October 14, 2025, marked a major milestone: the official end of support for Windows 10. At Dicker Data NZ, we didn’t just acknowledge the transition – we recognised this significant milestone with cake, custom t-shirts, and our channel webcast, bringing our team and partners together to mark the end of an era. As part of the celebration, watch our team revisit key milestones that paved the way for Windows 11 and share some of our favourite features from the new Copilot+ PCs.
With Windows 10 support officially retired, SMB customers across ANZ are looking to trusted advisors to guide their next steps. That’s where you come in – and we’re here to help.
From upgrade pathways and device refresh strategies to training and enablement Dicker Data NZ is committed to equipping our partners with the tools, insights, and support needed to help their customers transition confidently into the Windows 11 and Copilot+ era.
Already Upgraded? What You’re Gaining – more security, more performance, more success
- Productivity. Supercharge insights and efficiency – 50% faster workflows on average.
- Business-readiness. Easier, cost effective, and AI-ready IT – 25% faster deployment reported on average.
- Security. Most secure, resilient Windows yet – 62% reported drop in security incidents.
- Performance. Set the pace with faster performance – 42% faster completion of demanding workloads on average.
These upgrade’s aren’t just technical – they're strategic, helping businesses stay competitive and secure.
Still on Windows 10? Here’s What You’re Risking
Despite the transition, 1 in 5 active commercial devices in ANZ remain on Windows 10 and are ineligible for upgrading. In the SMB segment, that number climbs to 1 in 3. These devices pose serious risks:
- Cybersecurity vulnerabilities and potential loss of cyber insurance coverage.
- Performance degradation and compatibility issues with Microsoft 365 apps.
- Limited support - Microsoft 365 apps may still run, but troubleshooting will be the only assistance available.
- Microsoft 365 is governed by the Modern Lifecycle Policy, which requires apps to run on a supported operating system. Running on Windows 10 means risking reliability, performance, and compliance.
Talking to Customers? Here are some Key Messages to Share
- The Landscape Is Outdated : A significant portion of the commercial device base is still running Windows 10. These devices must be refreshed immediately to maintain security and compliance.
- SMBs Face Greater Challenges: With 1 in 3 SMB devices ineligible for upgrade, the urgency to modernise is even more pronounced.
- Windows 11 Pro Makes It Easy: Designed to work with existing tech and applications, Windows 11 Pro ensures a smooth transition.
- Delay Costs More : To support organisations through their transition, Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 10, 2028. While this provides breathing room to plan, it’s not a reason to delay, and it’s worth noting that the fee of USD61 doubles with each consecutive year. Older devices cost more to maintain and limit productivity. Upgrading is not just a technical move, it’s a smart business decision.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're advising customers or refreshing your own infrastructure, now is the time to modernise, secure, and future-proof your environment.