Published 2021-08-11 by TechNet New England
Microsoft has officially announced Windows 11, the first major Windows upgrade since Windows 10 launched in 2015. While the new features look promising, businesses should approach the transition thoughtfully rather than rushing to upgrade.
What Is New in Windows 11
- Redesigned interface: Centered taskbar, rounded corners, and a cleaner overall aesthetic
- Snap Layouts: Improved window management with predefined layout options
- Teams integration: Microsoft Teams is built directly into the taskbar
- Widgets: A personalized feed of news, weather, and productivity information
- Android app support: The ability to run Android apps through the Amazon App Store
- Performance improvements: Better memory management and faster wake from sleep
The Hardware Requirement Issue
The biggest concern for businesses is the hardware requirements. Windows 11 requires:
- A compatible 64-bit processor (8th generation Intel or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer)
- 4GB of RAM minimum
- 64GB of storage minimum
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
- Secure Boot capability
- UEFI firmware
The TPM 2.0 requirement is the most significant barrier. Many computers purchased before 2018 may not have TPM 2.0, even if they are otherwise perfectly capable machines.
Should You Upgrade Now?
For most businesses, the answer is not yet. Here is why:
- Windows 10 is supported until October 2025: You have time to plan
- Early adoption risk: New operating systems always have bugs and compatibility issues that get resolved over the first several months
- Application compatibility: Your business software needs to be tested with Windows 11 before you deploy it
- Training costs: The interface changes will require some adjustment from your team
What You Should Do Now
- Inventory your hardware: Use Microsoft's PC Health Check tool to see which computers are compatible
- Check software compatibility: Contact your software vendors to confirm Windows 11 support
- Plan your hardware refresh: Budget for replacements on a schedule that makes sense
- Test before deploying: When ready, test with a small group before rolling out to everyone
- Stay current on Windows 10: Keep applying security updates and patches in the meantime
Our Recommendation
Plan for Windows 11, but do not rush into it. Use the transition period to do a proper hardware assessment and budget for any necessary replacements. When you do migrate, do it methodically with proper testing and training.
Need help assessing your readiness for Windows 11? Contact TechNet New England for a hardware and compatibility assessment.