With Microsoft set to end support for Windows 10 by October 2025, enterprises face a critical decision: Should they transition to Windows 11 to ensure a secure IT environment or stick with Windows 10 for the time being? This choice is particularly urgent as cybersecurity threats rise, with nearly 68% of business leaders reporting increased risk to data security in 2023 alone.
As organizations continue to adopt hybrid work models and implement zero-trust architectures, the right operating system, or rather the right version of it, can make it or break it, for safeguarding sensitive enterprise data.
Windows 11 extends mandatory security enhancements, including TPM 2.0 and virtualization-based security, designed to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and ensure data integrity across enterprise networks.
However, this new (newest) kid on the block has stringent hardware requirements that can bring in unique challenges, especially for organizations that still use legacy systems. For IT decision-makers, understanding the nuances of these two operating systems from a security and operational perspective is crucial.
So the burning question is: should you or should you not move to Windows 11?
The decision isn’t as easy as it seems! ITOps leaders need to consider their security architecture, compliance readiness, and management capabilities of Windows 10 and Windows 11 to make informed, strategic choices. Whether your organization is considering an upgrade or evaluating long-term investments, it is important to know how each OS version stacks up for enterprise security. The end goal is clear — a more resilient security foundation for your organization.
But first, consider the evolving security needs
As digital threats grow more sophisticated, enterprises face a heightened demand for robust security measures tailored to an evolving landscape. With 70% of cyber attacks targeting corporate data (Statista, 2023), it is no wonder that enterprises now prioritize advanced security strategies to protect sensitive assets, especially with the shift toward remote and hybrid work. Modern security must emphasize Zero Trust Architecture, data protection, and comprehensive support for remote work, creating a high bar for operating system security.
As cyber threats evolve, enterprises must regularly assess their OS security frameworks. Relying on legacy systems can expose vulnerabilities and prevent organizations from achieving optimal compliance and threat defense. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, by 2025, the global cost of cybercrime will reach $10.5 trillion annually, underscoring the critical need for proactive OS upgrades. Regular evaluations of security measures across operating systems like Windows 10 and 11 help ensure enterprises remain resilient, prepared, and compliant with emerging security requirements.
Compliance and future-proofing with Windows 11
Long gone are the days when compliance could be considered a ‘good to have’. With increasing regulatory compliances, it is as critical as having a working Wi-Fi.
Windows 11, with its hardware-based security requirements, aligns well with compliance standards like GDPR and HIPAA, providing built-in data protection that assists in meeting strict data privacy regulations. By mandating TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, Windows 11 enhances device integrity, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data—a critical requirement for regulated industries.
Windows 11 provides crucial future-proofing advantages for enterprises by offering an extended support cycle, frequent security updates, and feature enhancements aligned with Microsoft’s evolving OS capabilities.
Unlike Windows 10, which will reach end-of-support in 2025, Windows 11 secures a long-term foundation, minimizing the risks and costs associated with rushed transitions. This commitment to regular updates keeps systems secure and ensures compatibility with the latest tools and technologies, enabling businesses to streamline compliance, leverage advanced security, and meet both current and future industry standards.
Core Security Differences: Windows 10 vs. Windows 11
Windows 11 offers notable security advancements over Windows 10, positioning it as a robust option for enterprises focused on protecting their digital assets. Here is a comparison of Windows 10 and Windows 11 in terms of hardware security, system enhancements, identity management improvements, and device management from an IT admin perspective, focusing on Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) capabilities:
| Feature | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
| UEM Integration | Standard UEM support with MDM, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and third-party tools like Scalefusion. Good for traditional management tasks. | Improved integration with UEM, offering more granular control over security and updates, optimized for hybrid work environments. |
| Zero Trust Implementation | Limited support for Zero Trust frameworks; relies on additional configurations and external solutions. | Designed with Zero Trust in mind, with enhanced support for identity-based security and conditional access policies. |
| TPM and Hardware Requirements | Optional TPM support, making it compatible with a wider range of devices, including older hardware. | Requires TPM 2.0 and compatible CPUs, providing a more secure hardware environment but limiting compatibility with older devices. |
| Security Policies | Allows configuration of Windows Defender and BitLocker, but lacks some of the advanced features present in Windows 11. | More robust security policy management, including enhanced Windows Defender ATP, VBS, and more granular control over security features via UEM. |
| Patch and Update Management | Standard patch management capabilities; IT admins can use Windows Update for Business and UEM tools to manage updates. | Improved update management with more flexible update scheduling and delivery, reducing downtime and allowing more control over feature updates. |
| Application Control | Basic application control; supports policies for app whitelisting/blacklisting, but less control over modern app management. | Enhanced app control, including streamlined deployment and better compatibility with Microsoft Store for Business, facilitating secure application distribution and updates. |
| Remote Work and Hybrid Support | Good remote work support but lacks some of the newer features like DirectAccess improvements, which are more integrated in Windows 11. | Optimized for hybrid work with features like dynamic DNS, improved VPN, and remote troubleshooting, making it better for managing remote devices securely. |
| User Experience Enhancements | Familiar interface for users; easier for IT to manage, but lacks newer productivity features. | New user interface and Snap Layouts improve productivity, though may require user training. Better touch support helps manage 2-in-1 devices. |
| End of Support | Support until October 2025, which limits long-term management planning for IT teams. | Longer support lifecycle, which aligns with future UEM and device management updates, making it a more sustainable choice. |
Advantages and Limitations
| Aspect | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
| Advantages | – Broad compatibility with older hardware- Familiar interface with lower training requirements- Reliable for stable UEM setups in mixed environments | – Stronger security with TPM 2.0 and hardware isolation features- Optimized for Zero Trust and hybrid work environments- Better patch management and update control for reduced downtime |
| Limitations | – Limited Zero Trust and hardware-based security options- End of support in 2025 necessitates eventual transition- Fewer enhancements for hybrid and remote management | – Requires newer hardware (TPM 2.0), which may require additional upgrades- User interface changes may require initial training for staff- Limited compatibility with legacy applications and older hardware |
Don’t forget the compatibility challenges and migration considerations
Okay, so if you’ve made the decision to upgrade, what’s next? Upgrading to Windows 11 involves specific hardware requirements that can pose challenges for enterprises relying on legacy systems. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and newer processors, such as Intel 8th Gen or AMD Ryzen 2000, which many older devices may not support. This incompatibility limits the upgrade path for organizations with significant investments in legacy hardware.
But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can either replace your hardware replacement or maintain a hybrid environment where Windows 10 and 11 co-exist. A gradual migration strategy can help enterprises transition smoothly. Phased rollouts allow IT teams to prioritize critical systems for upgrade first, starting with departments or roles that would benefit most from enhanced security and performance features in Windows 11. A hybrid environment with both Windows 10 and 11 allows organizations to maximize their existing hardware investments while still moving toward Windows 11’s security standards.
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) and Security Implications
For organizations with mixed hardware, Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solutions like Scalefusion can streamline management, enabling IT teams to enforce security policies consistently across both operating systems. This approach allows enterprises to balance security and budget considerations, optimizing their transition to Windows 11 without significant operational disruptions.
UEM solutions enhance enterprise security on Windows 10 and 11 platforms by offering centralized control, granular security configurations, and seamless compliance monitoring.
By strategically planning this upgrade, enterprises can take advantage of Windows 11’s advanced security features. This approach helps minimize compatibility issues and budget impacts, ensuring a flexible and secure IT environment.
Conclusion and Recommendation
It’s clear that Windows 11 is an excellent choice for enterprises prioritizing forward-looking security. Its advanced features align seamlessly with Zero Trust principles and modern compliance standards, while Windows 10 is a viable interim for mixed hardware environments.
Although both Windows versions integrate effectively with Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solutions, Windows 11 offers enhanced security and optimized update processes, making it particularly robust for policy-driven, compliance-oriented environments.
Recommendations:
- Small to medium businesses with limited budgets or older hardware may find Windows 10 a practical option.
- Larger enterprises with strict security requirements should consider Windows 11, ensuring maximum protection and long-term support
