ByWith Microsoft ending security updates for Windows 10 in October 2025, businesses face a significant security challenge. This “end-of-life” scenario means that millions of PCs will become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Intel is responding to this challenge by offering a new generation of processors with integrated, silicon-based security features, designed to power a major refresh of business PCs and provide enhanced protection in the post-Windows 10 era.
The Windows 10 Security Risk: A Catalyst for Upgrades
Microsoft’s decision to discontinue security updates and technical support for Windows 10 in October 2025 creates a critical vulnerability. After this date, systems running Windows 10 will no longer receive essential security patches, leaving them exposed to newly discovered exploits.
Intel estimates that approximately 450 million users are on older machines that cannot upgrade to Windows 11, further exacerbating the potential security risk.
This widespread vulnerability is a key factor driving the anticipated PC refresh cycle, as businesses cannot afford the increased risk of data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage associated with unsupported software.
This growing security concern necessitates a new approach to protecting business PCs. Intel believes the solution lies in building security directly into the hardware itself.
Intel’s Silicon-Based Security: A Foundation for the Future
Intel is positioning its new vPro platform, in conjunction with the new Core Ultra processors, as the foundation for a more secure business computing environment. The key innovation is the integration of security features directly into the processor’s silicon.
Let’s take a look at the core of Intel’s new breaktrhough:
a. Hardware-Based Security: A More Robust Defense
By embedding security at the hardware level, Intel offers a stronger defense than traditional software-based solutions. This makes it significantly more difficult for attackers to compromise systems, requiring them to physically tamper with the hardware.
Intel emphasizes that the updated vPro platform provides its most comprehensive security to date, validated by the MITRE ATT&CK framework.
This framework tests defenses against over 150 real-world attack techniques, demonstrating vPro’s effectiveness against a wide range of threats. This includes over 150 silicon-enabled mitigations.
Furthermore, a new Intel Partner Security Engine offers an isolated platform for third-party security solutions, such as Microsoft Pluton, further strengthening data protection.
Beyond robust security, effective IT management is crucial for businesses, especially those with large PC deployments.
b. Enhanced Manageability: Streamlining IT Operations
The vPro platform also provides enhanced manageability features designed to simplify IT operations and reduce the burden on IT departments:
- Remote diagnosis and remediation tools:
These tools allow IT departments to remotely diagnose and resolve PC issues, even if the machines are powered off, displaying a blue screen error, or the user is unavailable.
This capability proved invaluable during past security incidents, such as the 2024 CrowdStrike outage, where remote access was essential for rapid recovery. During that event, Intel provided support and guidance to customers using vPro to quickly remediate affected systems.
- Intel vPro Fleet Services:
Launching in the first half of 2025, this new cloud-based service will further simplify remote PC fleet management, giving organizations a flexible, cloud-based device control option. Intel has also streamlined the vPro activation process, reducing the steps from 24 to just six, simplifying deployment and management.
This new generation of processors isn’t just about security and management; it’s also about empowering businesses with the performance they need for the modern workplace.
c. Powering the AI-Driven Workplace: Performance and Productivity
Beyond security and management, Intel is promoting its Core Ultra processors as essential for the modern, AI-driven workplace. These processors are designed to handle the growing demands of AI-powered applications and productivity tools, offering a substantial performance improvement over older systems.
The new Core Ultra processors include an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) dedicated to AI acceleration.
Integration with Microsoft Copilot+ further emphasizes the focus on AI-driven productivity, with key Copilot+ features like Recall, Click to Do, and Cocreator becoming available on Intel-powered devices.
These new platforms also feature modern connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi 7 for faster wireless speeds and Thunderbolt 5/4 for high-bandwidth connections to peripherals.
Intel’s strategy is clear: to be the driving force behind this large-scale PC refresh cycle, offering businesses a compelling reason to upgrade.
Intel’s Strategic Play: Capitalizing on a Market Shift
Intel is directly linking the launch of its new products to the Windows 10 end-of-life, a clear strategic move to drive demand for new business PCs.
By emphasizing the increased security risks of continuing to use Windows 10, Intel is creating a sense of urgency and positioning its vPro platform and Core Ultra processors as the necessary upgrade for businesses prioritizing security and productivity.
Intel’s recent moves suggest they anticipate a significant PC refresh cycle this year, potentially larger than the surge seen in 2020 due to the shift to remote work. Intel also offers a range of Core Ultra processors for other market segments, including the U series for mainstream mobile users seeking a balance of performance and power efficiency, and the S series for desktop users.
Beyond the business PC market, Intel is also focusing on AI at the edge, with new processors designed for industrial and IoT applications, showcasing significant performance improvements in AI workloads compared to previous generations.
Final Words
Intel is strategically leveraging the upcoming end of Windows 10 support to encourage a substantial refresh of business PCs.
By emphasizing the enhanced security, manageability, and performance of its vPro platform and Core Ultra processors, Intel is presenting a compelling case for businesses to upgrade their hardware and prepare for a more secure and AI-driven future.
This focus on empowering productivity and security in the digital workspace complements the growing trend of prioritizing overall well-being.
Just as businesses are investing in robust IT infrastructure, individuals are also seeking ways to enhance their physical and mental health.
Services like Apple Fitness+ are expanding their offerings to meet this demand, providing accessible and engaging fitness experiences. This parallel focus on both digital work environments and personal wellness highlights a broader shift towards a more holistic approach to modern life.
