Windows 10 End of Support: How Intune Helps You Upgrade

Understanding Windows 10 End of Support

Windows 10 end of support is coming October 14, 2025, and if your organization is still running it, now is the time to act. Once support ends, Microsoft will stop releasing security updates, leaving outdated devices vulnerable to cyber threats. Unsupported operating systems also introduce compliance risks and potential compatibility issues with modern applications.

The transition to Windows 11 isn’t just about security—it’s also about ensuring your business remains efficient and well-integrated with Microsoft’s evolving ecosystem. However, upgrading isn’t always straightforward. Some devices may not meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements, and managing upgrades across multiple endpoints can be challenging.

That’s where Microsoft Intune comes in. Intune streamlines the Windows 11 upgrade process by helping you assess device readiness, automate deployments, and enforce security policies. Whether your devices are five years old or brand new, Intune provides a centralized approach to upgrading while maintaining compliance and security.

At Levacloud, we help businesses navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring minimal disruption while keeping security at the forefront. In this guide, we’ll break down what Windows 10 end of support means for your organization, how Intune simplifies the upgrade process, and what to do if your devices don’t meet Windows 11 requirements.

What Windows 10 End of Support Means for Your Business

Windows 10 end of support on October 14, 2025, means Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. If your organization continues running Windows 10 past this date, you will face significant operational and security risks. Here’s what that means in detail:

1. Increased Security Risks

Once Microsoft stops releasing security patches, any newly discovered vulnerabilities in Windows 10 will remain unpatched. Cybercriminals actively exploit unsupported operating systems, making them a high-risk target for ransomware, malware, and zero-day attacks. Without security updates, your organization’s sensitive data, credentials, and infrastructure become exposed.

Even with endpoint protection solutions like Microsoft Defender, an unpatched OS remains a major security gap. Attackers can use privilege escalation techniques, lateral movement strategies, and legacy protocol exploits to compromise devices and gain access to broader network resources. The longer your organization runs Windows 10 beyond the end-of-support date, the greater the risk of a breach.

2. Compliance and Regulatory Issues

Many industries require businesses to maintain up-to-date and supported software to comply with cybersecurity regulations and data protection standards, such as:

• HIPAA (Healthcare) – Requires supported systems to maintain data security and prevent breaches.
• PCI-DSS (Financial/Payment Processing) – Outdated systems can compromise payment security compliance.
• CMMC/NIST (Government Contractors) – Running unsupported software may result in losing contracts.

Organizations that fail audits due to unsupported operating systems risk fines, legal action, and potential loss of business opportunities. Regulatory bodies and security frameworks mandate patching vulnerabilities, which becomes impossible once Microsoft stops releasing updates.

3. Compatibility Problems with Software and Hardware

Over time, modern applications and services will drop support for Windows 10, causing performance issues and failures in critical business workflows. Key concerns include:

• Software Incompatibility – Future versions of business-critical applications (e.g., Microsoft 365, security tools, ERP systems) may no longer support Windows 10, forcing organizations to stay on outdated, insecure software.
• Driver and Hardware Issues – New hardware (laptops, desktops, peripherals) will be designed for Windows 11 and may lack driver support for Windows 10, leading to performance degradation or complete incompatibility.
• Cloud and SaaS Limitations – Many cloud services optimize for the latest OS, meaning older versions may lose key integrations or security features over time.

Sticking with Windows 10 will create ongoing IT headaches, forcing workarounds or unplanned infrastructure replacements.

4. Higher IT Management Costs

Managing an outdated OS isn’t just a security and compliance issue—it’s a costly burden for IT teams. Organizations still running Windows 10 will experience:

• Increased support and troubleshooting time – As applications and services become less compatible, IT teams will spend more hours troubleshooting and applying manual fixes.
• Higher risk of downtime and disruptions – An outdated OS is more prone to failures, forcing emergency fixes that disrupt business operations.
• Expensive extended security updates (ESU) – Microsoft offers paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, but this is a costly, short-term solution that still requires eventual migration.

The longer an organization delays the Windows 11 upgrade, the more time and resources will be wasted on maintaining an outdated environment instead of focusing on growth and innovation. Did you know you can also manage MacOS devices with Intune now too?

With these risks in mind, now is the time to evaluate your devices and plan for an upgrade. Next, we’ll cover how to determine if your devices meet Windows 11 requirements and how Intune simplifies the migration process.

Windows 11 Recommended System Requirements

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just about installing a new OS—it requires devices that meet Microsoft’s minimum system requirements. The most common upgrade challenge businesses face is hardware compatibility, especially for devices older than five years.

Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements

To run Windows 11, devices must meet the following specifications:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster, with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor (Intel 8th Gen, AMD Ryzen 2000 series, or newer).
• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB+ recommended for business use).
• Storage: 64 GB minimum of available space.
• Firmware: UEFI and Secure Boot support required (legacy BIOS devices are not supported).
• TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0: Required for enhanced security.
• Graphics Card: DirectX 12-compatible GPU with WDDM 2.0 driver.
• Display: At least 720p resolution with a 9-inch diagonal screen or larger.

Common Challenges in Meeting Windows 11 Requirements

Many businesses still operate devices that don’t meet Windows 11’s strict hardware standards. The most common roadblocks include:

1. Older Processors – Devices running Intel 7th Gen CPUs or earlier (or AMD equivalents) will not pass compatibility checks.
2. No TPM 2.0 – Many older devices either lack a Trusted Platform Module or have it disabled in BIOS.
3. Legacy Boot Mode – Devices using BIOS instead of UEFI won’t support Secure Boot, which is mandatory for Windows 11.
4. Insufficient RAM or Storage – Many legacy systems lack the required 4 GB RAM or available disk space for the upgrade.

If a significant portion of your fleet doesn’t meet these standards, you’ll need a strategic upgrade plan—either through hardware replacements or alternative solutions like Windows 365 Cloud PCs.

How to Assess Your Devices for Windows 11 Readiness

Rather than manually checking each system, Microsoft Intune provides an efficient way to analyze device eligibility at scale. Intune’s Endpoint Analytics and Windows Update Readiness Reports help IT teams:

• Identify which devices meet Windows 11 requirements and are ready for an upgrade.
• Flag devices needing BIOS/firmware updates to enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0.
• Generate reports on which systems need replacement based on their age and performance.

This data-driven approach ensures faster decision-making and minimizes disruptions during the transition to Windows 11.

Next, we’ll cover how Intune simplifies the Windows 11 upgrade process, from deployment strategies to automation tools that reduce downtime.

How Intune Simplifies the Windows 11 Upgrade Process

Once you’ve identified which devices are ready for Windows 11, the next step is ensuring a smooth, efficient upgrade process. Microsoft Intune plays a critical role in managing this transition—going beyond just readiness checks to streamline deployment, automate provisioning, and enforce security policies.

1. Automating Windows 11 Deployments with Windows Update for Business

Manually upgrading devices across an organization is impractical. Windows Update for Business (WUfB), managed through Intune, automates the process while giving IT full control over:

• Staged rollouts – Upgrade devices in phases to minimize disruptions.
• Update deferrals – Delay upgrades for specific users or departments to ensure business continuity.
• Rollback capabilities – Revert to Windows 10 if necessary, mitigating potential compatibility issues.

With Intune managing WUfB policies, organizations can execute upgrades in a controlled, efficient manner without requiring manual intervention on each device.

2. Using Windows Autopilot to Deploy New Devices

For devices that don’t meet Windows 11 requirements and require replacement, Windows Autopilot simplifies the deployment of new machines. Instead of IT teams manually imaging and configuring each device, Autopilot:

• Pre-configures Windows 11 settings before devices reach users.
• Enforces security policies like BitLocker encryption and Microsoft Defender immediately.
• Allows devices to be shipped directly to employees with all necessary configurations applied upon first login.

This ensures a fast, secure onboarding process with minimal IT overhead.

3. Enforcing Security and Compliance After Upgrading

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just about deployment—it’s about maintaining security. Intune allows IT teams to:

• Apply security baselines – Enforce Microsoft-recommended settings for Windows 11.
• Monitor compliance status – Ensure devices have Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and BitLocker enabled.
• Use Conditional Access – Restrict access to corporate resources for devices that fail compliance checks.

By integrating Windows 11 upgrades with Intune’s security and compliance policies, organizations can maintain a secure, well-managed environment throughout the transition.

With Intune, upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is more than just an OS update—it’s an opportunity to modernize device management, reduce IT overhead, and strengthen security.

Next, we’ll cover what to do if your devices don’t meet Windows 11 requirements and how to handle legacy hardware.

What to Do with Devices That Can’t Upgrade to Windows 11

Not all devices will meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements, especially those older than five years. If your organization has legacy hardware that can’t be upgraded, you have several options to maintain security and functionality while planning your transition.

1. Extending Support with Windows 10 ESU (As a Temporary Measure)

Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for organizations that need to continue using Windows 10 beyond October 14, 2025. However, this is a paid service and only provides critical security updates—no feature enhancements, bug fixes, or performance improvements.

• Best for: Organizations that need more time to replace older devices but want to remain secure.
• Downside: ESU is expensive and only a short-term solution (available for up to 3 years).

If your devices are still running Windows 10, ESU can buy time while you develop a hardware refresh strategy.

2. Phasing Out Old Devices with a Strategic Hardware Refresh

For organizations with many incompatible devices, a phased approach to hardware replacement can spread costs while keeping operations running smoothly. Levacloud can help:

• Identify high-priority replacements (devices closest to failure or security risk).
• Recommend cost-effective hardware upgrades that align with your Microsoft licensing.
• Ensure new devices are pre-configured with Windows 11 and Intune policies for seamless deployment.

With Windows Autopilot, new devices can be shipped directly to employees and configured remotely, reducing the burden on IT.

3. Exploring Cloud-Based Alternatives: Windows 365 Cloud PCs

For organizations that can’t immediately replace hardware, Windows 365 Cloud PCs provide a virtual Windows 11 environment that runs on any internet-connected device. This enables:

• Legacy hardware to remain in use while running a fully supported, cloud-based Windows 11 instance.
• Scalability, allowing employees to access Windows 11 securely from older devices, thin clients, or personal devices.
• Built-in security and compliance with Intune management, keeping cloud PCs aligned with IT policies.

This is a great option for businesses that want to extend the life of existing hardware while planning a gradual transition to new devices. Next, we’ll cover how to get started with Levacloud and plan your Windows 11 upgrade today.

Get Ready for Windows 10 End of Support with Intune and Levacloud

Windows 10 end of support is approaching, and organizations need a clear plan to transition to Windows 11. Whether you’re upgrading compatible devices, replacing legacy hardware, or refining security policies, Microsoft Intune is the key to managing this transition effectively.

At Levacloud, we help businesses get ready for Windows 11 by guiding them through Intune implementation and deployment strategies—ensuring their IT teams are hands-on and confident in managing their own environment.

How Levacloud Helps You Prepare

• Piloting Intune in Your Own Environment – We help your team set up a small-scale Intune deployment, allowing you to onboard a limited number of devices first. This approach ensures your IT staff can experiment, refine policies, and build confidence before a full rollout.
• Developing and Testing Policies – As part of the pilot, we guide you in configuring security baselines, Windows Update policies, and device compliance settings—ensuring that everything aligns with your organization’s needs.
• Scaling to a Full Intune Deployment – Once your team is comfortable, we support the full-scale deployment of Intune, allowing you to manage and secure Windows 11 devices efficiently across your entire organization.
• Ensuring a Smooth Transition Before Windows 10 End of Support – We work with you to fully implement Intune before October 14, 2025, so your IT team is ready to manage Windows 11 devices before Windows 10 support officially ends.

Take the Next Step

If your organization is still using Windows 10, now is the time to get Intune up and running. Levacloud provides hands-on guidance to ensure your IT team is fully prepared for a smooth Windows 11 transition.

Contact us today to start your Intune pilot and plan your Windows 11 deployment before Windows 10 reaches end of support.

Post Reviewed by Gareth Young, CISSP

This blog post was reviewed and validated by Gareth Young, a Microsoft Security and Compliance Expert with 15 years of experience in Microsoft solutions. As the founder of Levacloud, Gareth specializes in Security, Modern Work and Security Arcitecture. He holds multiple Microsoft certifications, including: AZ-500, MS-500, SC-400, MS-101, MS-100, MS-900 as well as the CISSP certification.