Many organisations remain reluctant to take decisive action and begin the process of upgrading their desktop devices to Windows 11 today. As of March 2025, just 43% of desktop devices were on Windows 11, despite the fact that the latest release of the Windows operating system was first launched in October 2021.
So, why are we seeing such a delay in users migrating over to the new version? It is likely that companies are postponing upgrades so they can extend the device lifespan for longer, hoping their devices can deal with the new operating system’s demands for more CPU power. But by following this approach, they run some serious risks.
Organisations need to start seeing Windows 11 as less intimidating, troublesome and costly, and start reviewing new device lifecycle management approaches that can help them achieve a seamless transition. The topic is becoming ever more urgent as the October 2025 deadline approaches. At this point, Microsoft will cease free security patching for Windows 10 and start charging for support. Many even expect a shortage of Windows 11 devices in the immediate run-up to the deadline.
Admittedly, in an organisation with a large volume of devices, it is not only the cost of Windows 11 devices that is off-putting. There is the potential for disruption to business-as-usual, and the drain on the time and resources of IT teams. Evaluating how many Windows 11 devices are required, which new models are suitable and negotiating the best deal, is, in itself, very time-consuming. But over and above this, each device must also be provisioned and set up, which is a complex undertaking in an organisation with hundreds or thousands of employees.
How Windows 11 elevates protection and resilience
It is worth remembering the immediate benefits of an upgrade to Windows 11 – especially with regards to enhanced security. This is crucial because of the changing nature of threats and the growth of remote workforces, which provide more potential points of weakness. Windows 11 devices are more secure through the use of TPM 2.0 processors to deliver a constantly-active authenticator, thereby guarding against remote tampering or malware infection.
The Secure Boot feature means start-up times are faster to prevent rootkits and boot-time malware. Microsoft claims its out-of-the-box security features such as credential safeguards, malware shields and application protection have resulted in a 58% fall in security incidents and also that firmware attacks have fallen by more than a factor of three.
UK companies should not ignore these security benefits because doing so will put their Cyber Essentials certification at risk, with significant consequences for their reputations among potential customers and partners. In many public sector organisations, loss of certification is a significant compliance failure.
AI tools in Windows 11: Advancing efficiency and innovation
The efficiency gains triggered by a Windows 11 upgrade stem from the use of AI-powered features and solutions. The central in-built tool is Microsoft Copilot, which is based on the GPT4 large language model. Its benefits include search-acceleration and automated content drafting, supported by enhanced memory and processing power, enabling organisations to deploy more sophisticated business process automation and collaboration platforms.
Delaying adoption of Windows 11 is yet another mistake for maintaining competitiveness. Competing organisations that have made the move are likely to embed greater efficiencies, be more secure, and have more time for strategic work. Under-performing desktop devices also lead to dissatisfied and frustrated employees.
Organisations must acknowledge that older operating systems use more energy and are slower. In the health sector, reliance on out-of-support devices is simply too dangerous, putting patient security and care delivery in jeopardy.
The opportunity for digital transformation is here
Rather than falling behind, organisations looking to advance their digital transformation should embrace the upcoming Windows 10 support deadline as a timely opportunity to reassess and modernise their IT infrastructure.
Whether they are in the private or public sector, organisations need to re-evaluate their approach to device lifecycle management. A key step is determining precisely what employees require from their devices to enhance productivity, ensuring optimum efficiency without unnecessary costs. By employing discovery tools, businesses can clearly identify those legacy applications that will need updating to be fully compatible with Windows 11.
Organisations must conduct comprehensive technology audits, engage relevant stakeholders across the business, and align device-provisioning directly with organisational goals and specific user challenges. Where necessary, clear timelines should be established to deliver measurable improvements. Leveraging the independent expertise and specialised skills of third-party providers can significantly ease internal resource demands, ensuring employees swiftly receive the most effective devices for their needs.
The imperative to upgrade to Windows 11 is immediate and represents a major opportunity for businesses to accelerate their broader digital transformation. Instead of pushing devices beyond their effective lifespan, organisations should prioritise the prompt acquisition of superior technology. Windows 11 not only enhances security but also positions companies to become more flexible, competitive and future-ready.
