Enhance Security and Performance With Windows 11 for K-12 Education

The end of support deadline for Windows 10 is approaching, which means it’s time to upgrade to Windows 11. For districts managing hybrid learning, mission-critical data and an increasing array of digital tools, delaying this upgrade could leave systems vulnerable to cyberthreats and operational inefficiencies. For IT professionals, educators and school administrators, the transition represents an opportunity to tighten security, enhance performance and increase accessibility.

Learn how Windows 11 is transforming education and why adopting this upgrade is a must for K-12 environments.

When Windows 10 reaches its end of support on Oct. 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes for issues, time zone updates or technical support for problems that might occur. This poses a heightened risk for cybersecurity incidents, such as ransomware attacks, phishing and data breaches. Such vulnerabilities are particularly concerning in K-12 environments where sensitive student and staff information must be safeguarded.

The CoSN 2025 State of EdTech District Leadership Survey reports that only 13% of school districts perceived unauthorized disclosure of student data and ransomware attacks as high-risk threats. However, these risk assessments don’t take into account the value of K-12 student data to cybercriminals, according to the Center for Internet Security K-12 Cybersecurity Report.

School safety and cybersecurity are at the forefront of educational technology, and transitioning to Windows 11 offers the mechanism to preserve student data and mitigate cybersecurity threats. By running outdated operating systems, students, staff, educators and the community all suffer. Because schools serve as an essential community infrastructure, cyberthreats impact not only education but also vital services that impact student well-being.

Windows 11 operating system offers cutting-edge features that address the evolving threat landscape for schools.

Windows 11 incorporates advanced security features like Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and secure boot mechanisms. These features work together to prevent unauthorized access and deliver hardware-rooted protection, ensuring school devices can fend off even sophisticated attacks.

By running Windows 11, IT leaders can schedule automatic updates, ensuring devices remain fortified against new cyberthreats. This robust approach helps schools avoid issues that have plagued older systems, such as the infamous CrowdStrike outage that impacted organizations running outdated platforms.

Windows Hello, the built-in biometric authentication tool, provides a safer and faster login experience. This layer of security ensures that only authenticated users can access devices and data, a crucial safeguard for protecting both student privacy and school records.

Security isn’t the only upgrade that schools will see when using Windows 11. The operating system is designed to enhance functionality and streamline IT operations.

Windows 11 enables devices to run faster and handle multiple tasks more efficiently. For K-12 environments, that means fewer disruptions during class, better performance for IT-heavy applications and smoother device management for administrators.

Windows 11 integrates artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools like Copilot, which can assist in automating tasks, generating actionable insights and even recording meetings or lectures. Students and teachers benefit from additional AI tools to improve accessibility like Reading Progress and Speaker Coach, which provide personalized learning experiences and improve performance outcomes.

IT leaders face a critical deadline to transition ahead of Windows 10’s end of life. Delaying the upgrade increases risks to operational integrity and data security. By upgrading now, schools can take full advantage of new features without facing compatibility disruptions or last-minute scrambles when the support period ends.

However, some schools won’t have the budget to purchase new devices and need more time to transition. If this describes your school, you have the option to enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10. Devices enrolled in ESU will receive monthly security updates without new features or other updates. With this option, school districts can purchase annual security update subscriptions, renewable for three years. The updates cost $1 per device for the first year. The price rises in year two to $2 per device and jumps to $4 per device in year three.

Upgrading to Windows 11 for education is a significant change, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. CDW offers tailored readiness assessments for K-12 IT departments, proactively addressing potential risks and ensuring smooth implementation. Here’s how CDW can help streamline your Windows 11 transition:

• Expert readiness assessments: Evaluate your district's security posture and technology environment to ensure a seamless upgrade.
• Lifecycle device management: Get support for deploying, maintaining and refreshing your device fleet effectively.
• End-to-End IT solutions: Access resources and guidance to leverage Microsoft tools, stay ahead of cyberthreats and support long-term technology strategies.

For K-12 districts, the decision to upgrade to Windows 11 isn’t just about adopting the latest technology, it’s about positioning schools to address current and future challenges. From bolstered security to improved performance and AI-driven tools, Windows 11 meets the needs of modern education.

Don't wait until vulnerabilities become crises. Act now to safeguard your district and unlock new opportunities for learning and teaching. CDW stands ready to help guide your transition to Windows 11, ensuring your school’s technology ecosystem is secure, efficient and future-ready.