—October 2025—enterprises worldwide, including a significant chunk of Australian organizations, face a crucial challenge: the mandatory shift to Windows 11. According to Microsoft, approximately four million PCs in Australia alone are not equipped to handle this transition. That’s four million potential security risks, productivity bottlenecks, and long-term operational headaches waiting to happen. If you haven’t started planning for your company’s migration strategy, buckle up. This journey is more than just swapping out old hardware—it’s about strategic foresight and embracing smarter, AI-enabled systems. Let’s break it all down.
If you plan to extend your hardware lifecycle further, it’s imperative to think strategically about AI-readiness. That includes ensuring machines are built for not just today’s but tomorrow’s workloads.
It’s worth recalling high-profile ransomware incidents like WannaCry, which were exacerbated by outdated operating systems. Even without dramatic breaches, failure to adopt new features could mean losing out to competitors who are already leveraging AI-powered productivity tools.
Here’s a final checklist:
Source: Tech Business News With October 2025 Approaching, Organisations Must Prepare For The Transition to Windows 11
The Cost of Staying with Windows 10
Continuing with Windows 10 post-2025 isn’t as simple as skipping an update. It’s a gamble with erupting costs and security vulnerabilities. To put it plainly:- No Free Security Updates: Once Windows 10 support ends, organizations relying on outdated machines sacrifice the critical security patches that fend off malware, ransomware, and other cybersecurity threats.
- Premium Support Costs: Microsoft will provide extended support, but at a steep price. Think per-user, per-month fees, which could strain IT budgets.
- Compliance Risks: As regulations tighten across various industries, using outdated software can have compliance implications, especially if a data breach stems from unsupported systems.
Why Are Many Devices Unprepared?
Here’s the real kicker: Even though Windows 11 was launched in late 2021, many businesses still operate hardware unable to meet its minimum requirements. How did we get here?- Pandemic-Prompted Rush Purchases: Around 2020, countless companies scrambled to acquire hardware for remote work setups. Many machines bought during this period were designed for adaptability, not longevity.
- Extended Hardware Lifecycles: In the name of cutting costs amidst economic uncertainties, organizations delayed planned hardware replacement cycles. Unfortunately, stretching the lifecycle of devices from 3–4 years to 5+ years means much of this hardware is now incompatible with Windows 11.
The Business Case for Windows 11
Let’s set aside the fear of obsolescence for a second. Windows 11 isn’t just about “keeping up”—it’s about unlocking future-ready features and productivity tools. What does the shift deliver, exactly?- Enhanced Security Architecture: From TPM 2.0 requirements to hardware-enforced stack protection, Windows 11 significantly reduces vulnerabilities.
- Productivity Tools on Steroids: Features like Snap Layouts for multitasking, integrated Microsoft Teams chat, and enhanced touch/pen support make collaboration and multitasking a breeze.
- Built for AI: The next wave of computing is being heavily influenced by AI and machine learning. Windows 11 is built to capitalize on hardware with Neural Processing Units (NPUs), which are essential for AI-driven workloads like real-time collaboration insights, productivity prediction tools, and seamless natural language processing.
Enter Microsoft Copilot and AI-Ready Hardware
The headline feature of Windows 11’s progress is Microsoft Copilot, a virtual assistant baked directly into the OS that leverages AI to transform how we interact with technology. That said, not every PC running Windows 11 will necessarily be optimized for AI tasks. Microsoft and hardware partners like Lenovo are pushing AI-grade PCs, equipped with NPUs, as the standard for the future.If you plan to extend your hardware lifecycle further, it’s imperative to think strategically about AI-readiness. That includes ensuring machines are built for not just today’s but tomorrow’s workloads.
Transitioning Smartly: A Step-By-Step Guide
Upgrading your organization isn’t as simple as hitting the ‘Install Update’ button. As Kirat Khara from Lenovo ANZ rightly points out, “No significant platform change or technology project is without its risks.” To minimize disruption and maximize ROI, here’s a services-driven approach:1. Assess Your Current Environment
- Create a complete inventory of current hardware: What machines are outdated? Which ones are borderline compatible with Windows 11?
- Map out software dependencies, especially legacy applications that might face compatibility issues after the OS shift.
2. Create a Proof of Concept (POC)
- Experiment with Windows 11 deployment across a small cross-sectional fleet of devices.
- This phase allows you to test-drive new features and identify potential snags, both technical and operational.
3. Plan Hardware Investments Strategically
- Not all modern PCs are created equal. As discussed, AI-readiness may dictate whether a device stays relevant for the next 5–10 years.
- Evaluate procurement models: Decide whether CAPEX (capital expenditure, upfront purchase) or an “as-a-service” model (which includes subscription payments for hardware + support) aligns better with your business needs.
4. Train Your Workforce
- Transition periods come with productivity dips. Avoid the chaos by ensuring employees understand new workflows, shortcuts, and features.
- Microsoft Teams integration and improved accessibility settings may need a dedicated onboarding effort.
Risks of Delay
While getting Windows 11 rolled out across your organization may feel daunting, the risks of delay outweigh the short-term headaches. Kirat Khara emphasizes the bigger risks: cybersecurity vulnerabilities, compliance failures, and falling behind competitors already leveraging cutting-edge platforms.It’s worth recalling high-profile ransomware incidents like WannaCry, which were exacerbated by outdated operating systems. Even without dramatic breaches, failure to adopt new features could mean losing out to competitors who are already leveraging AI-powered productivity tools.
Key Takeaways and Call to Action
As October 2025 fast approaches, the writing’s on the wall: The Windows 10 era is coming to an end, and the opportunity to position your enterprise for the next generation of technology is knocking loudly. A successful journey to Windows 11 means more than acquiring hardware—it’s about future-proofing your operations, staying secure, and empowering employees with tools built for the modern hybrid workplace.Here’s a final checklist:
- Inventory your devices.
- Budget realistically, keeping AI-readiness in mind.
- Develop a Proof of Concept deployment strategy.
- Plan for training and seamless adoption.
Source: Tech Business News With October 2025 Approaching, Organisations Must Prepare For The Transition to Windows 11