Why delay could be a costly mistake for your organisation
The 14 October 2025 Windows 11 transition deadline is fast approaching, but work is still underway at many organisations. While some have made progress, a significant number are yet to take meaningful action. At this stage, it is no longer about early planning, it is about ensuring the transition is completed in time to avoid unnecessary risk.
"As technology evolves, stagnation is a large threat to productivity and security. Windows 11 equips businesses with the tools they need to stay competitive, and prepared for the future of work."
- Preston Gallwas, Workspace Director, Inde
Don’t bury your head under the sand: There is a cost to waiting
It’s no news that IT teams are constantly under pressure. Competing priorities, legacy systems, and resource constraints often push upgrade projects to the bottom of the list. But delaying the move to Windows 11 increases your exposure to cyber threats. Unsupported or outdated systems are more vulnerable, and when a known vulnerability is discovered, attackers move quickly.
The longer you wait, the more likely you will face a rushed, reactive upgrade. That kind of pressure often leads to mistakes, downtime, and increased costs.
A Lesson from the Past: WannaCry
The 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack is a clear example of what can happen when organisations fail to act. Despite Microsoft releasing a security patch to be installed on all electronic devices that ran Windows, 200,000 PCs were infected across 156 countries. The result was widespread disruption and financial losses across the globe estimated at the $4 billion mark.
The vulnerability it exploited had already been identified and patched, yet millions of systems remained exposed. This was not a failure of technology. It was a failure to act on time.
We are seeing similar patterns today. The risks are known. The deadline is clear. But many organisations are still hoping to avoid the short-term disruption of change, and this mindset can be costly.
Why it keeps happening
It’s common for organisations to delay action when the consequences aren’t immediate. But let’s acknowledge the reality: IT teams are juggling a complex mix of priorities—supporting day-to-day operations, managing security threats, enabling hybrid work, and driving innovation. In this environment, major upgrades like the Windows 11 migration can understandably fall behind.
On top of that, the technical hurdles are real. Windows 11 introduces stricter hardware requirements, including the need for TPM 2.0 and newer CPUs. Many organisations have discovered that a significant portion of their existing fleet doesn’t meet these standards, leading to unexpected delays and budget implications. What may have initially seemed like a simple OS upgrade often turns into a broader hardware refresh project—one that requires time, planning, and investment.
Some IT leaders may also be navigating internal resistance, unclear ownership, or uncertainty about the best migration path. Others may assume their current systems are “good enough” for now, underestimating the risks of running unsupported software.
But doing nothing is not a neutral choice. It’s a decision that increases risk, reduces flexibility, and limits your ability to respond to future needs.
There is still time to get it right
The good news is that there is still time to complete the transition before the 14 October deadline. With the right support, planning, and execution, your organisation can avoid the last-minute scramble and the risks that come with it.
By acting now, you can:
- Strengthen your cybersecurity posture
- Ensure compliance with evolving standards
- Modernise your infrastructure
- Avoid the cost and stress of emergency upgrades
Take the next step: Book your Windows 11 Transition State Assessment
Understanding your current transition state is critical to completing your Windows 11 upgrade before the October 2025 deadline. Our Transition State Assessment helps you pinpoint exactly where your organisation is in the migration journey, identify blockers, and define the next steps to move forward with confidence.
Whether you're in early planning, mid-deployment, or facing delays, we’ll help you transition smoothly and securely—without the last-minute scramble.
Book your assessment today and let’s get your upgrade sorted before the deadline.
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