Let's be honest here. We completely understand that in the scheme of all things business that you have going on, a change in your Windows operating system seems less than critical. The issue is, upgrading to Windows 11 (and tackling legacy technology across the board) actually should be on the TOP of your list, and here are five reasons why:
When Microsoft stops supporting Windows 10 in October 2025, that signals the end to security updates—and increased exposure for your business data. Without vendor security updates or patches, newly discovered vulnerabilities are left unaddressed, leaving your systems—and sensitive business data—exposed to cyber threats.
Additionally, due to the advanced cybersecurity baked into Windows 11, many legacy PCs can't run the new OS due to hardware limitations that won't support the new functionality, further exposing your business to attack if you try to pair old with new. All of these cracks and gaps can leave your organization vulnerable, a risky choice given the increasing number of ransomware and phishing attacks targeting SMBs.
Legacy hardware and software can violate compliance standards. (Yes, we're looking at you, healthcare …) Legacy systems often can't meet modern security protocols (e.g., MFA, Zero Trust) or even support the advanced security functions that Microsoft has layered into Windows 11. That means, for many organizations governed by regulatory compliance, legacy technology does not meet the standards set by those regulations.
For example, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, CMMC, and even state-level rules such as NY's SHIELD Act expect modern protections that are simply not possible with legacy technology. Additionally, many compliance standards require that all systems use vendor-supported software. Running an unsupported Windows 10 operating system after October can put your business at risk of non-compliance. We can all agree that a roadmap to update systems between now and October is more budget-friendly than the legal ramifications or penalties of non-compliance.
The anticipated and evolving impact of tariffs on the supply chain and price. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has repeatedly commented that U.S. consumers will see price increases linked to tariffs—specifically on electronics and personal computers—although there continues to be a lack of clarity on the scope of those increases as the tariff strategy shifts. Industry analysts report proposed and existing tariffs could raise costs for devices like laptops, servers, disks, and networking gear by 10%-45%, while components like HDDs/SSDs face tariffs of more than 100% depending on origin.
While the situation continues to evolve and hopefully improve, the tariffs' impact on IT hardware and procurement, including budgets, can't be overlooked. Planning to identify elements of your tech stack that need updating and then drafting a roadmap for those purchases can help your organization avoid higher prices and supply chain disruption that could derail operations.
Don't miss an opportunity to align tech with business goals and improve your competitive edge. Rather than treat the Windows 10 sunset as another IT hurdle, use it as a strategic pivot point. This is the perfect chance to align your IT strategy with business goals. Outdated operating systems often cause compatibility issues with new applications and advanced solutions. As vendors and developers move to align new offers with Windows 11, your business may experience slower performance, software failures, or downtime—impacting productivity and customer experience.
Avoid making last-minute forced decisions about products. Migrating to a new operating system is more than a software update—it often involves assessing hardware compatibility, budgeting for replacements, and scheduling deployments. Planning early provides time to evaluate your infrastructure and invest wisely, supporting long-term business growth.
While your MSP should be driving this process, working collaboratively with you to align IT needs with business goals, your decision makers still need to consider long-term plans to inform that discussion.
For example, are you expanding to new locations? Hiring staff? Moving into new markets? Even if those changes are months down the road, planning ahead for that type of expansion project is key to a solid IT roadmap. You also have to think about investing in advanced or emerging technologies that might require additions to your tech stack. From there, be sure to balance ROI from productivity gains or risk mitigation with investments in the right hardware and software.
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The best long-term approach to managing your IT lifecycles is partnering with a managed services provider. One key role your MSP should play is conducting periodic business reviews that allow for close alignment between business needs, business growth plans, business tech strategy, and your organization's IT roadmap and budget.
Not only will your MSP ask the right questions, their team will assist with warranty and licensing documentation and tracking, as well as advising your leadership about purchasing, timing for key project hardware and software, and more.
Interested in how Exigent approaches lifecycle management? Contact us today.