How to prepare for Windows 10 end of support by moving to Windows 11 today

As we approach the end of support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 20251, we want to ensure you are well-prepared for the transition to Windows 11. This milestone marks an important step in our mission to provide the most modern and secure computing experience possible for everyone whether at work, school, or home, and our commitment to continually improving Windows security as part of Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI). We are incredibly grateful for your loyalty and passion for Windows 10, and we are working hard to make it easy to move to Windows 11.

This blog post is intended to help you prepare for Windows 10 end of support by outlining considerations for moving to Windows 11 today. Including:

  • Benefits of upgrading to Windows 11
  • Checking if your current Windows 10 PC can upgrade to Windows 11
  • Resources for purchasing a new Windows 11 PC

Benefits of upgrading to Windows 11

Windows 11 builds upon the strengths and familiarity of Windows, offering you a modern, secure and highly efficient computing experience that meets the current demands for heightened security by default and by design. With integrated and enhanced security features, high customer satisfaction and notable productivity improvements — be it for work, school or play — new Windows 11 PCs are more secure, more productive and higher performing than Windows 10 PCs.

And Copilot+ PCs, our fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever, take this capability a step further, embodying the ultimate Windows 11 experience with cutting-edge security measures, optimized performance and innovative AI-powered features that redefine what’s possible on a PC.

Windows 11 features include:

  • Even more secure by default: Modernizing to Windows 11 provides a secure environment with advanced security features like TPM 2.0, virtualization-based security and the vulnerable driver block list enabled by default, as well as Smart App Control which is available on new installations of Windows 11 on any PC. New Windows 11 PCs are more secure, with a reported 62% drop in security incidents and 3x reported reduction in firmware attacks.4 At a premium price, Copilot+ PCs deliver even more protection, including memory-based integrity, Secured-core PC capabilities, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security and the built-in Microsoft Pluton Security processor.

 

  • Trusted Windows experience: Windows 11 maintains a familiar user experience from Windows 10, with a consistent layout and functionality, while introducing a more modern and streamlined UI design. Key elements like the Start menu and taskbar have been updated for a cleaner look, but the overall navigation and usability remain intuitive and user-friendly, like Windows 10.

 

  • Optimised for speed and efficiency: Enhanced response time when in sleep mode, faster web browsing, intuitive navigation and improved, updated fundamentals all contribute to better performance on Windows 11. Leveraging the performance of Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs offer even more power and efficiency, and lightning speed when performing AI-powered productivity and creativity tasks. In fact, Copilot+ PCs are up to 5x faster than the most popular five-year old Windows PCs.3
  • Better multitasking: Features like Snap Layouts and Multiple desktops help you stay organized and productive. With Snap Layouts, you can organize your open windows and optimize your screen space, making multitasking easier and more efficient. Multiple desktops are great for keeping unrelated, ongoing projects organized — or for quickly switching desktops before a meeting.

 

  • Built-in accessibility features: Windows 11 is the most inclusively designed and most accessible version of Windows yet. Windows 11 includes a host of accessibility improvements designed for and with people with disabilities: calmer, more appealing sound schemes; beautiful new contrast themes and closed caption customizations; and, a more responsive and flexible experience for working with assistive technologies.

 

 

  • Copilot, your AI companion: With Copilot, you can get straightforward answers, learn, grow and gain confidence. Copilot breaks down complex concepts and helps you make sense of it all. Easily accessible right from the Windows taskbar or the Copilot key on new Windows 11 PCs.

Snap Layouts in Windows 11

Modern security starts with hardware

Starting Oct. 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates. As security threats evolve and adapt, so must our operating systems and hardware. Because of this, we designed Windows 11 to be the most secure version of Windows ever by default and design to help you stay ahead of those risks. Advanced security features include hardware-based protection through TPM 2.0, enhanced authentication methods and virtualization-based security fully enabled by default. Windows 11 also includes phishing protection, offering robust defence mechanisms, and provides an extra layer of security against common and persistent cyberattacks, like attempts to compromise login credentials or install malware.

Smart App Control in Windows 11

Notable Windows 11 security benefits include:

  • Microsoft Pluton security processor: Designed by Microsoft and our silicon partners, Pluton is embedded in the PC’s processor, enhancing many Windows 11 and all Copilot+ PCs with protection for user identity, data and apps accompanied by reliable updates from Microsoft distributed with safe deployment best practices.

 

  • Hardware and software integration: Features like secure boot, virtualization-based security, memory integrity, Secured-core PC, the vulnerable driver block list, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security and the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) defaults contribute to the additional security as compared with Windows 10 devices.
  • A safer app experience: Smart App Control in Windows 11 enhances security by automatically blocking untrusted or potentially harmful applications, ensuring a safer and more reliable computing experience. This proactive feature helps protect you from malware and other threats without compromising performance.

 

  • Windows Hello extended to protect passkeys: Passkeys are another secure step towards eliminating passwords entirely, making it much harder for hackers to exploit stolen passwords through phishing attacks.

Accelerate business success with Windows 11

For organisations of every size, Windows 11 is built for game-changing AI, faster performance and layers of security enabled by default – with a 250% return on investment. Designed to support any work environment and every employee, offering features that enhance multitasking and facilitate 50% faster workflows than Windows 10. It also introduces a multitude of new management controls, making it easier for organizations to move away from older systems, like Group Policy as well as new tools and policies to enable more secure corporate environments reducing the number of IT helpdesk tickets. Features like Windows Autopilot for device setup, Intune for device management with Config Refresh, and Windows Hello for Business and other MFA authentication methods supported by Entra ID are available to our clients.

Moving to Windows 11 is simple for organisations too

As we approach the end of support for Windows 10, we want to ensure organizations experience an easy and seamless transition to Windows 11. With 99.7% compatibility with Windows 10 apps the move is familiar to IT using the same tools and processes you use today which means organisations have been deploying Windows 11 25% faster. A range of tools are available and designed to support this upgrade, ensuring minimal disruption to their operations and maximizing the benefits of Windows 11.

  • The Windows 11 Security Book is an essential resource that provides a detailed exploration of the security enhancements that make Windows 11 our most secure OS, and offers insights into how businesses can protect their organizations effectively.

 

  • To help our SMB customers migrate to Windows 11, we have created an assessment tool to communicate the steps they need to take to mitigate the risks of Windows 10 End of Support as well as resources to help.

Let’s talk about your Window 10 to 11 transition.

Contact our team for a strategic approach to technology.

hello@acutec.co.uk

01675 469020

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