June 20, 2024 Knowledge Center

Q & A: Everything you need to know about upgrading to Windows 11

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Below, SUCCESS experts provide answers to frequently asked questions about upgrading to the latest Windows operating system.  

The deadline for upgrading to Windows 11 is quickly approaching – likely sooner than you think. So, while you might be under the impression that there is plenty of time left to develop a plan for making the switch to the newest Windows operating system, our team of experts strongly encourage you to start taking action sooner rather than later 

If you haven’t undergone the process of migrating your entire team’s devices to a new operating system before, though, we understand that it might all seem a bit overwhelming. To help alleviate some of the uncertainty you might feel about getting started, we’ve provided answers to some frequently asked questions about upgrading to Windows 11.   

What’s the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11? 

In short, not much. However, while you likely won’t notice much of a difference when you make the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, once you do, your devices will run on an up-to-date operating system that reduces the risk of cyber-attacks, since devices running on Windows 10 will eventually stop receiving security updates. Your device will also be equipped to more seamlessly integrate with Microsoft 365 applications – after all, Windows 11 is designed with your Microsoft subscription in mind. 

Additionally, there are a few key feature updates that will help improve your efficiency as a Windows user. Those features include:

  • Dictation with auto-punctuation
  • Customizable desktops
  • Window snapping
  • Snap Group
  • Widgets

To learn more about these features, watch 5 Awesome Windows 11 Features You Should Use.

Related: Windows 11 Tips and Tricks

What is the deadline for upgrading to Windows 11? 

Windows 10 is set to reach end-of-life (EOL) on October 14, 2025, which means that, ideally, your devices will have been upgraded to Windows 11 long before then. If your devices aren’t running on Windows 11 by the time Windows 10 becomes an unsupported operating system, though, they will no longer receive security or feature updates. This means those devices are more likely to suffer poor performance and are also more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, which is why we strongly advise you to start creating a plan for refreshing all your organization’s devices as soon as possible.   

Related: Risks of using an unsupported operating system  

Why should I upgrade to Windows 11 sooner rather than later? 

The longer you wait to upgrade to Windows 11, the more challenging it will be to get the necessary equipment. While your specific organization might not have very many devices that need to be upgraded or replaced, the same cannot be said for every other organization. As a result, the resources needed to complete all upgrades in time usually becomes scarce due to the overall number of devices that need to be deployed. But, if you plan accordingly and start taking action now to ensure you’re able to either acquire new devices if necessary or upgrade the devices you already have, the process will go much more smoothly for your organization. Overall, providing ample time to complete the upgrade process will ensure that all your devices remain up-to-date, protected, and secure. 

What are the hardware requirements my device needs to meet to be able to upgrade to Windows 11? 

To upgrade your current devices to Windows 11, they must meet certain specifications. Those specifications include: 

  1. Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0   
  2. Compatible 64-bit processor 
  3. At least 16 gigabytes of RAM (32 preferred) 
  4. Central processing unit of 8th generation or newer for Intel Core i-Series or 2nd generation or newer for AMD Ryzen 

If your devices don’t meet these specifications, you’ll likely need to purchase new devices with Windows 11 already installed. In that case, consider SUCCESS’s Guiding Principles for Laptops, Tablets, and PCs 

How do I know if my current devices meet the necessary hardware requirements? 

Microsoft provides the PC Health Check tool to help you determine if your device meets the hardware requirements for Windows 11. Additionally, you can consult your IT partner if you’re unsure whether you can upgrade your current device or if you’ll need to purchase new ones with Windows 11 already installed.  

Related: Upgrading to Windows 11: How to Know if Your Computer is Ready   

Is there a cost to upgrade? 

If your device meets the specifications required to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you can do so without needing to purchase an additional Microsoft license. However, if you partner with a managed service provider like SUCCESS, there might be a cost associated with the labor required to perform the upgrade. 

Additionally, you should first consult with your IT partner to determine if your devices are compatible with an upgrade. If they aren’t, you may need to purchase new devices with Windows 11 already installed, which would incur an additional expense. 

Can I perform the upgrade myself?

While it might seem more cost effective to perform the upgrade on your own to avoid an additional expense, you also need to consider the age of your device(s), the specifications, how to roll back (if necessary), and the time it takes to complete. Upgrading can take minutes to hours depending on the variability of these factors. If you’re comfortable performing this review and taking the necessary actions, it is possible to upgrade yourself.  

Ready to upgrade to Windows 11? 

The SUCCESS team is here to make your team’s transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as seamless as possible. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today, and our team will help you develop a plan for making the switch sooner rather than later, ensuring that your business can continue to operate with devices that are up-to-date, protected, and secure.