The More You Know: 3 Reasons Growing SMBs Are Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro Support for Windows 10 is ending soon. Now is the time to discover all that Windows 11 Pro can do.

A decade ago, Microsoft released Windows 10. It set the standard as the most robust and capable operating system available.

A lot has changed since then. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10. Devices still running it will no longer receive standard Windows features or security updates, increasing risk for businesses.

For IT leaders, that means employee devices need to be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro. Some older PCs may be eligible for the software upgrade, while others won't meet the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, so new devices will be required. For business owners, Windows 11 Pro PCs with Intel vPro® deliver major upgrades to security and efficiency—essential for maintaining a competitive edge and operational integrity as your business grows.

Here are the top three reasons why small- and medium-size businesses (SMBs) are upgrading to Windows 11 Pro.

^{Photo Credit: Courtesy of Microsoft}

1. Enhanced, always-on security

Using outdated PCs without ongoing security updates leaves your business vulnerable. Windows 11 Pro PCs offer up-to-date protection with default hardware security, built-in antivirus and anti-malware, and advanced safeguards against phishing and malware. The result is a reported 62% drop in security incidents¹—a significant reduction.

Windows 11 Pro also includes enhanced privacy settings and granular IT controls. Safeguards like biometric sign-in with Windows Hello for Business and Intel's proactive Threat Detection Technology help spot attacks earlier. The operating system enables businesses to easily enforce security policies across PCs, apps, and AI with features like Microsoft Intune Endpoint Privilege Management² and unique Intel silicon security features.

This adds up to a 70% reduction in attack surface compared to 4-year-old devices with Intel vPro®³. With protections built-in and always on, IT teams spend less time reacting and more time driving business forward.

^{Photo Credit: Courtesy of Microsoft}

2. Improved performance and productivity

Process shouldn't slow progress. Employees need the right tools—and that's where Windows 11 Pro PCs with Intel vPro® come in. With improved performance, responsiveness, and all-day battery life⁴, these devices boost productivity—delivering 50% faster workflows and collaboration on average⁵. AI-powered tools in Windows 11 Pro accelerate daily tasks. Features like intelligent recommendations in File Explorer and intuitive Windows search help employees find what they need faster. Microsoft Copilot enables web search, document summarization, and content creation—all with enterprise data protection through Microsoft Entra ID.⁶

Copilot+ PCs deliver the fastest Windows performance and unlock advanced AI experiences⁷, such as auto-framing for video calls and live translation from over 40 languages into English and 25+ into simplified Chinese⁸. Developers can also create custom AI solutions to optimize efficiency using Windows AI Foundry and Microsoft Copilot Studio⁹.

Teams work faster and smarter: 70% of Copilot users surveyed said they were more productive, and 68% reported improved work quality. Additionally, 89% of employers expect improved job satisfaction and employee retention with Copilot+ PCs¹⁰.

^{Photo Credit: Courtesy of Microsoft}

3. Hardware and software are 100% business ready

If you have valid Windows 10 Pro licenses and your devices meet minimum hardware specs, upgrading to Windows 11 Pro is free and straightforward. If you're buying new devices, Windows 11 Pro PCs are built for fast, cost-effective deployment. Windows Autopilot¹¹ lets IT quickly set up new devices or repurpose compatible ones, while Microsoft Intune streamlines app and device management with security in mind.

Powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra processors and the Intel vPro® platform, these PCs deliver scalable performance so your team can focus on growth.

Support for Windows 10 ends October 14, 2025. Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro to keep your team on secure, powerful, and highly capable devices and apps.

^{1 Microsoft commissioned Windows 11 Survey Report. Techaisle, September 2024. Windows 11 results are in comparison with Windows 10 devices.
2 Microsoft Intune and Entra ID required; sold separately.
3 Based on IOActive's "Intel vPro® 13th Gen Attack Surface Study" published March 2023 (commissioned by Intel), which evaluates Intel vPro® devices powered by 13th Gen Intel Core processors against four-year-old Intel-based PCs on Windows OS. Details at www.intel.com/performance-vpro. Results may vary.
4 Battery life varies significantly by device and with settings, usage and other factors.
5 Results in comparison to Windows 10 PCs. Improve your day-to-day experience with Windows 11 Pro laptops, Principled Technologies, April 2023. Report commissioned by Microsoft.
6 Requires eligible Microsoft 365 license.
7 Copilot+ PC experiences vary by device and region and may require updates continuing to roll out through 2025; timing varies. See Copilot+ PCs FAQ.
8 Live Captions translates video and audio subtitles into English from 40+ languages and from 27 languages into Chinese (Simplified). See Copilot+ PC FAQs.
9 Requires Microsoft 365 along with tenant and per user licensing.
10 What can Copilot's earliest users teach us about generative AI at work?, Microsoft Work Trend Index Special Report , November 2023.
11 Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID required; sold separately.}