A looming deadline for the end of Windows 10 support could cost organisations billions of dollars, but the real price may be paid in lost employee productivity. With the October 2025 deadline fast approaching, businesses are being urged to migrate to Windows 11 to avoid not only spiralling costs but also significant security risks.
According to research from Digital Employee Experience (DEX) leader Nexthink, the custom support for Windows 10 could amount to over $7 billion (£5.7 billion) for businesses globally. The data highlights a significant challenge, with an estimated 121 million devices still running on the old operating system.
However, the issue goes beyond mere financial cost. Tim Flower, a DEX Strategist at Nexthink, warns that treating the migration as a simple compliance exercise is a mistake. He argues that it’s an opportunity to fundamentally improve how people work.
The Digital Experience Gap
The report’s most interesting finding is that the rush to upgrade is creating new challenges. Nexthink’s data shows that Windows 11 devices are currently experiencing more system crashes and hard resets than their Windows 10 counterparts. This suggests that without proper planning, the migration could be a step backwards for employee experience.
These issues aren’t caused by the new operating system itself but are often linked to outdated hardware, drivers, or improper system deployment. Flower stresses that without full visibility into the IT environment, companies are “flying blind,” creating unnecessary problems and frustrating employees. The lesson here for HR and IT leaders is clear: a successful migration isn’t just about the software; it’s about the full ecosystem of hardware, apps, and user experience.
Making the Upgrade a Strategic Advantage
For organisations, the Windows 10 deadline is a chance to reset their IT strategy. Instead of focusing on simply getting the job done, leaders should approach the migration with a strategic mindset. The goal should be to ensure employees are genuinely better off after the upgrade.
To achieve this, businesses should:
- Assess their current environment. Pinpoint all remaining Windows 10 devices and check their readiness for Windows 11.
- Prioritise security. Un-supported devices are more vulnerable to cyber risks like malware and phishing.
- Test application compatibility. Ensure all business-critical software will work smoothly on the new OS to prevent productivity loss.
- Consider the employee experience. Ensure that hardware is sufficient to run the new OS without compromising speed and performance.
Ultimately, the upgrade to Windows 11 is a major undertaking, but it can be a significant win for employee experience. By taking a proactive, data-led approach, organisations can turn a looming deadline into an opportunity to improve their digital workspace and empower their people.