The Windows 10 End of Support deadline has passed. Many organisations have opted for Extended Security Updates (ESU) to buy time. While this maintains compliance in the short term, it is not a long-term solution.

Paying for ESU is effectively an investment in a dead-end platform. It keeps the lights on, but it does not deliver new value. More importantly, maintaining a legacy fleet actively blocks your organisation from leveraging the two biggest drivers of modern IT value: Artificial Intelligence and hardware-backed security.

Here is why shifting your budget from ESU to a Windows 11 migration is the only viable choice for 2025 and onwards.

The AI Hardware Gap

The UK market is moving quickly. Research indicates that 68% of UK enterprises are implementing or planning to implement AI solutions this year.¹ However, software is only half the equation.

Effective AI deployment requires modern hardware. Legacy devices running Windows 10 typically lack the Neural Processing Units (NPUs) necessary to run AI workloads locally and efficiently. By keeping these older devices in circulation, you create a performance ceiling for your workforce.

You cannot run modern, intelligent tools on outdated infrastructure. Migrating to Windows 11 allows you to deploy devices capable of handling the computational demands of the next five years.

Software Patches vs. Hardware Security

ESU provides critical security patches, but it does not address the fundamental architectural weaknesses of a legacy OS.

Modern security threats attack the hardware and firmware layers, not just the software. Windows 11 introduces mandatory hardware-backed security requirements (such as TPM 2.0 and strictly enforced code integrity) that Windows 10 devices simply cannot support.

Relying on ESU leaves your attack surface dangerously large. For any IT leader tasked with ensuring operational resilience, relying solely on software patching is an unmanaged risk.

Move from Reactive Costs to Proactive Investment

Every pound spent on ESU is a reactive cost. It prevents failure but does not improve performance.

That same budget should fund proactive investments in technology that improves productivity. By moving to Windows 11 now, you stop funding obsolescence and start building a platform that supports your business goals.

How XMA Can Help

We understand that migration is a complex logistical challenge. XMA provides a clear, cost-effective path forward.

• Audit & Assess: We identify which devices in your fleet are blocking AI adoption and creating security risks.

• Deploy: We manage the rollout of secure-by-design Windows 11 devices.

• Manage Costs: Our leasing options allow you to equip your team with modern technology for a predictable monthly cost, avoiding large upfront capital expenses.

Don’t let legacy hardware dictate your strategy. Contact XMA today at enquries@xma.co.uk to plan your migration.

[1] UK Artificial Intelligence (AI) Statistics And Trends In 2025 – Forbes Advisor UK