Windows 10 reaches the end of support in October 2025. That means no more security updates for the OS. Many organizations still have a large share of devices on Windows 10, which turns end of life into a real security and compliance exposure. Patching stops, compatibility with new software and peripherals deteriorates, and there is a real risk of operational disruption.
Your options at a glance
Most IT teams evaluate five paths:
1. Upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11.
2. Purchase Extended Security Updates for Windows 10.
3. Move into a Microsoft program that includes Extended Security Updates (ESU).
4. Accept the risk and remain on Windows 10 for a period.
5. Convert existing Windows 10 devices into thin clients
This article will focus on option 5 because it can deliver strong gains across security, capital, and operating expense, management simplicity, and sustainability.
The thin client approach
If your employees only use SaaS apps or a virtual desktop, a full Windows PC as an endpoint is overkill. You are maintaining a general-purpose OS, its patches, and a wide attack surface, even though the endpoint is mostly a secure browser and a remote display client.
ZeeOS changes that model.
- Read-only OS with no local changes possible by the end user.
- Reduced attack surface with no data saved locally.
- Manage devices located anywhere in the world remotely using the web management console (WMC).
Converting existing PCs to thin clients with ZeeOS makes endpoints more secure, much easier to manage, and extends useful life by up to eight years while reducing OPEX and carbon emissions.
Important fit note: if teams run heavy local workloads such as video editing or specialized 3D tools, a thin client may not be the right choice for those users. However, for many roles that mainly access SaaS apps or virtual desktops, thin clients are ideal.
What if your apps are still local
If you have been considering centralizing apps or moving desktops to the cloud, this is the moment to evaluate it. You can select a VDI or DaaS provider that fits your requirements, virtualize the apps and desktops, and then access them securely from endpoints running ZeeOS.
What it looks like in practice
- Install flexibly: Install ZeeOS directly on your existing Windows 10 hardware. You can also boot and test from a ZeeOS USB stick without touching the local disk.
- Harden by default: Once deployed, the device no longer runs Windows 10. It boots into a secure, read-only environment.
- Centralize configuration: Use the ZeeOS Web Management Console (WMC) to manage these devices remotely. Set thin client or kiosk mode, create policies, assign profiles, and push app/system updates. No local admin work required.
- Launch work instantly: Configure devices to boot straight into your virtual desktop or published application of choice.
Advantages you can quantify
- Lower capital expense: Extend the life of existing devices by up to eight years instead of upgrading everything for Windows 11.
- Lower operating expense: Centralized management, no on-site interventions and reduced support load.
- Stronger security: Read-only OS with no local modifications allowed by the user and no local data saved.
- Sustainability benefits: Extending device life significantly cuts e-waste.
- Energy savings: Devices running ZeeOS typically consume at least three times less power than full PCs because the OS has lower hardware requirements and computing is handled on servers.
Why ZeeTim
- Transparent concurrent licensing: Licenses are not tied to a specific device or user. Install on as many devices as you want and only pay for concurrent use.
- Responsive support: Our team assists even during the proof of concept stage.
- Customizable OS: Tailor ZeeOS to your environment and security standards.
- Powerful WMC included: Granular control for each device, remote configuration, and streamlined fleet operations.
Getting started
Test ZeeOS on your own devices with three free trial licenses. There is no time limit, so you can evaluate at your own pace and move forward only when you are confident that ZeeOS is the right next step.
Test ZeeOS today for free, with 3 perpetual test licenses, with no time limit.