Windows 10 EOL: Why companies should migrate to Windows 11 now
On 14 October 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life (EOL), which means that Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support. Organisations still running Windows 10 will face a critical decision: migrate to Windows 11 as soon as possible or accept security and compliance risks. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges, benefits, and best practices for a smooth Windows 11 migration – with a special focus on Microsoft Intune as the central migration and endpoint management tool.
Risks of Windows 10 End-of-Life (EOL)
When Windows 10 reaches end-of-life, companies will face serious risks:
- Increased security risks: Without critical security updates, systems are vulnerable to cyber attacks.
- Compliance violations: Regulations such as the GDPR or ISO 27001 require up-to-date security standards.
- Limited hardware support: New hardware drivers and applications may no longer support Windows 10.
- Higher operating costs: due to expensive Extended Security Updates (ESU) or inefficient workarounds.
Windows 11 Migration: Why the switch is worth making
Windows 11 not only offers a modernised user interface, but above all significant improvements in the areas of security, performance and administration:
- Zero Trust Security: TPM 2.0 & Secure Boot increase protection against malware and ransomware.
- Improved performance: More efficient use of resources for an optimised user experience.
- Optimised management: Thanks to Microsoft Intune, IT departments can seamlessly manage devices.
- Advanced cloud integration: Perfect connection to Microsoft 365 and Azure Active Directory.
Microsoft Intune as the central tool for Windows 11 migration
We use Microsoft Intune for secure, scalable and automated Windows 11 migration. This cloud-based endpoint management tool enables:
- Automated provisioning & configuration of Windows 11 devices.
- Zero-touch deployment with Windows Autopilot for new endpoints.
- Remote management of all clients from a central cloud console.
- Compliance policies to ensure company-wide security standards are met.
Case studies: successful Windows 11 migrations
Our expertise in Windows 11 migration is demonstrated by successful projects with well-known companies. Two practical examples:
- APC: Successful conversion of the entire IT infrastructure to Windows 11 with seamless Intune integration.
- Erlanger Stadtwerke: Complete migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 including Autopilot deployment and centralised endpoint management.
Act now before Windows 10 reaches EOL
The Windows 11 migration is not just a software upgrade, but a strategic decision for more security, performance and efficiency. By using Microsoft Intune, companies can centralise, automate and secure their IT environment in the long term.
Take advantage of our experience and let us plan your migration together – before Windows 10 support ends!
Why you should migrate with the HWS Group
The HWS Group is your ideal partner for Windows 11 migration. We offer:
- Cost-effective solutions: Optimised processes to make the most of your IT budgets.
- Holistic approach: We analyse your IT environment and create customised migration plans.
- Experienced experts: Our team has already successfully migrated numerous companies.
- Microsoft Gold Partner & Certified: Our official partnership with Microsoft guarantees the highest quality standards.
- Free initial consultation: Take advantage of our advice to gain valuable know-how in the first conversation.
Benefit from our experience and start your smooth migration to Windows 11 now or take a look at the example project below!
Windows 10 EOL: Successful Windows 11 migration with Microsoft Intune
With the upcoming End of Life (EOL) of Windows 10 on 14 October 2025, it is essential for companies to plan their migration to Windows 11 at an early stage. An unprepared change can lead to security risks, productivity losses and unplanned costs. In this article, we present an example migration project in which 537 end devices are updated to Windows 11 using Microsoft Intune. In doing so, we ensure that incompatible hardware is identified and replaced with suitable systems.
1. Preliminary analysis and hardware compatibility
A key step in migration planning is to take stock of the existing hardware. Not every device currently running Windows 10 is automatically suitable for Windows 11. With Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced more advanced system requirements, including:
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
- UEFI with Secure Boot
- Minimum CPU model requirements (Intel 8th generation or later, AMD Ryzen 2nd generation or later)
- At least 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage
1.1 Hardware inventory with Microsoft Intune
Thanks to Microsoft Intune, we can perform an automatic inventory. All managed endpoints provide their technical specifications, enabling us to analyse exactly which systems are ready for Windows 11 and which need to be replaced. We use:
- Endpoint Analytics in Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM) to identify incompatible devices
- Intune Device Compliance Policies to check devices for compatibility
- Azure Log Analytics introduced to analyse large amounts of data,
including:
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
- UEFI with Secure Boot
- Minimum requirements for CPU models (Intel from 8th generation, AMD Ryzen from 2nd generation)
- At least 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage
1.2 Decision on hardware replacement
Based on the analysis, the devices are categorised into three groups:
- Windows 11 compatible: direct migration possible without hardware replacement.
- Partially compatible: upgrades may be required (e.g. RAM expansion or TPM activation in the BIOS).
- Not compatible: hardware replacement is necessary.
Based on this classification, we create a list of recommendations for the customer and calculate the necessary hardware investments.
2. migration planning and cost estimation
To ensure that the migration is carried out efficiently, we create a detailed migration plan. This takes into account:
- Timing: Definition of the migration phases to avoid affecting ongoing operations
- Resource planning: Definition of the required human and technical resources
- Cost calculation: Determination of the costs for new hardware, licence fees and implementation costs
2.1 Preparation of an individual offer
After the analysis, customers receive a customised offer that takes into account all costs and the time frame for the migration. Aspects such as
- software licences for Microsoft 365 and Windows 11 Enterprise
- costs for endpoint security and device management
- training needs for end users
are also taken into account.
3. Implementing the Windows 11 migration with Microsoft Intune
Once the migration plan has been approved, the actual implementation takes place. Microsoft Intune plays a central role in this, as all configuration and provisioning processes are carried out via the cloud.
3.1 Deployment of new devices with Windows Autopilot
If new hardware is needed, we rely on Windows Autopilot for zero-touch deployment. New devices are preconfigured and can be set up independently by users, eliminating the need for an on-site IT department.
3.2 Creating Windows 11 configuration profiles
Before the actual migration begins, specific configuration profiles for Windows 11 are created in Microsoft Intune. These include:
- Group policies (GPOs) for corporate security
- Endpoint security policies to harden the operating system
- Application deployment for business-critical software
3.3 Staged rollout of the migration
To avoid disrupting operations, the migration takes place in several phases:
- Pilot phase (5-10% of devices): Initial migration on test systems with a small user group.
- Extended phase (30-50% of devices): Expansion to additional departments.
- Final phase (100% of devices): Completion of migration, full rollout.
3.4 Monitoring and end-user support
During the migration, we rely on real-time monitoring with Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Azure Monitor. This enables quick troubleshooting and gives end users access to a help desk.
Conclusion: Plan your Windows 11 migration with Microsoft Intune correctly
With the upcoming Windows 10 EOL, planning and implementing a Windows 11 migration early on is essential. By using Microsoft Intune, the transition can be made efficient, with a focus on hardware compatibility, security policies and detailed cost planning.
Would you like to plan your Windows 11 migration professionally? Contact us for a personalised consultation!
