Many organizations still rely on rugged handhelds running Windows Mobile, Windows Embedded Handheld, or Windows CE. These platforms once powered some of the most efficient warehouse operations, but Microsoft has officially ended support. No more security patches. No firmware updates. Limited vendor support.
While it may feel easier to “wait a little longer,” delaying migration carries increasing costs and risks that can’t be ignored. Migrating to Android isn’t just about modernization, it’s about protecting your infrastructure, reducing exposure, and positioning your business for the future.
Why delaying migration is risky
When an operating system is no longer supported, it stops receiving security patches. That means known vulnerabilities remain open, giving attackers an easy entry point. Industry data shows that the average cost of a data breach globally reached $4.44 million in 2025, and in the U.S. that number climbs to over $10 million. Companies running outdated systems pay even more — about $1.4 million more per breach on average — simply because those systems are harder to secure and recover.
The longer companies postpone migration, the more they face not only higher security risk but also higher operational cost. Spare parts and technical expertise for Windows CE devices are becoming scarce. Software tools are aging. New integrations are harder to build. Each of those factors adds friction, time, and cost to day-to-day operations.
The market has already moved on
Beyond risk, the marketplace itself is pointing to a clear direction. Android now holds 46.7% of the global operating system market, compared to Windows at around 24.8%. In the rugged mobile handheld sector specifically, Android commands over 57% market share as of 2023, and the handheld computer market is expected to grow from $1.8 billion in 2023 to $3.1 billion by 2031.
This isn’t a passing trend. It’s an industry shift. Device manufacturers are investing their R&D in Android-based platforms, software vendors are building for Android first, and long-term support contracts are becoming easier to secure for modern devices. Choosing Android today means aligning with the dominant platform and ensuring a healthier device lifecycle down the road.
Real-world impact for warehouse and manufacturing operations
In a warehouse, unsupported platforms don’t just pose a technical problem — they impact productivity and profitability.
- Security gaps increase the risk of downtime and potential regulatory penalties.
- Aging devices require specialized service and become harder to keep online.
- Incompatible software makes it difficult to integrate with modern ERP or WMS systems.
- Slower workflows and unreliable connectivity hurt overall throughput and worker efficiency.
These issues compound over time, especially when operations depend on hundreds or thousands of devices across multiple sites.
What Android migration delivers
Shifting to Android brings measurable advantages:
- Regular security updates that close vulnerabilities and support compliance goals.
- Modern development tools that make it faster and less costly to build and maintain mobile applications.
- A wide hardware ecosystem, giving you more choices for price, form factor, and support options.
- Lower total cost of ownership over time through standardization and better integration.
Equally important, the migration doesn’t have to happen all at once. A structured approach beginning with inventorying existing devices, evaluating application compatibility, piloting Android solutions, and rolling out in phases, allows organizations to minimize disruption while maximizing long-term gain.
The bottom line
The risks of remaining on unsupported Windows handheld platforms are rising — and the numbers prove it. Security incidents are costlier, operational challenges are mounting, and the device market has clearly shifted toward Android.
Migrating isn’t just about swapping out devices. It’s about protecting your business, reducing operational friction, and ensuring your technology investments are future-proof. We can help you build a clear, low-risk migration strategy that fits your operational goals and timeline. Let’s modernize your mobile workforce together.