Why Windows Upgrades Require a Change of Mindset
As the end-of-life (EoL) deadline for Windows 10 approaches, many organisations are understandably concerned about the implications. We’ve seen a sharp increase in enquiries from organisations seeking guidance on a Windows upgrade, particularly in the last month. This upturn in activity highlights an urgency felt by these businesses to address their legacy applications and operating systems.
A New Approach to EoL Management & Windows Upgrades
However, the rush to address EoL often stems from the perception that it represents high-risk, outdated technology requiring immediate upgrades. While it’s essential to manage these risks, the reality is that EoL is not a one-time event. As one product is upgraded, another will approach its EoL, making it a continuous process we must navigate. Instead, businesses should view EoL management as an ongoing activity.
Changing EoL Mindsets
The potential impact of Windows end of support on various industries will be significant. Organisations are facing a major transition, and unmanaged, outdated systems can cause major disruptions. In February 2020, TechRadar revealed that approximately one-third of NHS computers were still operating on Windows 7, despite the UK Government’s target to upgrade all PCs to Windows 10 by January 2020. They used Microsoft’s extended support period to complete the process by 2021 and now face the upcoming deadline to upgrade to Windows 11.
Modernising the IT Estate
With end of support deadlines in sight, organisations often feel compelled to overhaul their applications and systems to work on modern infrastructure. This can involve complex refactoring or recoding or integrating entirely new application suites. The challenge is that these applications are business-critical, and any disruption could pose a significant risk to operations.
A shift in mindset is necessary here. Instead of drastically altering the applications themselves, the focus should be on modernising the IT estate. This involves adopting strategies that seamlessly migrate software applications across different environments and onto supported operating systems.
For instance, companies can retain their legacy Windows 10 applications while ensuring compatibility by moving them onto supported Windows servers or cloud environments.
Whether applications are hosted on on-premise servers or moved to the cloud, they can continue to receive support and software updates. This strategy extends to cloud providers, who play a crucial role in adapting to the increasing reliance on cloud technologies as they evolve.
The aim of this approach is to provide companies with the freedom and flexibility to migrate or extend the life of critical applications smoothly and securely. However, it’s imperative to take action before the end-of-support deadlines to secure and manage these applications effectively. Otherwise, they will become high-risk.
Supporting Out-of-Support Applications
As of January 2025, in the UK there was an exact split in the market share of Windows desktop versions between Windows 10 and Windows 11, sitting at 49.4%. Meaning half of all desktops are approaching their EoL. The complexity of migrating a business’s IT infrastructure makes the Windows 11 upgrade even more critical for large organisations.
Minimal Disruption, Maximum Efficiency
The process of moving existing out-of-support applications onto managed and supported servers causes minimal disruption to operations. The task can be complex, but with the right internal resources, expertise, and guidance, it’s possible to perform such an undertaking internally. The Windows 11 upgrade can be part of this transition, ensuring minimal disruption.
Keeping Windows EoL Front of Mind
With end-of-support deadlines for Microsoft looming in 2025, organisations feel compelled to quickly and securely upgrade their legacy applications. The risks associated with not upgrading can lead to a tendency to conduct expensive overhauls of entire application suites, which may cause significant disruption and introduce new risks.
Instead of altering out-of-support applications themselves, companies can migrate them into secure and managed operating environments, both on-premises and in the cloud. With many desktops still running Windows 10, this approach allows operations to continue smoothly while applications are transitioned.
It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean embracing EoL software as it is. Unmanaged or unsupported software poses inherent risks. This calls for a change in mindset regarding EoL management, recognising that applications don’t have to be the problem.
Navigating Windows Upgrades
Rather than changing out-of-support applications themselves, companies can look to migrate them into secure and managed operating environments, both on-premises and in the cloud. The Windows 11 upgrade presents an approach that can keep operations running smoothly while applications are migrated into these environments. Migration strategies give companies the ability to assess their IT estate and make the necessary changes. For those that don’t fit the mould, seeking external specialist help can be more efficient and cost-effective.
Moving away from EoL is a journey, and for most companies, it will be phased due to how these older legacy applications work. Just like with DOGE, you can’t simply remove legacy systems and expect everything to function seamlessly with new systems without proper planning! The Windows 11 upgrade is a critical step in this journey, ensuring that businesses remain secure and operational.
Need Help with Your Windows 11 Upgrade & Migration?
We’ll be happy to guide you through a successful and seamless upgrade; give us a call today on 0818 987 900 or contact us here.
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