Surviving Windows 10 End of Support with ServiceNow HAM Pro & SAM Pro

The clock is ticking for organizations still running Windows 10. Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security updates, patches, or technical assistance. Companies that fail to migrate to Windows 11 risk exposing themselves to security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and operational disruptions. 

To navigate this transition effectively, organizations need a robust asset management strategy. ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management (HAM) Pro and Software Asset Management (SAM) Pro provide powerful capabilities to streamline hardware refreshes, software license management, and compliance tracking - ensuring a smooth migration to Windows 11. 

Key Challenges of Windows 10 End of Support 

Before diving into how ServiceNow can help, let’s outline the core challenges organizations face: 

• Hardware Compatibility: Not all existing devices will support Windows 11 due to strict system requirements. 

• License Management: Tracking Windows 11 licensing and ensuring compliance with Microsoft’s requirements. 

• Asset Visibility: Identifying which devices and software versions need upgrading. 

• Operational Disruption: Minimizing downtime while rolling out upgrades. 

• Security Risks: Ensuring all endpoints are protected during the transition.
   

How ServiceNow HAM Pro Supports Windows 10 Migration 

ServiceNow HAM Pro helps organizations track, optimize, and manage their IT hardware assets throughout their lifecycle. Here’s how it supports Windows 10 End of Support readiness:

Complete Visibility into Hardware Inventory

HAM Pro enables IT teams to maintain an up-to-date inventory of all hardware assets, including make, model, CPU, and TPM versions - critical for determining Windows 11 upgrade eligibility – with items such as: 

• Identify which devices meet Windows 11 hardware requirements. 

• Flag non-compliant assets that require upgrades or replacements. 

• Automate refresh planning to ensure budget and procurement readiness.
  

Automated Lifecycle Management

HAM Pro streamlines hardware refresh cycles by automating workflows for procurement, deployment, and retirement: 

• Set policies for hardware refresh timelines aligned with Windows 11 requirements. 

• Automate decommissioning and disposal of unsupported devices. 

• Optimize hardware investment by tracking warranties and leasing contracts.

Enhanced Vendor and Supply Chain Management

With global chip shortages and supply chain disruptions, getting new hardware on time can be challenging. HAM Pro enables: 

• Proactive vendor management to track purchase orders and delivery schedules. 

• Cost analysis for comparing device replacement vs. upgrade options. 

• Seamless integration with procurement systems for ordering new Windows 11-compatible devices. 

How ServiceNow SAM Pro Helps Manage Software Licensing & Compliance 

Migrating to Windows 11 isn’t just about hardware - it also involves ensuring proper licensing and software compliance. ServiceNow SAM Pro provides the necessary visibility and controls to manage Windows 11 licensing effectively.

Accurate License Tracking & Compliance

SAM Pro helps organizations: 

• Track existing Windows 10 licenses and Windows 11 upgrade eligibility. 

• Ensure compliance with Microsoft’s licensing rules to avoid audits and penalties. 

• Identify opportunities to reallocate unused licenses, reducing unnecessary costs. 

Optimized Software Deployment

With Windows 11, organizations must verify that critical applications are compatible. SAM Pro enables: 

• Application portfolio analysis to identify software compatibility issues. 

• Tracking of third-party applications that require updates or replacements. 

• Automated workflows to deploy updated software versions at scale. 

Cost Control & Optimization

Windows 11 licensing can be expensive, but SAM Pro provides insights to optimize costs: 

• Identify opportunities for subscription model transitions (e.g., moving to Microsoft 365 licensing models). 

• Monitor license utilization to avoid unnecessary purchases. 

• Optimize spending by eliminating redundant or underused software. 

Implementing a ServiceNow-Driven Windows 11 Migration Strategy 

A successful transition to Windows 11 requires an integrated approach leveraging both HAM Pro and SAM Pro. Below is a process diagram illustrating the migration steps: 

Process Breakdown

• Assess Current State: Inventory hardware and software assets, evaluate software compatibility and licensing, and identify unsupported devices and required upgrades. 

• Determine Upgrade Path: Classify devices as upgradeable, replaceable, or obsolete, and map out software license changes and compliance gaps. 

• Plan & Budget: Forecast costs for hardware refresh and software licensing while aligning IT procurement strategy with business priorities. 

• Automate Workflows: Implement ServiceNow workflows for asset replacement and software deployment while automating compliance tracking and reporting. 

• Monitor & Optimize: Track migration progress, address bottlenecks, and continuously optimize costs and software utilization. 

Beat the End of Support Deadline

With Windows 10’s end of support fast approaching, organizations must take proactive steps to manage their IT assets effectively. ServiceNow HAM Pro and SAM Pro offer the visibility, automation, and control needed to ensure a seamless and cost-efficient transition to Windows 11. 

By leveraging ServiceNow’s powerful IT asset management capabilities, businesses can minimize risks, control costs, and maintain compliance - ultimately ensuring a future-proof IT environment through and beyond 2025. 

Are you ready to accelerate your Windows 11 migration? Take advantage of Thirdera’s no-cost Landmark: Asset Management survey to plot your ServiceNow ITAM roadmap.