Windows 10 End of Support: How to Migrate Your Business Safely to Windows 11

Windows 10 End of Support: How to Migrate Your Business Safely to Windows 11

Official support for Windows 10 ended on 14 October 2025. No more security updates, no more patches and no more technical support from Microsoft. Is your business still running Windows 10? Then you are exposed to real risk right now. In this article you will find out what the consequences are, what your options cost and how to migrate safely to Windows 11, step by step.

Key takeaways (TL;DR)

• Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025 - systems without updates are immediately vulnerable to cyberattacks
• 53% more cyberattacks in the Netherlands in Q1 2025; 92% of Dutch organisations were hit in 2024
• Extended Security Updates cost up to $244 per device in year 3 - delaying gets exponentially more expensive
• Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of storage - not all hardware qualifies
• Migrate in 5 steps: inventory, hardware check, compatibility testing, pilot phase, phased rollout
• Common mistakes: forgetting backups, overlooking printers and drivers, not testing legacy software

Why Windows 10 End of Support Is So Urgent

Now that Windows 10 support has ended, your system no longer receives security patches. Every newly discovered vulnerability stays open. And cybercriminals know it. They deliberately target unpatched systems because they offer the easiest way in.

The numbers speak for themselves. In the first quarter of 2025, cyberattacks in the Netherlands rose by 53%. In 2024, no fewer than 92% of Dutch organisations were hit by an attack. If your business still runs on an operating system that no longer gets updates, you are an attractive target. A sound cybersecurity strategy starts with an up-to-date operating system.

The Cost of Waiting: Extended Security Updates

Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) as a temporary fix. But that option is far from cheap, and the price doubles every year:

For a business with 50 workstations, that means $3,050 in year 1, $6,100 in year 2 and a hefty $12,200 in year 3 - just for security updates. That money is far better spent on a full Windows 11 migration that makes your business structurally safer and more productive.

Windows 11 Hardware Requirements: Can Your Devices Handle It?

Not every device is ready for Windows 11. Microsoft has set stricter hardware requirements than for previous versions. These are the minimum specifications:

• TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) - a security chip on the motherboard
• Secure Boot - must be enabled in the BIOS/UEFI
• At least 4 GB of RAM - in practice we recommend 8 GB or more
• At least 64 GB of storage - an SSD is strongly recommended
• Processor: 8th-generation Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 2000 or newer

Devices older than five years often fall short of these requirements. A thorough hardware inventory is therefore the first step. Our specialists can help with an IT quick scan to map out which systems are ready and which need replacing.

Action Plan: Migrating to Windows 11 in 5 Steps

A successful migration calls for a structured approach. Below is the step-by-step plan we use at TRON Group.

Step 1: Inventory - Which Systems Are Still Running Windows 10?

Map out your entire IT environment. How many devices are still on Windows 10? Which departments depend on specific hardware? Document device names, users, locations and configurations. With good managed IT in place, you will often have this overview to hand already.

Step 2: Hardware Check - Testing for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

Check every device against the Windows 11 requirements. The quickest way is Microsoft's PC Health Check tool. Pay particular attention to TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot - they are sometimes present but switched off in the BIOS. Make a list of devices that qualify, devices that need a BIOS change and devices that need replacing.

Step 3: Compatibility Testing - Do All Your Business Applications Work on Windows 11?

Test all your critical business software on Windows 11 before you migrate. Think of your ERP system, industry-specific software, CRM and finance packages. Do your Microsoft 365 applications work properly? Are there compatibility issues with specific versions? Document every application and its test result.

Step 4: Pilot Phase - Migrate a Small Group First

Roll out Windows 11 to a test group of 5-10 users from different departments. Have them work on the new system for at least two weeks. Gather feedback, identify problems and fix them before rolling out more widely. This stops a small issue from turning into company-wide disruption.

Step 5: Phased Rollout with Minimal Disruption

Migrate the rest of your organisation in groups. Schedule migrations outside peak hours, have a fallback plan ready and communicate clearly with your staff. Keep the old system on standby until you are sure everything is running smoothly. See also our step-by-step plan for modernising your IT infrastructure for further best practices.

Common Mistakes in a Windows 11 Migration

These are the pitfalls we see at businesses that migrate without expert guidance:

Not making a backup before the migration. If something goes wrong during the upgrade, you lose everything. Always make a full backup of every system before you start.

Forgetting printers and peripherals. Drivers for printers, scanners and other peripherals are not always compatible with Windows 11. Check which drivers are available beforehand and plan replacements where they are not.

Not testing legacy software. Older software that ran perfectly well on Windows 10 may crash or refuse to start on Windows 11. Test everything during the pilot phase, not during the rollout.

Trying to do everything at once. A big-bang migration of every workstation at the same time is a recipe for trouble. Always phase the work and keep capacity free for support.

Not preparing users. Windows 11 has a redesigned interface. Without a short briefing, staff will flood the helpdesk with calls. A simple guide saves a lot of time.

What Does Windows 11 Offer Your Business?

Moving to Windows 11 is not just about security. The new operating system brings concrete benefits for businesses:

• Stronger security: Hardware-based isolation, Credential Guard and improved encryption come as standard. Combined with a solid cybersecurity approach, you significantly reduce your attack surface.
• Microsoft Copilot integration: An AI assistant built right into your operating system for productivity tasks.
• A better Microsoft Teams experience: Improved audio, video and screen sharing, plus Teams Chat integrated into the taskbar.
• Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops: Work more efficiently across multiple applications and projects.
• Better endpoint management capabilities: More advanced management options through Intune and Autopilot.

TRON Group: We Handle Your Windows 11 Migration

At TRON Group we guide businesses through every stage of the move from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Our approach:

1. A full inventory of your current IT environment with our free quick scan
2. Hardware assessment - which devices qualify and which need replacing
3. Application compatibility testing - we test all your business software on Windows 11
4. Phased rollout - migration without bringing your business to a standstill
5. Aftercare and monitoring - we monitor your environment after the migration and resolve any issues straight away

We are happy to combine the Windows 11 migration with a broader cybersecurity check so you are properly protected from day one. Curious what that would look like for your organisation? Read more about us and the way we work.

Don't Wait Any Longer: Plan Your Migration Today

Every day your business stays on Windows 10 is a day without security updates. The risks grow, the ESU costs rise and the gap with modern IT widens. The sooner you migrate, the better protected you are and the less you pay.

Take action today:

• Call us on +31 85 303 5869 for a no-obligation migration consultation
• Request a free IT quick scan so we can map out your environment
• Or get in touch using our contact form

TRON Group - Moving IT Forward. We make sure your Windows 11 migration runs smoothly, securely and without surprises.