Windows 10 end of support: Navigating the transition with Omnissa and IGEL

Microsoft has officially announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. While the operating system will continue to function, the lack of updates poses significant security and compliance risks for organizations.  

What this means for organizations 

According to ZDNet, with 58.7% of PCs still running Windows 10, the upcoming end of support impacts an estimated 1.3 billion devices worldwide. For IT leaders and decision makers, this is more than just an OS update, it’s a fundamental shift that carries serious implications across security, compliance, costs, and operations. 

• Security risks: After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security patches, leaving systems increasingly vulnerable to viruses, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Organizations that delay action will face heightened exposure to potential breaches.
• Compliance issues: Many industries require up-to-date software to meet strict regulatory and data protection standards. Continuing to operate on an unsupported OS could result in non-compliance, legal consequences, or penalties.
• Software compatibility: As software vendors shift their focus to newer platforms, legacy Windows 10 systems may lose access to application updates or support, leading to degraded performance and operational risks.
• Upgrade costs: Unlike past OS transitions, Windows 11 has higher hardware requirements. If existing PCs don't meet these specifications, organizations may need to replace a large portion of their PCs, an expensive and potentially unplanned capital expenditure.
• Operational disruption: Migrating to a new OS isn't just a technical change, it affects users. Retraining, UI differences, and system reconfiguration can temporarily disrupt workflows and impact productivity during the transition period. 

The scale and complexity of this shift make it clear: doing nothing is not an option. Organizations must begin planning now to avoid falling behind. 

How customers leverage Omnissa and IGEL to address this 

Forward-thinking organizations are addressing the Windows 10 end-of-life challenge by combining the power of Omnissa Horizon and IGEL OS to create a more secure, cost-effective, and agile desktop strategy. 

Together, Omnissa and IGEL provide a modern alternative to traditional PC refresh cycles and costly OS upgrades. Instead of replacing hardware or rolling out Windows 11 across aging endpoints, organizations are delivering cloud-based virtual desktops and apps via Omnissa Horizon to lightweight, secure IGEL-powered endpoints. 

This joint approach offers several strategic advantages: 

• Extend device lifespan: Repurpose existing PCs with IGEL OS to securely access Horizon virtual desktops, no need for Windows 11 capable hardware.
• Enhance security and control: Centralized delivery from Horizon plus a read-only IGEL OS dramatically reduces the attack surface.
• Simplify app delivery: Omnissa App Volumes delivers apps instantly and non-disruptively, cutting packaging time and operational overhead.
• Cut costs: Avoid expensive endpoint upgrades and reduce ongoing desktop management costs.
• Ensure continuity: Deliver a familiar Windows experience with minimal disruption and no retraining. 

Whether transitioning hundreds or thousands of users, this integrated solution from Omnissa and IGEL empowers IT to move quickly, securely, and efficiently, on their own terms. 

Ready to rethink your Windows 11 strategy?

Join us for our webinar, “Modernize for Windows 11 – Without the Hardware Refresh,” and see how IGEL and Omnissa are transforming endpoint modernization. Discover how to simplify app delivery, secure your environment, and extend device life—no reimaging or OS replacement required. Register now.