Australian businesses are fast approaching a critical IT milestone: the retirement of Windows 10 on 14 October 2025.
For organisations still running Windows 10, this marks a major operational and security consideration. With the end of support looming, now is the time for companies to plan and execute a smooth transition to Windows 11 or explore alternative solutions, to ensure business continuity, security and productivity.
What “end of support” means
When Microsoft retires a product, it stops providing security updates, bug fixes and technical support. For Windows 10, 14 October, marks this official cut-off.
After this date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities, leaving them exposed to cyber threats.
Beyond the security risks, organisations in regulated industries may also face compliance challenges, and older systems may suffer performance and compatibility issues as new applications, hardware and productivity tools are increasingly optimised for Windows 11.
The risks of inaction
Delaying migration to Windows 11 can have serious consequences. Unsupported operating systems are prime targets for attackers, and any breach could result in financial loss, reputational damage or operational downtime.
From an operational standpoint, outdated systems can slow performance, limit compatibility with modern tools and reduce collaboration efficiency.
For IT teams, maintaining legacy environments adds unnecessary complexity and cost, diverting resources from strategic priorities.
The benefits of upgrading to Windows 11
Upgrading to Windows 11 is more than a risk-migration measure – it’s an opportunity to modernise the workplace.
Windows 11 delivers enhanced security through features like hardware-based isolation, secure boot and advanced threat protection. It also offers improved performance, with faster startup times, more efficient memory management and better overall responsiveness across devices. Productivity is boosted through features like Snap Layouts, which make it easy to organise multiple open windows, and seamless Microsoft 365 integration that streamline workflows and collaboration.
With a modern interface and built-in accessibility tools, Windows 11 supports more efficient, flexible work. Enhanced performance combined with modern design ensures organisations can work faster and smarter. Its design for cloud integration, hybrid work environments and modern device management strategies ensures organisations remain agile in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Planning your transition
Successful migration starts with early, structured planning. Upgrading hundreds, or even thousands, of devices requires careful coordination across teams and systems.
Businesses should start by assessing devices, applications and workflows affected by the upgrade. Compatibility checks are essential to confirm hardware meets Windows 11 requirements and that critical software is supported.
Pilot deployments in a controlled environment can help identify potential issues before a full rollout. The full migration should then be strategically scheduled to minimise disruption to daily operations.
After deployment, ongoing management ensures devices remain secure and optimised through cloud integration, patch management and continuous monitoring.
Businesses that haven’t yet started should act now – delaying will only increase costs, risks and disruption.
Partnering with CMTG
At CMTG, we can help Australian businesses navigate the Windows 10 retirement with confidence.
Our team of experts delivers end-to-end migration planning and execution, ensuring upgrades are seamless, secure and on schedule. We also provide managed device services to maintain performance, compliance and protection across your organisation.
By leveraging Microsoft 365, cloud tools and advanced security features, we help businesses enhance productivity and safeguard data and modernise their IT foundations.
Protect your business, strengthen security and prepare for the future. Contact CMTG today to begin your Windows 11 migration journey https://cmtg.com.au/.
