May 15, 2022 Uncategorized

It’s Time to Think About Upgrading to Windows 11: Here’s What You Need to Know

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Yes, it’s time to start thinking about updating to Windows 11. While we previously wrote to hold off and still think it’s in your best interest to continue using Windows 10 for now, we want to support you in adopting this newest operating system to ensure a smooth transition when the time is right.

Microsoft has announced that the end of support for Windows 10 will be October 14th, 2025. This will end all security and feature updates for that operating system. And although that may seem like more than enough time to prepare for the update to Windows 11, it’s important for businesses to start making informed decisions to prevent a lack of preparation when Windows 10 ultimately reaches its end-of-life.

What should I do first?

We have outlined the first steps to take when considering the update to Windows 11:

Step 1: In upcoming meetings with your SUCCESS Account Manager, they will discuss and develop a plan to update your business to Windows 11.

Step 2: Select two to five members of your team to test run Windows 11. This team will use a variety of business applications and provide their feedback to ensure devices and legacy applications are still compatible.

Pro tip: If you wind up with Windows 11 automatically or unintentionally installed, Microsoft announced that users have ten days following the installation of Windows 11 to revert back to Windows 10, allowing time for you and IT to construct a more comprehensive strategy for adoption.

What are my options when it comes time to update?

Read on to determine which possible option best aligns with the needs and budget of your business, based on your current devices’ hardware specifications:

Option 1: Upgrade in-place. Confirm with your AE and Field Technician that your current devices are compatible with an in-place upgrade to the newest Windows operating system. This will likely be the case if your devices were newly purchased within the last three-to-four years and therefore have an active warranty. However, verifying with IT is the best method to guarantee your equipment meets the specifications required for Windows 11: 

  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 – learn how to find this here
  • Compatible 64-bit processor
  • Central processing unit (CPU) of 8th generation or newer for Intel Core i-Series devices or 2nd generation or newer for AMD Ryzen devices

Pro tip: To determine your device’s generation, find the model number in the CPU description of the hardware inventory report. Users with Intel-based PCs can identify the generation by the first digit in the four- or five-digit model number i.e., Intel(R) Core (TM) i7-9750H is a 9th generation device, whereas Intel(R) Core (TM) i7-10750H is a 10th generation device.

Option 2: Buy new devices. Not all devices will meet the system requirements needed for an in-place upgrade to Windows 11. In that case, you may be limited to purchasing new devices with Windows 11 already installed. To help, here’s a link to our Guiding Principles for purchasing devices compatible with the Windows 11 operating system, in addition to the specifications listed above: 

Baseline recommendations for machines include:

  • Windows professional operating system
  • The latest Core i5 processor or better
  • At least 12 gigabytes of RAM (16 preferred)
  • Solid-state drive (SSD) 

We’re excited to move forward with your business’s plan to implement Windows 11. Eventually, this newest operating system has the potential to provide a few key enhancements:

  • Improved security and protection
  • Tighter integration with your Microsoft 365 subscription
  • A cleaner and more friendly user interface

And again, while the SUCCESS team still recommends waiting to update, you can learn more in the meantime by visiting the Windows 11 homepage and talking to your Account Executive at SUCCESS to begin formulating a proactive strategy that will ensure a smooth transition to Windows 11.