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Transitioning Smoothly – Why it’s Time to Upgrade to Windows 11

Launched back in 2015, Windows 10 remains an exceedingly popular computer operating system. The system was still reported to be in use on 71.9% of PCs worldwide as of last June – an impressive market share. This is particularly noteworthy considering that its successor, Windows 11, had been available for almost two years by that point. However, Windows 10’s dominance is expected to diminish in the coming years. This is in some part due to Microsoft’s plan to withdraw support for the OS in 2025.

In this article, we’ll discuss what the end of Windows 10 support means for your business. We will also explore the advantages of transitioning to its much-lauded replacement, Windows 11.

 

Armco IT – Value-Driving IT Support and Solutions for North Yorkshire Businesses

From our base in Malton, Armco IT provides managed IT services and tailored solutions to organisations across York, North and East Yorkshire. Our mission is to help businesses align their technology with their strategic objectives, helping them to achieve sustained growth and profitability through IT optimisation.

Thinking about migrating to Windows 11? Get in touch to plan your migration with Armco IT today. We’ll manage the transition from start to finish to ensure a seamlessly executed migration that won’t impact your business continuity.

 

Windows 10 End of Life – The Implications for Your Business

In April of last year, Microsoft announced its intention to cease support for its Windows 10 operating system on 14 October 2025. This announcement was anticipated as it aligns with the standard support lifespan of ten years for modern Microsoft products.

So what are the implications of this if your business still uses Windows 10?

Let’s start with a little context. Microsoft’s product support is generally provided in two distinct stages. The first stage, dubbed the ‘mainstream support’ stage, starts upon a product’s launch and usually lasts for a period of five years. During this support stage, Microsoft continues to develop aspects of the product. This includes introducing new features and functionalities and making design changes based on user feedback. Routine maintenance updates are also forthcoming, including security updates, bug fixes and performance improvements. This stage of support for Windows 10 ended in October 2022 when Microsoft released the final iteration of the OS – version 22H2.

The second stage of support starts upon the cessation of mainstream support. This is known as the ‘extended support’ stage. During this phase, Microsoft provides updates relating to the security, integrity and reliability of its platforms. This enables users to continue to expect security patches and bug fixes. However, at this point, feature updates are suspended. This is the support stage Windows 10 is currently in.

If your business is still using Windows 10, you’ll need to explore alternative arrangements before the support deadline on 14 October 2025. If you continue to operate Windows 10 after this date, this could expose your devices to heightened risk of cyber-attacks. This is due to security weaknesses being left unremedied and open to malicious exploitation. There may also be an increase in reliability problems and performance degradation as bug fixes and performance tweaks will no longer be available.

 

Is There Any Way to Use Windows 10 Securely Beyond the End-of-Life Deadline?

For businesses with an operational requirement to run Windows 10 beyond the support deadline, Microsoft will provide security-related updates through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. ESU will run for three years following the withdrawal of extended support. It will be administered on a per-device basis and will require organisations to commit to 12-month support periods. The ESU programme is an expensive solution. It should only be explored if your business is subject to constraints that require it to continue using Windows 10, such as to support legacy applications. The ESU programme will focus solely on system security. The following will not be provided:

  • Feature Updates
  • Design Alterations
  • Technical Support: Customers in need of technical support beyond October 2025 will be required to have an active support plan in place.

 

What are The Business Advantages of Switching to Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the product of Microsoft’s unrivalled expertise in the development of computer operating systems. The result is a slicker and more refined operating system than any that came before it. It has a fresh, modern interface and includes a raft of innovative productivity features.

Windows 11 reflects modern workplace realities far more profoundly than previous versions of Windows. This is partly because the latter stages of its development occurred during the pandemic. The result is an operating system designed to facilitate seamless and productive remote collaboration. It includes features and refinements attuned to the demands of remote and hybrid workforces.

Here’s what you can expect from making the switch to Windows 11:

  • Better Performance: Enjoy faster load times and enhanced resource management for responsive performance across your devices.
  • Maximum Compatibility: Windows 11 affords maximum compatibility with today’s hardware and applications. Enjoy seamless, hassle-free adoption of the latest software solutions.
  • A Fresh New Look: Microsoft’s newest operating system looks truly of the moment. It has crisp graphics, minimalist menus and a softened colour palette.
  • Microsoft Teams Integration: Windows 11 gives Teams a dedicated taskbar icon. This will allow you to launch meetings, chats and calls with any of your contacts in a couple of clicks from the desktop.
  • Uprated Cyber Security: Numerous security tweaks make Windows 11 Microsoft’s most secure operating system to date. Benefit from identity and access management features based on the widely advocated zero-trust security model.
  • Futureproof Support: Rest assured that you’ll enjoy support and updates for the foreseeable future. Capitalise on feature updates that will keep you at the forefront of the latest technology trends.
  • Android App Compatibility: Search and download Android apps through the Microsoft store. You will now be able to bring your favourites from mobile to desktop.
  • Easier Management: Secure your digital estate through a single portal with Microsoft Endpoint Manager. Configure security settings, roll out updates and enforce policies to keep your data secure and ensure compliance.

 

Final Thoughts

The end of Windows 10 is on the horizon, meaning that businesses still operating the OS should be making plans for its replacement. This is to ensure that their devices remain secure and dependable. If your business is still using Windows 10, consider making the switch to Windows 11 now to benefit from better security, productivity upgrades, updates and support extending well into the future.

 

Armco IT: IT Support and Managed Services for Businesses Across York, North and East Yorkshire

Armco IT Solutions is dedicated to providing top-tier IT support and managed services across Yorkshire, including York, North and East Yorkshire. From our headquarters in Malton, our expert team of engineers is committed to helping businesses overcome technical challenges and achieve their goals. Our comprehensive solutions encompass cloud services, cybersecurity, network infrastructure and more, tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses in Yorkshire and beyond. Trust Armco IT Solutions as your reliable technology partner for scalable solutions and unparalleled support In Yorkshire and the surrounding area; Contact us today!

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