Canada’s businesses face a growing cybersecurity challenge as Microsoft’s Windows 10 era winds down. Recent reports reveal that one billion PCs worldwide still run Windows 10, double earlier estimates. Half of these devices are too old to upgrade, while the other half could move to Windows 11 but haven’t. This reluctance to upgrade leaves organizations exposed to security risks. For Canadian companies, this isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a strategic one, impacting compliance, productivity, and long-term IT planning.
The scale of the problem is bigger than expected. Dell’s recent earnings call highlighted that 500 million PCs are aging out of eligibility for Windows 11, creating a potential hardware refresh crisis. Even more concerning, another 500 million devices could upgrade but users have chosen not to. This hesitation often stems from perceived complexity or cost, but the reality is that outdated systems are prime targets for cyberattacks. For businesses managing large fleets of PCs, skipping updates or delaying upgrades could lead to significant financial and operational risks.
What should Canadian businesses do now? Start by auditing your current PC inventory and planning a phased upgrade strategy. Most importantly, ensure all devices receive security updates and monitor compliance closely. With cyber threats on the rise and regulatory requirements tightening, proactive action today will help avoid costly breaches tomorrow. The message is clear: upgrading isn’t just an IT task—it’s a business imperative.
Original article courtesy of Forbes.com
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