Tue, 05 Aug 2025
Time to upgrade to a Windows 11 PC as Windows 10 support winds down
0 is easily the most popular version of the ubiquitous Microsoft operating system today. However, what many users of the software—and indeed many corporate IT teams—are unaware of is that Windows 10 is scheduled to stop receiving updates from October 2025.
This applies to the latest updated version of the operating system—22H2 released back in 2022—which means earlier versions would have support retiring even earlier. Potentially
a large number of Windows 10 PCs that businesses depend on for their everyday work could be without critical security and non-security updates. In turn, this could expose these PCs to emerging security threats and loss of functionality over time. For example, publicly known vulnerabilities, including ones that are regularly revealed by security researchers, would not be patched up on outdated Windows 10 PCs.
For an idea of size of the threat, the United States’ National Institute of Standards and Technology analyzed more than 4,000 new common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) in its database in the first four months of 2024. For businesses that continue to run outdated PCs, these new threats to cybersecurity will be difficult to defend against. That is because the basic foundation of their PCs has not been updated to the latest, most secure version to keep out malicious attacks.
Notably, Microsoft security researchers have also discovered a growing trend in exploiting hardware and firmware vulnerabilities in the CPU, memory and hard disk, for example, to attack systems.
This malicious behavior is becoming increasingly prevalent, and such malware is difficult to detect or remove. Once infected, users are left with no option but to reinstall the system or replace the hard drive. More importantly, these vulnerabilities not only threaten users’ information security but also have serious indirect impacts on the real world. For instance, in recent years, ransomware has paralyzed computers in critical institutions such as hospitals and gas stations, resulting in irreparable losses.
Action needed sooner, not later
For most businesses, now is as good a time as any to upgrade their fleets of Windows 10 PCs to enjoy new features along with continued security updates to keep them running without worry. While some PCs may be able to receive Windows 11 software upgrades, this depends on the hardware onboard and also requires significant effort by IT teams to manage and provide a seamless migration.
MSI’s latest Windows 11-ready PCs, for example, are made with business users in mind. With Intel vPro built in, they enhance not just security but also manageability, productivity and stability. As part of the Intel vPro platform, these MSI PCs running the latest processors will have silicon-assisted threat detection built in, which enables improved defenses for businesses and makes it harder for threat actors to exploit vulnerabilities.
At the same time, the user-friendly yet powerful management tools with Intel vPro enable IT teams to gain increased visibility on endpoints to reduce misconfigurations and missed patches. This closes common loopholes exploited by malicious actors.
From a compact mini PC to all-in-one machines that bring convenience, performance and sleek form factors, especially for customer-facing scenarios, these new MSI PCs running Windows 11 will bring a critical business advantage to organizations. It is important to note that Windows 11 has more stringent Trusted Platform Module (TPM) requirements, which means that the hardware in these PCs are modern and “hardened” to support security features that protect against the latest threats.
A PC that runs Windows 11 would have to come with TPM module, which is a secure crypto-processor designed to carry out cryptographic operations. This helps a device carry out authentication through a unique key burned into the chip and ensures platform integrity by taking and storing security measurements of the boot process. In Windows 11 Safe Mode, the system performs a check during startup to verify if the boot program code and keys match the information stored in the TPM chip, ensuring that no modifications have been made. This is just one important way that Windows 11, together with more modern PC hardware that is built with security in mind, is helping to keep users and businesses safer while online. As usual, staying vigilant is the most important protective measure one can take. That said, security features in Windows 11 will also help provide real-time detection and protection.
Finding the right PC
With so many options, what should a business look out for in a Windows 11 PC? It should seek out business-grade PCs that come with not just the latest operating system but more secure hardware that protect against cyber threats right out of the box. Besides improving one’s defensive posture, the latest AI-focused processors from Intel also help boost productivity for staff, by bringing AI tools to every person who can benefit from them.
MSI’s new Windows 11 PCs from MSI help organizations keep up to date with the best available performance to empower their users to maximize their potential, while ensuring their cyber defenses are ready for new threats. The MSI Cubi NUC series which is famous as compact PC, for example, meets requirements for a range of industries, for example, clinics or retailers or any business seeking to reduce clutter in their limited workspaces.
The MSI PRO series, meanwhile, can be used in a variety of office settings, where performance and connectivity are delivered through a space-saving PC. At the same time, the MSI Modern Series AIO will appeal to reception areas in hospitality establishments, where its sleek and neat design will complement the style of the place while delivering the performance required. It supports a number of other use cases as well.
Consider the various scenarios an organization might face:
Small and medium enterprises: Like large enterprises, SMEs need the performance in the latest PCs to run their operations efficiently and for staff to work productively.
MSI’s Mini PC series, including the DP10 and DP21, offer powerful performance in a surprisingly small form factor, from either 1.1 liters or 2.3 liters. Each of these mini PCs come with strong processor choices plus a number of IO ports handy for different scenarios.
For example, the PRO DP10 supports up to four displays so multiple programs can be run simultaneously and easily. The PRO DP21, meanwhile, comes with COM port and USB ports, which link up barcode scanners and receipt printers, as well as motor controllers or vision systems in an intelligent factory.
Medical/healthcare: Smaller PCs take up less space so other equipment can be placed in a crowded medical or healthcare setting. Here, the Cubi N, Cubi 5, Cubi NUC and Cubi series of ultra mini PCs from MSI stand out as obvious choices for the next PC upgrade.
With a small footprint of only 0.66 liters, the Cubi series boasts incredible performance that rivals many full-sized desktop computers. For example, the Cubi 5, despite its mini size, offers Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort connections.
Dual Ethernet ports on both Cubi series can improve network security by keeping the internet and intranet connections separate and preventing unauthorized access. It is also a reliable backup in case one port fails as the other one will be activated immediately.
Education: MSI’s AIO series are designed for productivity, but they will also come in handy for students who prefer a sleek, easy to use interface presented in an AIO format.
These PCs also include an integrated Windows Hello webcam with Tobii Aware software for biometric security, and MSI’s Anti-Flicker and Less Blue Light technologies to reduce eye strain during prolonged use, which will benefit an education setting immensely.
Plus, the Modern series AIO includes multiple ports (such as USB Type-A, Type-C, and HDMI in/out), making it versatile for different connectivity needs. The system supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and features upgradeable storage options with both M.2 SSD and 2.5-inch HDD/SSD slots.
Upgrade for business continuity
With the end of support for Windows 10 coming soon, businesses have to hasten their upgrade to new Windows 11 PCs that deliver up-to-date security updates, and robust performance and manageability. Through this, they also boost efficiency through support for the latest applications such as AI.
An updated operating system, Windows 11 offers enhanced security, improved team management, and increased productivity. This is boosted by MSI’s exclusive software such as MSI Cloud Center and a variety of hardware specifications for business PCs, which help enhance office efficiency further. The wide variety of options available also means that there is a suitable business PC for organizations from different sectors with different needs. While many PCs can continue to run older operating systems, it is far better to prepare for an upgrade ahead of time, rather than wait until the support ends.
Upgrading early means businesses can plan ahead and minimize any disruption and make the transition to new Windows 11 systems seamless. Improving readiness will help organizations ensure continuity and better achieve their business goals in the long term.
