Mark your calendars—Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
Now is the time to start planning. Upgrading to Windows 11 is more than setting your business up for long-term success. It also involves better performance, stronger security, and AI-powered tools to keep you competitive.
The Risks of Remaining on Windows 10
There are lots of reasons an organization might delay updating to Windows 11, but we’d be remiss not to mention the risks faced by doing so. If your business continues to run Windows 10 after October 14th, it will be exposed to growing security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and unsupportable software.
Cybersecurity Risks
One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of security updates. Once Windows 10 reaches its end of support on October 14, 2025, it will no longer receive critical patches, leaving systems vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cybercriminals often target outdated systems, exploiting known vulnerabilities. In fact, 32% of cyberattacks exploit unpatched software vulnerabilities. Additionally, unsupported systems cannot utilize modern security features like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and virtualization-based security, which are integral to Windows 11.
Performance Issues
Windows 11 is optimized for newer hardware, offering enhanced performance and efficiency. Continuing to use an outdated OS can lead to slower system performance, increased boot times, and reduced responsiveness. Moreover, as software developers focus on newer operating systems, applications may become incompatible with older versions, leading to potential functionality issues.
Unsupported Software
As technology evolves, software vendors discontinue support for older operating systems. This lack of support means that users may not receive updates or patches for applications, increasing the risk of security vulnerabilities. Furthermore, regulatory compliance standards may require the use of supported operating systems, and using outdated software could result in non-compliance.
Upgrading to Windows 11
Windows 11 represents a significant leap forward, especially for businesses that want to tap into AI’s full potential. Microsoft has packed it with cutting-edge AI capabilities designed to streamline workflows, boost collaboration, and make data-driven decision-making more straightforward than ever.
By making the switch now, you can ensure your business stays secure, efficient, and ready for what’s next. Plus, with support for future AI innovations, Windows 11 helps you plan long-term strategies without worrying about outdated technology holding you back.
Key benefits of Windows 11 include:
- Stronger security: Built-in protections against cyber threats, ransomware, and phishing attacks keep your business safer.
- Improved performance: Faster boot times, better memory management, and an optimized user experience mean smoother operations.
- Seamless collaboration: Integrated AI tools enhance video calls, messaging, and team workflows, making remote and hybrid work easier.
- Future-proof flexibility: Windows 11 is designed to work with AI-driven applications and services, ensuring your tech stays relevant as AI evolves.
All-New AI Features
Windows 11 brings AI front and center with Microsoft Copilot, an intelligent assistant built into everyday tools like Word and Excel. Need to automate repetitive tasks? Copilot’s got you covered. Want more imaginative suggestions while working on reports? It’s already analyzing your data. Here’s a few features users can look for in Windows 11:
Copilot: Your AI Assistant
Windows Copilot serves as an integrated AI assistant, accessible via the taskbar. It provides contextual assistance across various applications, offering suggestions and automating tasks to streamline workflows. For instance, Copilot can help draft emails, summarize documents, or provide insights based on user queries. This integration aims to reduce manual effort and enhance efficiency.
Recall: Intelligent Search Across Devices
Recall is an AI-driven search feature that allows users to find documents, images, emails, and other content across their devices and connected networks. By utilizing natural language queries, users can retrieve items based on descriptive prompts, such as "the PowerPoint with the purple chart." This semantic search capability simplifies locating files without needing exact names or locations. Recall also includes "screenray," which analyzes snapshots to suggest relevant actions, like sending an email.
Cocreator: AI-Powered Creative Tools
Cocreator enhances applications like Paint and Photos by integrating generative AI. In Paint, users can generate images from text prompts or sketches, selecting styles such as pixel art or watercolor. The tool uses on-device neural processing units to provide real-time feedback and refinements. Similarly, Photos app users can employ AI to restyle images, transforming them into various artistic genres like cyberpunk or surrealism.
Click to Do: Contextual Action Suggestions
Click to Do is an AI feature that offers contextual actions based on on-screen content. By pressing the Windows key and clicking on the screen, users can receive suggestions to summarize text, remove image backgrounds, or perform other relevant tasks.
With advanced natural language processing (NLP), you can interact with your devices more naturally. Just type or speak like you would with a real assistant.
How To Get The Most Out of Windows 11
Businesses must integrate AI tools into everyday workflows to take full advantage of Windows 11. That means:
- Using Copilot to save time: Automate email drafts, summarize documents, and generate reports in seconds.
- Letting AI handle the busywork: Skip manual meeting notes—AI-powered transcriptions do it for you.
- Training your team: Employees must understand how to make AI work for them. A little training goes a long way in unlocking productivity.
- Staying updated: Microsoft is constantly rolling out new AI features, so staying current ensures your business always has access to the latest innovations.
It’s about more than just improving efficiency. With the right approach, Windows 11’s AI tools will redefine how your business operates. Thinking about making the switch? Let us help! Reach out today to learn how All Covered can streamline the upgrade process, ensuring uniformity and security across your organization.