Windows 10 End-of-Support Is Coming - Cut Windows 11 Migration Costs by 40%

With the upcoming Windows 10 End of Life (EOL) fast approaching - in October 2025, IT directors and decision makers face a pivotal moment. According to analysts, nearly half a billion Windows 10 devices remain active globally, and organizations must quickly determine the best path forward to ensure security, compliance, and business continuity.

Altanora is uniquely positioned to guide your business through this transition, offering flexible, secure, and cost-effective solutions tailored to your environment and business goals.

Key Takeaways

• Windows 10 reaches End of Support in October 2025, impacting security, compliance, and performance for millions of devices.

• Altanora helps businesses transition to Windows 11 through cost-effective, secure solutions like Managed VDI and Desktop-as-a-Service.

• Citrix + Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) delivers an optimized, high-performance user experience with autoscaling and enhanced resource efficiency.

• Repurpose existing Windows 10 hardware using Unicon eLux to avoid costly Microsoft ESU fees and extend device life by up to 5 years.

• Organizations can save up to 40% on Windows 11 migration costs with Altanora’s tailored modernization strategy.

Seamless Migration to Windows 11 with Managed VDI/DaaS

Transitioning to Windows 11 can be daunting, especially for organizations with large, distributed fleets. Altanora’s Managed Services for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) provide:

• Rapid deployment of Windows 11 environments—without the need for new hardware investments.
• Centralized management for security, updates, and compliance.
• Scalable resources to match your evolving workforce needs.
• Best user experience for both remote and on-site employees.

Unlock the Power of Citrix and Azure Virtual Desktop

For organizations seeking the agility of the cloud, Altanora simplifies the transition to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) powered by Citrix. The following are some of the key benefits:

• Superior user experience: Citrix’s HDX technology enhances graphics, multimedia, and remote access performance, delivering seamless, enterprise-grade virtual desktop experiences—even for resource-intensive workloads like CAD or 3D rendering.
• Optimized resource utilization: Citrix HDX optimization can increase user density by up to 3X and improve user response times, making the environment more efficient and responsive
• Autoscaling for cost optimization: Built-in autoscaling features in Citrix and AVD automatically adjust resources based on usage patterns, preventing over-provisioning and minimizing unnecessary spending.

Repurpose Legacy Windows 10 Devices with Unicon

Altanora recommends a sustainable, cost-efficient alternative with Unicon’s Linux-based eLux operating system. For new or existing Citrix customers, Unicon’s solution is included in Citrix Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud subscription. Let’s explore the key benefits of using Unicon:

• Repurpose aging Windows 10 hardware: Convert existing PCs into secure thin clients, avoiding the need to pay Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU) fees or invest in new hardware.
• Extend device lifespan by 3–5 years: Organizations can continue using their current endpoints in VDI or DaaS environments, maximizing ROI and reducing e-waste.
• Seamless Citrix integration: For Citrix customers, eLux enables continued access to virtual desktops and applications, delivering a familiar, high-performance user experience.
• Enhanced security and simplified management: eLux is purpose-built for secure, centrally managed endpoints, reducing attack surface and IT overhead.
• Significant cost savings: By sidestepping recurring ESU fees and hardware refresh cycles, organizations can save up to 40% over three years compared to traditional approaches

Real-World Savings with Citrix’s Unicon Solution

Here’s a cost savings example for a Citrix customer with 1,000 Windows 10 devices, comparing the cost of extending device life with Microsoft’s ESU program versus repurposing those devices using Unicon eLux, now included with the Citrix Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud license.

Scenario: 1,000 Legacy Windows 10 Devices

Option 1: Paying for Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU)

• Year 1 ESU fee: $61 per device
• Year 2 ESU fee: $122 per device
• Year 3 ESU fee: $244 per device

Total ESU cost over 3 years per device:
$61 + $122 + $244 = $427

Total ESU cost for 1,000 devices over 3 years:
$427 x 1,000 = $427,000

Option 2: Repurposing Devices with Unicon eLux (Citrix Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud)

• eLux and Scout endpoint management are now included with Citrix Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud licenses at renewal—no additional endpoint OS license required.
• No ESU fees required.
• No need for new hardware purchases.
• Devices are converted to secure thin clients, extending their usable life by 3–5 years and reducing management overhead.

Additional savings:

• Lower endpoint management costs due to streamlined, centralized management.
• Reduced risk and support costs since eLux is purpose-built for secure, managed access to Citrix virtual apps and desktops.
• No recurring Microsoft ESU fees.

*Assumes Citrix Universal Hybrid Multi-Cloud license is already in place; no separate endpoint OS license or ESU fees required.

Why Altanora?

• Proven expertise in VDI/DaaS, complex migrations and hybrid environments. Vendor-agnostic solutions that prioritize your business outcomes.
• Ongoing support to ensure long-term success beyond the initial migration.
  
  Contact Altanora today to discover how your transition to Windows 11 can be faster, smarter, and up to 40% more cost-effective, without the need for new hardware.