Industry voice: Turning Windows 10 end-of-support into a strategic advantage

Channel partners are pivotal in guiding organisations through this transition away from Windows 10.

Beyond the deadline

With Windows 10 support now ended, organisations face major decisions about their refresh strategy. While reducing risk and ensuring compliance are important, Windows 10 end-of-support is also a chance to reevaluate their operations. However, organisations may lack the resources and internal expertise to make the most of the chance to boost productivity and future-proof devices.

Seizing the opportunity

With teams under pressure to keep a lid on costs and facing competing priorities, it can be tempting to delay upgrades. In fact, the average mid-sized business takes over 14 months to complete an upgrade.

However, outdated hardware and unsupported software creates security and operational risk. Organisations will no longer get Windows feature and security updates, increasing the threat of a sophisticated attack.

Windows 11’s advanced security features such as hardware-based isolation and secure boot are essential for protecting data and operations. For instance, Windows 11 uses AI to process more than 78 trillion cybersecurity signals every day to consistently improve its defences.

Channel partners: taking the lead

Channel partners are pivotal in guiding organisations through this transition away from Windows 10. Their expertise helps clients avoid delays and disruptions, and make the most of security and productivity gains.

For example, users reported a 15% increase in productivity in organisations using Windows 11 Pro[1]. What’s more, there was a 58% drop in security-related incidents in organisations using Windows 11 Pro[2].

To unlock the full potential of Windows 11, channel partners should also present the case for device refreshes. Evaluating current hardware limitations and identifying opportunities to upgrade to next-generation devices ensures optimal compatibility and performance. This unified approach streamlines the transition, reduces disruption, and enables teams to take full advantage of Windows 11’s features and enhanced security.

A catalyst for business transformation.

The end of Windows 10 support is an opportunity for organisations to evaluate whether their devices and operating systems are still up to scratch. And as AI applications put pressure on existing infrastructure, there is no time like the present.

Channel partners have a chance to act as strategic advisors, enabling customers to assess aging hardware, modernise workflows, and strengthen device lifecycle management. Whether it’s strengthening cybersecurity, boosting agility, or aligning IT investments with growth goals, the value partners bring goes far beyond implementation, and can instead be a catalyst for broader digital transformation.

[1] Forrester, “The Total Economic Impact™ of Windows 11 Pro Devices,” December 2022.

[2] “The Total Economic Impact™ of Windows 11 Pro Devices,” December 2022.

This article is sponsored by Lenovo.