Image: Microsoft

By Brittany Fugate, CEO at Cenetric

One of the most popular articles here on our website, 5 Tips on How Your Business Can Upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7, gets a shocking amount of interest given its age. Written in 2019, it covers how and why companies should say goodbye to Windows 7 and upgrade to Windows 10.

Now, six years later, Windows 10 is becoming yesterday’s news as Microsoft stops supporting it on October 14, 2025. If your business hasn’t upgraded to Windows 11 yet, what does that mean — and why should you make the leap now?

Are you behind on updating to Windows 11?

Yes and no. It’s definitely time to do it, but a lot of other users haven’t upgraded either. If you haven’t yet, you’re not alone.

According to 2025 research by Lansweeper, only about 30% of devices using Windows are on 11, while nearly 60% are using the Windows 10 OS. (We’d like to have a chat with the 1% of users who are still on Windows 2000, 8, XP and 7.)

Image: Is Your Business Ready for Windows 11? Lansweeper, January 2025.

As the end-of-life date approaches, there’s been an uptick in Windows 11 adoption. Since September 2024, the number of devices on Windows 11 has risen about 7%. That trend will certainly continue as we get closer to October.

How upgrading to Windows 11 protects your business

Those users who have upgraded likely recognized what we want to share with you: Upgrading is a vital part of protecting your IT infrastructure.

We’ve talked with you before about tech debt (old hardware and software that costs you more to maintain than new versions would). By not upgrading to Windows 11, you’re signing your company up for that tech debt and actually creating risk and productivity loss in your business. How so? When Windows 10 sunsets you can still use it, but it means:

• No more technical support. Microsoft won’t be able to help you with the inevitable glitches and issues that you’ll have by staying on Windows 10.
  
  
• No feature updates. Since its release in 2015, Microsoft has delivered tons of updates (large and small) to Windows 10 to provide more value. If you stick with 10 instead of updating, you’ll miss out on the new features they roll out for Windows 11.
  
  
• Security updates or fixes. This is the most important reason to upgrade. Without regular updates and patches from Microsoft, your company becomes easier for cybercriminals to attack and exploit.

That’s why regular patches are almost always required by your cyberinsurance provider, as are business continuity, disaster response, and cyberincident response plans.

You won’t feel the pains of being an “early adopter” if you switch now. We get it — some people hold off on upgrading so Microsoft can work out any kinks. But that time has passed, and the best idea is to switch ASAP.

Other times, people hesitate because change is hard and you just don’t want to do it. We’ve been there too. Yes, there are some differences between Windows 10 and 11, but none is so radical that you’ll feel lost. If you’re concerned about the changes, team training could be in order.

Cenetric can get you up to date and on track

As a business owner, you’ve got better things to do than worry about Windows updates. And if you do have an IT staff, they might be overwhelmed with the other tasks on their plate. But upgrading to Windows 11 is extremely important as the end-of-life date approaches.

Through co-managed, managed or project services, the experts at Cenetric can help you get upgraded, and, if necessary, train your team to get the most out of their Windows 11 experience.

Looking for responsive, expert IT services for growing companies in Kansas City — or beyond? That’s Cenetric. Tell us about your challenges, and let’s figure them out together.