The countdown has begun. For nearly a decade, Windows 10 has been the backbone of teams of all sizes, accompanying the transition towards mobility and remote work. But its cycle is coming to an end. Microsoft has confirmed that on October 14, 2025, the operating system will stop receiving updates, security patches, and support.
On that day, your computer will still function, but the protective shield of technical assistance and security patches will disappear. For IT teams, the question isn’t whether to migrate, but how to leverage the transition to modernize their processes. At Applivery, we know that a project of this magnitude consumes critical resources, and it’s inevitable to wonder: how can we prevent this project from monopolizing all attention and jeopardizing other areas?
What does "end of support" really mean?
The term “end of life” (EOL) in Microsoft’s vocabulary means that the manufacturer stops maintaining the product. As of October 14, 2025, this translates to:
- Total discontinuation of updates: there will be no more technical assistance, security fixes, or feature updates.
- Exposure to new threats: although the operating system will continue to function, no patches will be created for new vulnerabilities, leaving devices at greater risk from viruses and malware. Any discovered flaw will become a permanent target for attackers.
The risks of ignoring Windows 10 end of support
Staying stuck on an outdated operating system is not a viable option. As of October 2025, every un-updated device becomes a ticking time bomb that multiplies threats on several fronts:
- Critical security breaches and Zero-Day attacks: without regular patches, every vulnerability transforms into an open door. Devices will become more susceptible to threats like malware, viruses, and ransomware.
- Regulatory non-compliance: regulated sectors such as healthcare or finance cannot operate with unsupported systems, exposing themselves to penalties under regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.
- Decreasing compatibility: over time, new software and drivers will no longer be tested on Windows 10, leading to failures and increased downtime.
- Reputational risk: a successful attack or a service outage due to an obsolete system can irreparably erode the trust of customers and partners.
Windows 11: more than an update, a platform for the future
Migrating to the new operating system is not a simple interface change; Microsoft has designed Windows 11 to meet the needs of a hybrid and connected work environment, which translates into tangible improvements in several key areas:
- Enhanced security from boot-up
One of the pillars of Windows 11 is its integrated security controls. The TPM 2.0 chip requirement is not arbitrary; it acts as a fundamental block for features like Windows Hello and BitLocker disk encryption. Additionally, advanced technologies such as Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), which uses the Windows hypervisor to isolate critical subsystems and data, and Hypervisor Code Integrity (HVCI), which protects the system kernel from executing unverified code, are introduced. These layers, combined with Secure Boot, create an environment where every component is validated before execution.
- Modernized productivity and experience
While the revamped interface with its centered taskbar is the most visible change, it’s the productivity tools that make a difference in day-to-day operations. The star feature, Snap Layouts, allows for quickly organizing windows into custom arrangements to optimize screen space and improve workflow. Beyond the visual, Windows 11 also optimizes power and memory management compared to its predecessor, achieving more agile response times even on machines with modest hardware.
- Long-term support and compatibility
Migrating to Windows 11 is an investment in continuity, becoming the version with guaranteed support and updates for the coming years. Furthermore, it will benefit from future innovations such as artificial intelligence integration and new cloud services. Microsoft also guarantees that the vast majority of applications that run on Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11, offering assessment tools to validate specific dependencies.
The domino effect: why migrating to Windows 11 will absorb your team
The evolution to Windows 11 is a leap to a platform with a reinforced security architecture (TPM 2.0, VBS, etc.) and a modernized user experience. This level of change demands exhaustive planning, pilot testing, and careful execution, which will inevitably consume most of your team’s time. And therein lies the hidden cost: while Windows is the priority, the daily management of your fleet doesn’t stop.
Regain control: the key is to automate your Endpoint Management
The most effective way to tackle the overload is to delegate repetitive tasks to a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platform that centrally and automatically handles your endpoints. With Applivery, you free up critical hours for your technical team that can be reinvested in the migration project. Our platform allows you to:
- Centralize management (MDM & MAM): control the entire lifecycle of your mobile devices from a single console.
- Implement with agility: our platform is easy to use and deploys in record time, with a close support team that understands your challenges.
- Ensure operational continuity: while your attention is on PCs, Applivery ensures that the compliance of the rest of your fleet is not compromised.
Applivery in action: from overload to proactive management
While your team is immersed in the Windows migration, Applivery proactively solves the daily challenges of your mobile fleet:
Automate the enrollment of new devices with manufacturer enrollment programs.
Distribute critical applications through your Enterprise App Store with a single click.
Generate security reports instantly to demonstrate that your mobile fleet complies with regulations.
Adopting a solution like Applivery to automate your mobile fleet management is an investment in operational efficiency. It’s the decision that allows you to focus your resources where they are most needed, ensuring a successful transition while keeping the rest of your infrastructure secure and productive.
Don't let the Windows migration paralyze your operations
The end of Windows 10 support is not a mere formality; it’s a signal to evolve towards a more secure, modern platform adapted to the future of work. Staying on Windows 10 means assuming increasing security and compatibility risks.
More than a requirement, the migration is an opportunity to review your device management strategy, modernize your infrastructure, and provide your team with an experience that matches their talent. Discover in a personalized demo how Applivery’s MDM platform simplifies device management and helps you build a more secure and modern infrastructure.
