Windows 10 End of Support Poses Financial Challenges for Businesses

As the deadline for the end of support for Windows 10 looms on October 14, organizations worldwide are confronting significant financial decisions. According to new data from Nexthink, a leader in digital employee experience monitoring, the repercussions of continuing with Windows 10 post-support could lead to hefty expenses.

Nexthink’s analysis highlights that with over 120 million PCs still operating on Windows 10, the transition to Microsoft's latest offering, Windows 11, is both a necessity and a challenge. The cost of a single year of extended support for the outdated operating system could amount to $61 per device, potentially translating to an astonishing multi-billion dollar cost across organizations.

Understanding the Shift in Windows Adoption

Between May and August, Nexthink reported a reduction of 33% in Windows 10 devices. Despite an anticipated further decline by the support deadline, the figures might still include over 121 million PCs equipped with the older system. Considering that 30% of the 1.4 billion devices powered by Windows are in the commercial or public sector, the economic implications are immense, with the cost of custom support potentially exceeding $7.3 billion.

Tim Flower, Digital Employee Experience (DEX) strategist at Nexthink, shared insights on the transition towards Windows 11. He emphasized that while Windows 11 offers robust new functionalities, its effectiveness relies on thorough planning and preparation for both devices and employees. This transformation should focus not just on compliance, but also on enhancing user experience.

Challenges of Transitioning to Windows 11

Nexthink's study also sheds light on the stability concerns surrounding Windows 11. Currently, devices running the new system display higher instability rates, with system crashes occurring at 1.2% compared to 0.6% with their predecessor. Moreover, users face hard resets more frequently, 9.9% versus 8.5% for Windows 10.

To mitigate the potential operational hurdles of transitioning to Windows 11, Nexthink advocates for a strategic approach. Organizations are encouraged to identify remaining Windows 10 devices, thoroughly assess hardware readiness for the new system, and evaluate the implications on IT resources since unsupported devices may call for additional support. Moreover, adequately guiding employees regarding new tools like Copilot and enhanced multitasking features will be crucial in smoothing the transition process.

The impending termination of support for Windows 10 presents not just technological challenges but also financial and strategic considerations for businesses worldwide. A meticulous and informed approach could potentially save organizations considerable expenditures and set the stage for a more seamless integration of advanced technology.

Update: 23 Jun 2026