Many of my clients view Labor Day as the unofficial start of budget season. This article is the first in a series to help guide 2025 budget planning.
The Windows 10 clock is ticking
We’ve known for years that Windows 10 will reach end-of-life (EOL) in October 2025, meaning Microsoft will stop releasing security patches. An upgrade to Windows 11 will be required to continue to receive security patches at that time. While Windows 11 has been available at no-cost for three years, more than two-thirds of computers nationwide are still running Windows 10. Even without licensing costs, there are several important factors to consider when planning your budget.
Risk: Security and interoperability
While it is true that after October 14, 2025, Windows 10 won’t just “stop working,”, it is also true that the security risk will continue to increase with each passing day and the company assumes all of the risk of not upgrading to an easily available secure version of Windows.
The good news is that most software running on Windows 10 will work on Windows 11. However, it’s still worth testing any older software to ensure smooth compatibility. Windows 11 does offer a “downgrade” option, but it should be used only for emergency recovery.
Effort: More Than Just a Click
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 isn’t always as easy as clicking a button. The process can take several hours and may require an IT professional to oversee and troubleshoot issues. This time and effort should be factored into your project budget, even if your internal IT team handles the work. Additionally, end-users need to be warned about the potential downtime during the upgrade.
Also, not every computer will be capable of running Windows 11. Some older systems won’t meet hardware requirements, and the cost of upgrading individual components usually isn’t worth the effort for an older computer. In these cases, replacing the entire machine is a more practical solution.
Finally, Other computers may not have enough free disk space for the upgrade to Windows 11 to complete. While this could be resolved by adding a new hard drive or cleaning up existing storage, for older machines, a replacement is often the better option.
Management: Avoiding Project Disruption
A major Windows upgrade can easily derail other IT projects and operational processes if not managed carefully. Planning ahead is key to ensuring this process doesn’t become chaotic. Here’s how to stay on track:
- Inventory Your Devices: Create a detailed list of all PCs, laptops, and utility computers in your organization.
- Determine Replacements: Assess which machines need to be replaced based on their age. A general rule of thumb is that anything from 2020 or earlier is likely a candidate for replacement.
- Plan for Upgrades: Identify which computers can be upgraded and develop a strategy for rolling out the upgrade. This will vary depending on your company’s security needs and user expectations. For remote users, you might simply send instructions for them to upgrade on their own. For more critical systems, a technician may need to perform the upgrade and test the machine afterward.
Upfront planning allows you to estimate the time and resources required for a successful transition to Windows 11, ensuring your company remains secure and productive.
Conclusion
As you prepare your 2025 budget, don’t overlook the importance of upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. While it is advertised as a “free upgrade”, the time, effort, and potential hardware replacements need to be factored into your overall budget. By managing this transition proactively, you can minimize disruptions and keep your systems secure for years to come. Stay tuned for more insights as we continue to explore budget considerations for 2025!
