The October 14, 2025 end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 creates a prime opportunity for managed services providers (MSPs) to deliver strategic value through Windows 11 migration services. ControlUp’s analysis of over one million enterprise devices highlights serious risks for organizations still running Windows 10, including security vulnerabilities, compatibility challenges, and costly hardware refreshes. Yet, many companies remain stalled despite high technical readiness – a gap MSPs can close by offering expert migration planning and user-centric execution.
Business risks and opportunity
The imminent end of Windows 10 support means millions of business devices will soon be obsolete, exposing organizations to security breaches and compatibility failures that can threaten operations. ControlUp’s data underscores the urgent need for migration, showing that delaying action not only increases risk but also impacts sustainability and operating costs. MSPs who act now can differentiate themselves by guiding clients past these risks with clear migration roadmaps and robust readiness assessments tailored to complex enterprise environments.
Closing the migration gap
According to ControlUp’s latest findings (as of September 2025), 21% of enterprise devices are still running on Windows 10. This gap exists largely due to execution challenges rather than hardware limitations. MSPs can fill this void by providing structured migration programs that incorporate in-depth environmental insights through digital employee experience (DEX) tools. These platforms enable MSPs to identify device readiness, software dependencies, and application compatibility issues, facilitating confident, risk-mitigated migration planning.
Enhancing the employee experience
Beyond technical migration, MSPs can leverage DEX to transform Windows 11 rollout into a seamless and positive experience for end users. Real-time monitoring of endpoint performance and employee sentiment helps MSPs proactively resolve issues during migration, reducing downtime and frustration. Embedded user surveys gathered through DEX platforms provide actionable feedback to continuously refine deployment strategies, boosting user satisfaction and demonstrating measurable impact to clients. This approach helps MSPs position themselves as trusted advisors during and after migration.
Managing complex environments
Large enterprises with over 10,000 Windows devices are among the most at risk, with only 42% of migrations completed. These environments typically feature legacy systems and decentralized IT infrastructures. MSPs that employ DEX gain the comprehensive visibility needed to coordinate migration efforts across global locations and handle sector-specific challenges like regulatory compliance. Industries such as finance and healthcare especially benefit from MSP expertise in staged rollouts and monitored transitions to ensure smooth adoption.
Beyond migration: Modernization and growth
The Windows 11 migration is not merely an OS upgrade but an opportunity for broader digital workplace modernization. MSPs can capitalize on this moment by integrating migration services with initiatives like virtual desktop infrastructure, desktop as a service (DaaS), and cloud-native endpoints. Offering ongoing DEX-based monitoring and optimization post-migration strengthens client relationships and creates recurring revenue streams. As organizations seek more strategic partners to navigate this transition, MSPs who lead with readiness assessments and employee experience technologies stand to gain long-term competitive advantage.
MSPs who are ready to leverage the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline should:
- Conduct thorough Windows 11 readiness assessments using DEX tools to identify migration blockers.
- Deliver migration services that prioritize minimal disruption through proactive issue detection and real-time user feedback integration.
- Target complex, large-scale enterprise clients with detailed, compliant migration planning that accounts for legacy infrastructure challenges.
- Position migration as a foundational step toward digital modernization strategies, enabling extended managed services and greater business impact.
By combining insights from ControlUp’s large-scale readiness analysis with integrated migration tools, MSPs can transform this Windows 10 sunset into a growth engine that benefits both their clients and their business.
