Introduction

As the clock counts down to October 14, 2025, organizations and individual users worldwide face a critical deadline: the end of mainstream support for Microsoft Windows 10. This milestone means no more free security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance from Microsoft, posing significant cybersecurity risks and operational challenges.

For enterprises with vast distributed environments, this migration demand is enormous. Amid this landscape, Hitachi Energy stands out with a successful, large-scale transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, upgrading over 40,000 devices across 12 countries smoothly and efficiently. Their case offers valuable lessons for organizations preparing for this migration.

Background: The Windows 10 End-of-Life

Windows 10, launched in 2015, has become the backbone OS for millions of users globally. However, Microsoft has announced that its mainstream support will end on October 14, 2025. Post this date, Windows 10 systems will no longer receive:

  • Free security patches
  • Feature updates
  • Technical support

While existing installations will continue to function, the absence of updates exposes devices to increasing vulnerabilities and compliance risks. Complicating the situation, around 60% of Windows machines remain on Windows 10 as of 2025, creating a monumental migration imperative.

The Hitachi Energy Migration: A Case Study

Hitachi Energy's migration was not a mere technical upgrade but a complex, global endeavor entwined with digital transformation goals tied to their mission in sustainable energy.

Scope and Scale

  • Over 40,000 endpoints migrated across 12 countries
  • Compatibility assessments performed on 3,000+ unique applications
  • Achieved a peak of 10,000 upgrades in a single month
  • Managed legacy devices unable to upgrade, ensuring continued compliance

Strategic Approach

  • Pilot Program: Initiated with a 500-device pilot in November 2023, gathering real-world feedback before scaling.
  • By Exception Model: Instead of exhaustive pre-testing of every application, selective pilot testing allowed broader rollout confidence with reduced manual effort.
  • Automation and Integration: Leveraged ManagementStudio platform deeply integrated with Microsoft Intune, Active Directory, Flexera Service, and ServiceNow, enabling intelligent automation of device readiness and application compatibility checks.
  • Data-Driven Oversight: Real-time analytics using PowerBI dashboards provided executive visibility into migration velocity, exception handling, and overall progress, preventing bottlenecks.

Addressing Challenges

  • Ensured balance between global consistency and local requirements across diverse operational contexts.
  • Managed exceptions and outliers through continuous monitoring and adaptive rollback mechanisms.
  • Positioned to leverage Windows 11’s enhanced security capabilities and tighter cloud integration for future digital initiatives.

Technical Details and Best Practices

  • Compatibility Testing: Over 2,300 applications were approved for Windows 11, supported by automated compatibility checks to reduce manual testing load.
  • Endpoint Management: A comprehensive asset inventory and readiness evaluation identified eligible devices and those requiring replacement or alternative handling.
  • Workflow Automation: Automation tools reduced manual interventions, speeding up deployment while maintaining accuracy.
  • Change Management: Proactive communication and training ensuring user adoption and minimizing business disruption.
  • Pilot Testing: Strategic, data-driven pilot deployments allowed rapid feedback and iterative improvements that underpinned large-scale rollout success.

Implications and Industry Impact

  • Security: Transitioning to Windows 11 addresses emerging cybersecurity threats owing to its advanced features like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and integrated hardware-based protections.
  • Operational Continuity: Early and well-governed migrations prevent costly downtime and non-compliance risks associated with running unsupported software.
  • Digital Transformation: Modern OS platforms enable cloud adoption, remote workforce enablement, and integration with AI-augmented workflows.
  • Sustainability: IT modernization contributes to energy efficiency and sustainable business practices aligned with Hitachi Energy’s core mission.

Conclusion

Hitachi Energy’s Windows 11 migration offers a scalable, strategic blueprint for organizations facing the Windows 10 End-of-Life. By combining intelligent automation, selective pilot testing, continuous monitoring, and strategic change management, they achieved a seamless, low-disruption transition.

With the Windows 10 support deadline looming, enterprises must act decisively—leveraging lessons from success stories like Hitachi Energy to mitigate risks, exploit Windows 11’s security advancements, and drive broader digital transformation.