How to Upgrade an Eligible Device to Windows 11

The countdown is on. Windows 10 support ends 14 October 2025 – and IT partners are getting ready. After nearly a decade in market, the sunset of Windows 10 is fast approaching, and the urgency to prepare your customers for what’s next is NOW.

For channel partners, the deadline isn’t just a milestone, it’s an urgent call to action to get eligible customer devices upgraded to Windows 11. The process takes a few weeks, but the duration can vary depending on the size and scale of the fleet of devices that need to be refreshed and deployed, so you should start counting backward now.

Cyber safety changes after October 14 — here’s what to know.

Staying on Windows 10 beyond October 14 puts your customers at immediate risk—no more security updates, no technical support and no security patches. This opens the door to cyberattacks, non-compliance penalties and potential termination of cyber insurance.

Any unpatched vulnerabilities will be fair game for threat actors, and businesses with policies requiring a supported OS may lose coverage altogether.

At Dicker Data, we see EOS not just as a deadline—but as an opportunity for our partners to proactively lead with confidence to deliver value.

The shift to Windows 11 is more than a software upgrade, it’s a chance to future-proof business.

The world has dramatically evolved since 2015. Hybrid work is now a new standard. Cyber threats are more advanced than ever. AI isn’t coming, it is here. And the pressure on employees to do more with less has never been greater.

Windows 11 Pro is built for this reality—with advanced security, intuitive productivity tools, and a modern interface designed for efficiency. It features:

✅Productivity Boost Tools: Intuitive features to streamline daily tasks so users accomplish more in less time.

✅AI-Enabled Devices: Intelligent and transformative tools personalised to user experiences.

✅Built-In Security: Zero-trust architecture and advanced protection.

Partners and their customers that stick with Windows 10 will fall behind on performance, security, and productivity.

"Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just an IT requirement—it’s a strategic business imperative. This unlocks new opportunities for enhanced productivity, smarter workflows, and more agile workflows. In today’s fast-paced, hybrid work environment, staying current with Windows 11 is essential to maintain competitive advantage and future-proof your and your customer’s business.” - Gary Lawrence, Microsoft BDM at Dicker Data. 

Here's what your customers will lose after 14 October 2025:

❌Security updates.

❌Technical support from Microsoft.

❌Compatibility with the latest Microsoft tools.

❌Compliance with insurance & regulatory requirements.

Don’t be caught in the 50% of Australian businesses that haven’t yet moved. The urgency is real.

Demand will outpace supply in 2025. With millions of Windows 10 devices still needing upgrades across Australia, the volume of available new devices simply won’t be enough.

With fewer than 100 business days left until Windows 10 support ends, partners must accelerate upgrade planning now. Without clear forecasting from the channel, vendors can only supply based on what they know — meaning many businesses risk missing out on their preferred devices.

Ready to upgrade? Your Windows 11 Eligibility Toolkit is here.

There are three simple tools available on the Dicker Data website to help you check device readiness and plan you and your customer’s next upgrade.

✅PC Health Check App – a comprehensive guide to check device eligibility, including a detailed report on next steps if eligibility is not met. Here’s your step-by-step guide.

✅Endpoint Analytics for IT – a comprehensive guide that assess which devices meet the hardware requirements for an upgrade and the necessary actions for those devices that are not eligible. 

✅Microsoft Windows 10 End of Support Calculator - Developed by Forrester, the EOS calculator will help you estimate the quantifiable benefits of upgrading devices vs the costs of keeping Windows 10 post EOS deadline. Test the calculator here.

Need hands-on support? Book a technical consultation with Gary Lawrence. Remember, Dicker Data is your trusted guide through the Windows 11 transition.

In business for over four decades, working with the world’s leading Tier 1 vendors and more than 12,500 partners, we’ve supported thousands of partners through transitions. We can do the same for you. Let’s Make the Switch Simple.

As your distributor, we can help you:

✅Access to a wide range of device options from Dell, Dynabook, Lenovo, HP and more.

✅Leverage in-house Microsoft licensing specialists.

✅Work with in-house technical experience.

✅ Run technical assessments to identify eligible devices.

✅Access tailored marketing campaigns.

✅Have financial solutions to support you and your customers.

The clock is ticking. Reach out to your Dicker Data team to accelerate your customers’ move to Windows 11 and make the most of Microsoft’s modern workplace capabilities.

We’re here to support your success, every step of the way. View all our helpful resources here.

Download the End of Support for Windows 10 Report

In collaboration with CRN and Microsoft, we’ve produced a comprehensive report designed to guide our channel partners in the refresh to Windows 11. We’ll give you an in depth walk through on exactly how you can unpack the opportunity and create your action plan moving forward.

Please download the Windows 10 Refresh Guide: End of Support for Windows 10: A guide for Channel Partners.

To further educate your end customers, IT News has published an article detailing the benefits and risks of not updating or refreshing their systems.

IT News: Taking a lifecycle approach is critical to Windows 11 upgrade success - Partner Content - iTnews