In the context of Windows 10's decline, Microsoft's CEO discloses a striking figure regarding Windows 11
Microsoft's end-of-support date for Windows 10 looms near, with the software giant planning to cease updates by October 14, 2025. This event will likely prompt many businesses to phase out Windows 10 from their systems due to the ensuing security risks.
As Microsoft stops providing updates and patches for the operating system, enterprises will need to prepare for a migration strategy to avoid potential disruptions and security vulnerabilities.
The IT departments in workplaces will likely disallow the use of Windows 10 once its end-of-support date arrives, pushing users to migrate to more secure alternatives.
Windows 10's eventual demise, however, is not a sudden occurrence. It has been gradually losing ground since the debut of Windows 11 in October 2021. Despite numerous complaints about Windows 11, users have been slowly adopting the newer operating system.
StatCounter, a data-tracking site, shows that Windows 10 usage accounted for 70% of Windows users in April 2024. A year later, its share dropped to just 54% of Windows users. Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, announced this week that Windows 11 commercial deployments have increased by nearly 75% year over year, indicating a steady shift away from Windows 10.
As businesses prepare for the transition, they should evaluate their current IT infrastructure for compatibility with Windows 11. Hardware and software that don't meet the system requirements will need upgrades or replacements. A strategic roadmap that aligns with business cycles and minimizes disruptions should be created, with resources allocated, user groups segmented, and risks identified.
Automated tools like Microsoft Deployment Toolkit or Intune should be used for deployment, managing user data migration, device encryption, and policy enforcement. Once the transition is complete, all devices should run Windows 11 or be covered by alternative security measures.
In the post-transition phase, businesses should ensure their devices are either running Windows 11 or have alternative security measures in place to mitigate potential risks. Microsoft offers extended security updates for a fee for those who need additional protection.
As Windows 11 continues to gain traction, businesses must act promptly to avoid being left behind. By efficiently planning and executing their migration strategies, enterprises can minimize potential disruptions and ensure a smooth transition to the newer, more secure operating system.
- To prevent potential disruptions and security vulnerabilities, enterprises will need to create a migration strategy for their systems, considering the upcoming end-of-support date for Windows 10.
- IT departments in workplaces may disallow the use of Windows 10 once its end-of-support date arrives, pushing users to migrate to more secure alternatives such as Windows 11.
- As businesses prepare for the transition, they should evaluate their current IT infrastructure, as hardware and software that don't meet the system requirements for Windows 11 will need upgrades or replacements.
- Automated tools like Microsoft Deployment Toolkit or Intune can be used for deployment, managing user data migration, device encryption, and policy enforcement during the migration process.
- After the transition, businesses should ensure their devices are either running Windows 11 or have alternative security measures in place, like extended security updates offered by Microsoft for a fee.
- To maintain security in the post-transition phase, businesses should monitor the adoption of the newer operating systems like Windows 11 and have plans for addressing any hardware or software shortcomings or security gaps.
