Windows 11 Adoption: A Critical Shift for Enterprises
The anticipation surrounding the adoption of Windows 11 has been palpable within the tech channel, yet a considerable number of customers remain hesitant to make the leap. The introduction of AI-capable PCs has been spotlighted as a pivotal factor in revitalizing the hardware market, with the upgrade path to Windows 11 playing a crucial role in this recovery. Encouragingly, there are signs of improvement in the point-of-contact (POC) market, indicating ample opportunities for customer upgrades.
According to insights from ControlUp, a digital experience management firm utilizing its Edge DX Windows 11 Readiness tool, a striking 82% of surveyed users have yet to transition to the latest operating system. The data reveals that only 18% are currently operating on Windows 11, while a significant 88% of devices are primed for the upgrade. However, there remains a segment of the market—approximately 11%—where existing devices are incompatible and will necessitate replacement.
Simon Townsend, field CTO at ControlUp, emphasizes the urgency for enterprises to embrace the more secure and capable Windows 11. “The clock is ticking for enterprises to adopt the more secure and capable Windows 11, yet many organisations are stuck, unsure about their environment’s readiness,” he remarked. Townsend cautions that inaction is no longer a viable option, as the repercussions of delaying the upgrade could compound over time.
“Doing nothing is not an option. With more than four in five devices still needing to make the switch, now is the time to fully assess Windows 11 readiness to ensure a seamless transition with less downtime and disruption,” he added. As Microsoft prepares to phase out support for Windows 10 by October of next year, the new operating system comes with specific requirements that may render legacy hardware unsuitable for continued use.
ControlUp, along with other industry players, is highlighting the critical October 2025 deadline, urging customers to act promptly by first evaluating their devices to determine the extent of necessary upgrades for a successful migration. The impending end-of-life support for older operating systems, coupled with escalating security risks, adds further pressure on customers to transition away from legacy systems.
Shannon Kalvar, research director at IDC, notes the necessity for organizations to reassess their endpoints in light of recent developments. “The past few years have forced organisations to continually re-evaluate their endpoints,” Kalvar stated. “With the Windows 10 end-of-support date approaching, it’s imperative for organisations to plan their move into the next generation of operating systems and consider enabling AI on endpoints. Understanding an organisation’s posture around this event, amidst the broader digital landscape changes, is critical to advancing their digital strategy.”
