Clients often ask, “when should my business upgrade to Windows 11?”
Almost a year ago, Microsoft announced the latest in its long-running line of Windows operating systems, Windows 11. Since then, consumers have started to enjoy the redesigned operating system, making the most of enhancements in security, productivity, and entertainment.
What about businesses?
A product of the global pandemic, Windows 11 was promoted as an operating system designed for hybrid work and learning. In 2022, many companies have shifted to some form of hybrid office, or work with others who have. Doesn’t it make sense to upgrade to Windows 11?
The answer is yes, but there are some things to consider first.
Current environment
Much has been made of the hardware requirements for Windows 11, in particular, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, a security component most commonly found in newer machines. Users with devices dating from 2017 or earlier may need to have their specifications closely examined. Businesses that are not actively replacing outdated hardware will need to pay close attention to this requirement.
Businesses also need to consider their workflows and processes when looking to upgrade their operating system. Unforeseen bugs may hinder users, disrupting their productivity and effectively the company. Compatibility with software, as well as any peripherals used by teams such as printers, should be tested by IT teams in a controlled environment before rolling out upgrades to all devices.
On this note, if the need for system stability and productivity are an absolute priority, the entire upgrade process needs to be thoroughly planned to minimize any downtime or disruptions.
So, when should we upgrade to Windows 11?
It is always tempting to play with a shiny, new toy. When it comes to operating systems however, it is recommended to take a wait and see approach given that bugs and compatibility issues often accompany new releases.
Despite Windows 11 being widely available for the better part of a year (at the time of writing), it is still considered the adoption phase for an operating system. IT teams and software developers use this time period to identify and solve issues related to the new operating system and other existing software.
Taking into account the above considerations for upgrading, businesses with the infrastructure compatible with Windows 11 can begin to work with their IT teams to assess the latest updates to Windows 11. This is to ensure that any processes and workflows in existing operating systems work on the new software.
One important date to note is October 2025. This is the date that Microsoft has determined it will cease support for Windows 10. Devices will still be able to run Windows, however with no security updates, this poses a vulnerability to business and their systems.
Not sure how of the best way to upgrade?
Businesses looking to make the most of the new features offered by Microsoft but are not certain of the best way to upgrade, can speak to the team at systemsGo. Our consultants can conduct an assessment of the IT infrastructure and work together to determine the best course of action.
