With Windows 10 reaching its End of Support (EOS) on October 14, 2025, businesses must prepare to upgrade to Windows 11. A well-planned transition is crucial to avoid last-minute issues, unexpected costs, and operational disruptions. Here are the key factors to consider when planning your upgrade strategy.
1. Hardware Compatibility
Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements that must be met to ensure a smooth upgrade. The two main considerations from a hardware perspective are:
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0: Windows 11 requires a TPM chip, which manages device encryption and security. If your device lacks an inbuilt TPM, upgrading is not possible.
- Processor Requirements: Microsoft has a list of supported processors. If your machine does not meet these requirements, it will not be eligible for the upgrade.
If your hardware does not meet these requirements, you will need to invest in new devices that are fully compliant.
2. Age of Devices & Warranty
- Devices older than three years are likely out of warranty. If your hardware is aging, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than upgrade.
- Many businesses purchased lower-spec machines during the COVID-19 pandemic due to supply constraints. This upgrade presents an opportunity to equip employees with higher-performance devices that better meet their needs.
- New devices also come with greater energy efficiency, leading to lower power consumption and cost savings in the long run.
3. Storage Requirements
- Windows 11 requires at least 256GB of storage, with 512GB recommended for optimal performance.
- If your devices are low on storage, updates and overall performance may be affected. Windows operating systems generally increase in size over time, leading to space constraints on older machines.
- Devices with extremely limited storage (e.g., 110GB drives) may struggle to function effectively with Windows 10, let alone Windows 11.
4. Peripherals & Workstation Setup)
- Evaluate the age and quality of peripherals, such as monitors, docking stations, and accessories.
- Monitor technology has advanced significantly in recent years, providing higher resolutions, better refresh rates, and energy-efficient designs.
- Use this transition as an opportunity to enhance your entire home-working or office ecosystem for improved productivity and ergonomics.
5. Upgrade Process & Downtime
- While the Windows 11 upgrade process is generally smooth, if an issue arises, a full system rebuild may be required.
- Even in the best-case scenario, an upgrade can take several hours per device, leading to potential downtime and loss of productivity.
- Assess whether your business can afford for employees to be without their devices for extended periods.
6. Timing & Procurement Strategy
- Avoid waiting until September 2025 - as the deadline approaches, demand will surge, and stock availability will become limited.
- Start planning now to secure the best brands and models without paying inflated prices.
- Consider implementing a rolling replacement program (e.g., upgrading 10 machines per month) to spread costs and ensure a smooth transition.
7. Performance & Long-Term Benefits
- New devices optimised for Windows 11 will run faster, smoother, and more efficiently than older hardware.
- Attempting to upgrade older machines may lead to performance degradation as outdated components struggle to keep up with modern software demands.
- Investing in newer, more energy-efficient devices aligns with sustainability goals and reduces long-term operational costs.
Final Takeaway: Plan Ahead!
With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, businesses must take a proactive approach to upgrading. Start evaluating your hardware now, develop a replacement strategy,
and avoid the risks of last-minute purchasing. Don’t leave it until September!