Back in 2015, a lifetime in technology, Microsoft stated that Windows 10 would be the “last version of Windows” and that new versions would be released over an indefinite period. This statement has since been challenged, and the official line from Microsoft isn’t clear. Of course, we now know that Windows 10 wasn’t the end and lots of us are now running Windows 11. However, a significant portion of the 1.4 billion Windows devices out there are still running Windows 10, over half of them according to StatCounter.
In just over five months Microsoft will stop releasing security updates for Windows 10 PCs. All those devices will continue to work, but as time goes on more and more vulnerabilities will be uncovered and the risk associated with each machine will increase. In the background Microsoft will still be creating security updates to address those vulnerabilities, but you will have to pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU) to receive them.
How much will it cost?
If you have some Windows 10 devices that you need to keep, then you can remain secure. Extended Security Updates will be available under various licensing models and the cost for the first year will be $61 (exact UK pricing is yet to be announced). If you’re still running Windows 10 a year later, the price doubles to $122 per device and then doubles again the year after that to $244!
Should I just upgrade?
The good news is that upgrading to Windows 11 doesn’t carry a license cost, as long as your hardware is compatible. There are various other considerations though, such as whether all the applications used by the business are compatible with Windows 11 and will end-users require training on the new version.
Time for a plan.
To avoid potential security risks or costs associated with Extended Security Updates, all businesses should be planning to upgrade Windows 10 devices or replace those that aren’t compatible. The good news is that with modern device management tools like Windows Intune, upgrading isn’t a massive undertaking. The key to a successful project is strong initial testing and then a Proof of Concept (POC) deployment that covers a good cross-section of the business user base and application estate.
How can we help?
The Node4 Modern Work team are currently working on several upgrade projects with customers in various sectors. We’re able to initially run a hardware assessment to see which devices support Windows 11 and ensure that they have sufficient free resources to successfully process the upgrade. We then work with each business to review their application stack to ensure that there are no showstoppers there. Projects then progress to a testing phase, POC and production deployment.
Based on the figures I mentioned at the beginning of this article; there’s a strong possibility that your business is still running Windows 10. Get in touch today to see how we can help.
Learn more about…
Big changes are coming to OneDrive
How To Protect Your Organisation With Microsoft 365 Defender
