Windows 10 is a great operating system, but it's not enough to protect you from the latest cyber threats 

Windows 10 is one of the most popular and secure operating systems in the world, with over 1.3 billion active devices. It offers many features and benefits, such as fast performance, regular updates throughout its lifetime, and enhanced security. However, Windows 10 alone is not enough to keep you safe from the ever-evolving cyber threats that target your personal and professional data.  

In September 2025 Microsoft will be ending its standard support for Windows 10; ceasing the security and Operating System updates that help keep your environment secure. 

Recent studies show that a new PC can reduce your threat front by up to 70% compared to a 4-year-old device. 

One of the key statistics that shows the importance of upgrading from Windows 10 to a new PC is the difference in the threat front. The threat front is the number of vulnerabilities that an attacker can exploit to compromise your device and data. According to Microsoft, a new PC has a 70% smaller threat front than a 4-year-old PC running the same operating system. 

This means that a new PC has fewer entry points for hackers and malware, and more layers of protection and detection. A new PC can also benefit from the latest security features and updates that Windows 11 offers, such as Windows Hello, Windows Defender, and Windows Sandbox. Over the years security has been continually added to each stack of PC hardware. Now, from the motherboard to the processor and into the memory and storage we are seeing more and more ingrained support mechanisms to protect your devices. Add to this the software options and continual user education, and devices are more secure than ever before. 

Unlock the full potential of Windows 11 and Copilot by using the latest hardware 

Another reason to upgrade from Windows 10 to a new PC is that you can access the next generation of Windows, which is Windows 11. Windows 11 is the most advanced and user-friendly version of Windows ever, with a redesigned interface, improved performance, and new capabilities. One of the most exciting features of Windows 11 is Copilot, which is an AI-powered assistant that can help you with many tasks and scenarios. Copilot is not an application-specific feature, but an overarching capability that works across the operating system. Microsoft has several versions of Copilot, although you will probably only have encountered a few.  

• Microsoft Copilot (Formerly Bing Chat, also as a Business version) 
• Copilot in Windows (Only in Windows 11) 
• Copilot for Microsoft 365 
• Copilot for Sales (Not yet released) 
• Copilot for Service (Not yet released) 
• Copilot in Viva 
• GitHub Copilot 

Many of the big-name OEMs have started talking about adding a dedicated NPU to the GPU and CPU already present in our devices to potentially power AI from an edge user device.  

Because Copilot is an Operating System-based feature in Windows 11 it can, for example, provide real-time captions for any audio stream that is present in the platform, whether it's a video, a podcast, a game, or a meeting. This is an amazing accessibility feature that can make Windows 11 more inclusive and accessible for people with hearing impairments or different language preferences. Using an Operating System-based AI such as Copilot, users can also be assisted with other tasks, such as finding files, managing their calendar, creating content, and learning new skills.  

The following section was created by Copilot on a Windows11 PC using the prompt; “Explain simply to me why security and productivity are improved when migrating a non-supported PC running Windows 10 to a new device suitable for Windows 11”. This response took seconds to create. 

NOTE: This section contains unedited, AI-generated content. 

Security Improvements: 

• Windows 11 Security Features: Windows 11 introduces new security features that enhance protection against threats. 
• Secure Boot: Windows 11 enforces secure boot, preventing unauthorised software from running during startup. 
• TPM 2.0 Requirement: Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, which adds an extra layer of security for encryption and authentication. 
• Windows Hello: Windows 11 promotes biometric authentication (face recognition, fingerprint) for secure logins. 
• Reduced Attack Surface: Windows 11 streamlines the Start menu, reducing the attack surface for malicious software. 
• Overall Hardening: Microsoft has made architectural improvements to strengthen the OS against vulnerabilities. 

Productivity Enhancements: 

• Snap Layouts and Snap Groups: Windows 11 offers better window management, making multitasking more efficient. 
• Widgets: Widgets provide quick access to information (weather, calendar, news) without disrupting your workflow. 
• Direct Integration with Microsoft Teams: Windows 11 integrates Teams directly into the taskbar, facilitating communication. 
• Performance Optimizations: Windows 11 is optimized for modern hardware, leading to smoother performance. 
• Unified Microsoft Store: The revamped Store simplifies app discovery and installation. 

In summary, migrating to Windows 11 improves security through new features and enhances productivity with a more streamlined interface and better multitasking capabilities.  

Human-generated content continues here… 

Rest assured that the rest of this document is human created, but I wanted to demonstrate how Windows11 Copilot can, with a simple, well-formed request, save users an immense amount of time. Add to this the security and performance improvements in a newer device; upgrading an old device has never been so compelling. 

Environmental Concerns and how CDW can help

If a device is 4 years old, it may be perfectly useable but not suitable for Windows 11, and you would be right in thinking that disposing of it just to replace it could be considered ecologically unsound. Most large OEMs are already striving for zero-impact device build and delivery with shorter manufacturing routes, recycled packaging and delivery optimisation with multi-device boxes, amongst other ingenious solutions. Good news: you don’t have to throw it away, here at CDW we can help with several alternative solutions. 

• Windows 10 is EoL so change the device to a thin client or Secure Linux OS. For example; An IGEL Operating System allowing continued use of the hardware to switch to a virtual desktop such as Microsoft AVD.  
• With a solution such as IGEL, it is also possible to use a secure Linux Operating System. This can be used to access web-based resources such as Office365, while having a locally installed capability to allow the user to securely and reliably use features such as Microsoft Teams. 
• ITAD or IT Asset Disposition is a service that CDW offers and includes certified secure destruction of data, but also a target to recycle and reuse as many components from an old device as possible. 

So, what’s next? I would recommend two actions if you are concerned with anything I have covered in this document. 

• Windows 11 Readiness assessment: How ready is your environment, security practices, hardware and applications for Windows 11? 
• Device reuse policy: Do you have the ability to give your devices another 2-4 years through the installation of a secure Linux operating system? Do you already have a virtualised environment you can use? 

CDW Offers advisory, assessment, design, delivery, and adoption services to achieve all of the above. Please reach out if you have any questions.