Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. That means no more security updates, feature fixes, or technical support from Microsoft.
For organizations, this opens the door to serious risks:
- Unpatched vulnerabilities that expose your environment
- Outdated system components and libraries that affect performance and integration
- Compliance challenges for industries under regulatory requirements
- Limited support from third-party software vendors, who will shift focus to Windows 11 compatibility only
Even if devices continue to function, your infrastructure as a matter of fact won’t be secure or future-proof. Migration isn’t just a recommendation — it’s an operational necessity.
What’s changing in Windows 11 — and how it affects applications
Windows 11 introduces fundamental shifts in how the operating system behaves, particularly around security, performance, and application handling.
Here are some key differences from Windows 10:
- Hardware requirements: TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and modern CPUs are required. This impacts what devices can run Win11 and how applications are deployed.
- Security model upgrades: Enhanced isolation, stricter permission handling, and features like Smart App Control increase protection — but can block older applications or custom scripts.
- Visual and system architecture changes: UI elements, system paths, and context handling (like elevation or file access) have changed — and that can disrupt apps that rely on hardcoded logic or older frameworks.
- Support for modern formats and frameworks: There’s increased focus on MSIX, Intune-based deployment, and cloud-integrated management, which may require a shift in how apps are packaged and delivered.
Not all applications will break. However, many will need to be retested or updated to function correctly in a Windows 11 environment.
Application Compatibility Isn’t Guaranteed
A common misconception is that if an app works on Windows 10, it will “just work” on Windows 11. But we’ve seen that many fail silently or misbehave due to:
- Hardcoded OS version checks or outdated logic
- Dependencies on deprecated libraries or Windows features
- Legacy install logic or custom scripts that don’t align with Windows 11 security policies
- Changes in execution context (user permissions, system folders, environment variables)
Each application needs to be reviewed, tested, and — if necessary — repackaged. For larger portfolios, this certainly becomes a time-consuming and risky task if done manually.
Windows 11 Adoption Is Rising
Organizations are already making the shift. According to Statcounter’s March 2025 data:
- Windows 11 usage has climbed to 42.64%
- Windows 10 is now at 54.27%, continuing its downward trend
At the start of 2025, Win11 held 33.72% of the market. In just three months, adoption has jumped by nearly 9 percentage points — showing clear dynamics. More businesses are accelerating their migration plans as the end-of-support date draws closer.
Ready to Migrate?
Whether you’re preparing a few critical apps or managing a full application portfolio, we’re here to help.
We specialize in compatibility testing, modernization, and delivery of Windows 11–ready packages — fast, accurate, and fully aligned with your environment.
👉 Request a demo 👉 More about our Windows 11 migration service
