As Microsoft prepares to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, many organizations are scrambling to decide whether to upgrade to Windows 11, pay for extended support, or keep their systems as they are. With less than three months left, IT teams are taking different routes to manage the upcoming deadline.

Many Companies Are Planning to Keep Some Machines on Windows 10

Some organizations are choosing to leave certain computers on Windows 10, especially those that don’t meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements or run critical applications. For example, BSH Home Appliances still has about 6,000 Windows 10 computers to migrate but plans to keep 500 on Windows 10 using Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. These machines either run industrial apps not yet compatible with Windows 11 or lack the necessary hardware.

BSH also has 5,500 devices on the manufacturing floor that collect data and will continue receiving security updates until 2029. This long-term support helps them avoid unnecessary upgrades until a future Windows version, possibly Windows 12, makes a full migration more practical. Serhiy Mamus, the company’s global head of workplace services, says it doesn’t make sense to upgrade twice, so they’re waiting for a more suitable time.

Migration Challenges and the Last-Minute Rush

Other companies, like Ameritas, have already begun migrating their Windows 10 laptops and virtual desktops. Jeff Martinson, the company’s VP of infrastructure, reports that about 93% of their 3,100 devices have been upgraded or replaced, with plans to finish before October. The main challenges have been hardware limitations, especially older machines lacking the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip required by Windows 11.

Many organizations are now racing to meet the support deadline. Stefan Kinnestrand from Microsoft notes that while specific numbers aren’t public, there’s strong momentum toward Windows 11 adoption. Forrester’s research shows about one-third of organizations have already completed the upgrade, another third are in a rush, and the rest are waiting for new hardware. Smaller companies, in particular, delay the upgrade due to cost concerns and the perceived lack of immediate benefit.

The Pros and Cons of Moving to Windows 11

Windows 11 offers some notable advantages, especially for IT teams. It introduces better app controls, new configuration features, and easier management tools like Windows Autopilot. For users, the interface has shifted slightly, with the Start button moving to the center, but overall, the experience feels faster and more modern on capable machines.

However, hardware requirements can be a hurdle. Many machines that technically meet the minimum specs won’t perform well with Windows 11. Experts recommend at least 16GB of RAM, an SSD, and a TPM 2.0 chip for a good experience. Machines built before 2018 often lack the TPM 2.0 chip, making them less suitable for Windows 11 without upgrades.

Organizations should assess whether their hardware can handle the new OS. Sometimes, the cost of upgrading hardware is significant, and a full refresh might be necessary. A typical setup for desktops includes an Intel i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, but many companies face supply chain issues that complicate these upgrades.

Planning the Transition: Hardware and Strategy

Before rushing into the upgrade, companies need to evaluate their current hardware and determine what needs to be replaced or upgraded. Upgrading older systems can be costly and time-consuming, and some organizations might choose to extend Windows 10 support through Microsoft’s ESU program for certain machines.

In the end, the decision often comes down to balancing costs, hardware capabilities, and business priorities. Some companies prefer to wait for newer Windows versions, like Windows 12, which could make future upgrades smoother. Others are pushing hard to complete their migration now to avoid security risks and ensure continued support.

As the October deadline approaches, most organizations are adopting a mix of strategies—upgrading some systems, delaying others, and planning for long-term support where needed. The key is to find a plan that minimizes disruption while keeping systems secure and up to date.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4024272/it-leaders-scramble-as-windows-10-deadline-nears.html

Sources

• gmpg.org
• microsoft.com
• ameritas.com
• forrester.com
• squarespace.com