We all experience that same worry when we find out that there’s yet another Windows upgrade. It’s not usually due to the enhanced features that come with it; after all, we all love more security. Rather, it’s concern that our existing devices may not be up to running the newest version – and the knock-on financial impact of buying a new fleet.

Windows 10 reaches its end of life on October 14, 2025. From then on, you can basically say goodbye to Microsoft updates or technical support – you’re on your own. Naturally, most of us acknowledge that sticking with Windows 10 isn’t a viable option. So, the rush is on to identify which of our devices are suitably spec’d to run Windows 11, prepare a purchasing and deployment plan, test endpoint devices to make sure Windows 11 is working as it should be, manage security, and roll out training.

What’s the problem?

Of course, this assumes you can buy the devices needed. And that could be an issue. Why?

According to Canalys (a leading global technology market analyst firm focusing on the channel), the end of support for Windows 10 could turn 240 million PCs into e-waste. Incidentally, Canalys observes: “If these were all folded laptops, stacked one on top of another, they would make a pile 600km taller than the moon.”

Now, we’re confident that a mental image of that immense pile of obsolete technology doesn’t create a feel-good moment or sense of pride for any of us. Nor does the prospect of the significant CAPEX commitment required to buy new devices or the internal effort required to make it happen bring you joy. Or having to navigate potential worldwide supply chain shortages as manufacturers struggle to magic up 240 million replacement Windows 11-ready machines by the deadline.

So, what are your other options?

Hang on to Windows 10 until 2028

Perhaps as an acknowledgement of the gravity of the ecological impact (or, more likely, the impending financial toll on customers or the lack of available Windows 11 devices), Microsoft announced the Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10.

This will extend its lifecycle to October 2028, but you will need to purchase ESU licenses. It will only provide security updates – no new features or non-security updates.

It should be noted that the ESU program is aimed at organisations with large fleets of PCs and software that won’t run Windows 11 and may struggle to upgrade to the October 2025 deadline. The program is intended to fill the gap by giving a grace period of up to three years to transition while maintaining security.

The cost? For now, Microsoft is talking about various price models per device per annum (depending on how you receive your updates). To note: Microsoft advises that the price will double every consecutive year for a maximum of three years. If you join the program in Year Two, you’ll also have to pay for Year One since ESUs are cumulative.

Is there a greener, more cost-effective alternative?

We’re glad you asked. By embracing ESU, you could simply postpone moving to Windows 11 and save on the cost of new devices (or the effort to upgrade and test compliant devices). That could give you three years of grace – at a price. However, you’ll miss out on the advantages of moving to Windows 11 – in particular, some significant security boosts.

Or (and this is a much more interesting proposition) you could transition to Windows 11 in the cloud – public, private, or hybrid with a secure endpoint OS like IGEL, which is designed for SaaS, DaaS (Desktop as a Service), VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure), and secure browser environments like Island.

The growth of Windows 365 and AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop) means centralising Windows deployment through Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and DaaS has become a well-established option for many organisations.

So what do they know that you don’t?

Why companies are moving to Windows 11 the cloud

First, it makes your existing technology go further – and for longer. Yes, you can hang on to your non-Windows 11 compatible devices (from x86/64 hardware, including laptops, desktops, and thin clients from leading manufacturers). And you can extend its lifetime a further six to eight years, so you (and your kids) don’t need to live with the guilt of avoidable e-waste. On top of that, you’re upholding your CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) commitments and responsibilities.

You’ll save money. Moving your resources to a VDI/DaaS enablement means there’s no need for a major CAPEX investment. You will also eliminate the need for an expensive endpoint security stack by securing a hosted Windows environment, so you don’t pay twice for endpoint and hosted protection.

You’re reducing risk and the time to test. With a smaller endpoint footprint than before and IGEL’s Preventative Security Model™, the risk of ransomware attacks is dramatically reduced. At less than 2GB, IGEL’s OS is designed to be modular, so your IT team only need to deploy exactly what your users need to connect to the VDI/DaaS environment and a great user experience.

You’ll get more security with less day-to-day effort and expense. IGEL partners with Island, a world leader in enterprise browsers. Island has embedded security, IT, network controls, data protection, and app access into the browsing experience, meaning you need fewer team members (and hours) to manage and troubleshoot your security stack.

Where to next?

If you’re like most businesses, you’ll have assumed that there’s been no alternative to either paying for an ESU license to delay the inevitable for three years or committing to a major project to establish which devices they need to replace to be Windows 11-ready – and then trying to source them.

And you’d be right. Until the last few years, you wouldn’t have had any other options.

Now, though, between IGEL’s Secure Endpoint OS and Island’s Enterprise Browser – available as a native IGEL OS 12 application – you can simplify the adoption of Windows 11 while extending the lifecycle of ‘obsolete’ endpoint devices and driving down your TCO (total cost of ownership). So, you get the best of all worlds.

If you’re not using VDI, it may take some time to get your head around the concept – and the potential savings. But once you do, we’re confident you’ll wonder why you weren’t on board earlier. Thinking smarter and greener rather than spending up large becomes an obvious solution.