The Untapped Desktop Refresh Opportunity for Partners

As the countdown to Windows 10 End of Support on October 14, 2025, continues, the spotlight so far, has largely been on laptops and mobile workforces. But what about the desktops still powering critical environments like manufacturing floors, local government offices, education labs, and warehouse operations?

These endpoints are often overlooked in upgrade conversations, yet they represent a significant opportunity for partners to deliver value, drive revenue, and future-proof their customers' infrastructure. 

While laptops dominate headlines, desktops remain essential in many sectors: 

• Manufacturing & Warehousing: stationary setups with specialised peripherals are often hardwired into desktop configurations. 

• Local Government & Education: budget-conscious environments rely on legacy systems and fixed workstations for administrative tasks, student labs, and secure data handling. 

• Retail & Healthcare: POS systems and diagnostic stations often run on desktops. 

These environments are highly vulnerable if left on unsupported operating systems. Without updates, Windows 10 machines become prime targets for cyberattacks, compliance violations, and operational inefficiencies. 

What does this mean for you as a partner? Partners can position themselves as trusted advisors by helping customers navigate the transition. Here’s how: 

1. Audit & Assess

Tools such as Microsoft Intune’s Endpoint Analytics provides IT administrators with a streamlined way to assess device readiness for Windows 11. This comprehensive guide allows you to quickly identify which devices meet the hardware requirements for upgrade, and the appropriate course of action. This tool simplifies the evaluation process and helps ensure a smooth transition to Windows 11 across your organisation. What you’ll discover: 

• Device age and compatibility 

• Security posture 

• Upgrade feasibility 

Check out our Windows 11 Eligibility tools here.

2. Educate & Advise 

Frame the upgrade as a strategic business improvement, not just a technical necessity. Remind customers that continuing to run unsupported systems poses serious risks, including unpatched vulnerabilities and potential voiding of insurance coverage tied to IT compliance. Upgrading to Windows 11 offers enhanced security against firmware-level threats, improved productivity through cloud managed updates, and an AI-ready infrastructure to future-proof your workplace. 

3. Secure Budget & Stock

Help customers proactively reallocate budgets or tap into available funding programs to support their Windows 11 transition. Many partners overlook distributor services that can streamline this process – such as deal registration for pricing protection and stock holding to secure inventory ahead of demand. These services not only reduce procurement friction but also help partners avoid delays due to stock shortages or fiscal constraints. 

4. Deployment

Tools like Microsoft Autopilot are essential for supporting customers through their upgrade journey. Autopilot automates the setup, configuration, and deployment of new Windows devices - ideal for organisations managing large fleets or supporting hybrid and remote teams. With zero-touch provisioning, devices can be shipped directly to end-users and automatically configured with required apps, settings, and security policies. Integrated with Microsoft Intune and Azure Active Directory, it enables seamless cloud-based enrolment into mobile device management without manual IT involvement. This self-service setup reduces IT workload while ensuring consistency and security across the organisation. 

At Dicker Data, we can support the deployment of Autopilot through:

• Device enrolment – our team can add new devices to the Windows Autopilot deployment service for you. 

• Profile creation and assignment – the IT team, whether yours or your customers, can tailor setup and configuration by assigning profiles to the organisations devices. 

• Shipping – shipment of devices to users.

Find out more about our Dicker Data Services team here.

Practical Steps for Partners – Where to Next?

At Dicker Data we have created a roadmap to guide your customers on their device refresh journey:

1. Audit your customers environments using tools like Intune

2. Provide transparent reporting on the current state

3. Provide recommendations

4. Secure budget or reallocate existing budget

5. Secure Device Stock

6. Consider Licensing and Modern Device Management Solutions

7. Deployment

The desktop refresh isn’t just a compliance checkbox – it's an opportunity to redefine priorities, boost productivity, and strengthen customer relationships. Partners who lean into this opportunity will not only protect their clients but also unlock new revenue streams and build long term loyalty. It’s time to rethink our approach. Desktops play a vital role in the upgrade strategy.

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