In a previous blog, back in 2019, we discussed the end of Windows 7 support and some key information that businesses needed to know about the importance of making the transition to a new operating system.
Well it appears that time is flying, because before we know it we are going to be having that same conversation for Windows 10. Support for Windows 10 will end in 2025, and while that’s still some time away right now, it will be here before we know it.
To get ahead and avoid the last minute panic, many organizations are already considering making the transition to Windows 11.
With that in mind, we’ve created this quick guide on everything you need to know about upgrading your company’s operating system to Windows 11. We look at what’s new in Windows 11, why you should consider upgrading, what you need to do to prepare for the upgrade, as well as determining when it's the right time to upgrade.
What’s new in Windows 11?
As with any new Windows operating system, there are two primary changes. The first is the aesthetic look and feel of the operating system, and the second is the functionality of the operating system.
Of course, the most noticeable changes of any operating system belong to the aesthetic side. Windows 11 features clean lines, muted colours and a start menu that automatically adjusts to the center of the taskbar.
Major improvements have also been made to security and scanning to help protect your organization’s devices. There is a new security baseline setting, helping businesses to quickly ensure their devices meet the minimum security recommendations from Microsoft.
Why upgrade your company’s operating system to Windows 11
Unless you are considering changing operating systems, your business will need to make the transition to Windows 11 at some point. However, here are a few of the key reasons why you may want to move to Windows 11 sooner rather than later
✔️ Collaboration and productivity
Microsoft has put emphasis on helping businesses to improve collaboration and productivity with Microsoft 11, by building its collaboration platform, Teams, into the core of the new operating system. Windows 11 allows users to launch directly into Teams chats and meetings with a single click on an icon in the taskbar. In addition, the new system tray also includes a mute button for easy access.
✔️ Enhanced security
When discussing Windows 11, Microsoft is keen to highlight its new security addition. In fact, Microsoft has made the security of Windows 11 one of its main selling points. Windows 11 has new protections added at both chip and cloud level to ensure company assets are secured no matter where employees are working from. Upgrading to Windows 11 is actually only possible if computers have the latest essential security hardware required by Microsoft.
✔️ Better performance
Windows 11 comes with a range of performance improvements that can increase the productivity of your team. Windows 11 boot times are significantly faster, navigating the web is quicker and the operating system also uses less energy so your employees can enjoy longer battery life while on the move.
Things to consider before upgrading to windows 11
While the benefits of Windows 11 are great, there are also some elements that are expected to be a headache for business owners. Businesses should ensure they prepare properly before making the upgrade. Here are a few important things to keep in mind.
- Hardware requirements
In line with its new security measures, according to TechRadar, Microsoft has set strict hardware requirements for Windows 11. For example, Windows 11-compatible CPUs will now need to feature an embedded TPM, and support secure boot, virtualization-based security (VBS) and specific VBS capabilities. As a result of these requirements, Windows 11 will only work on newer devices.
- Budget
With the above in mind, upgrading to Windows 11 will likely require many businesses to invest in newer and more powerful devices that have a TPM chip already built into their motherboard. An upgrade that can’t simply be added to older devices. Before making the upgrade to Windows 11, businesses will need to consider the number of unsupported devices that they will need to upgrade with it.
When is the right time to upgrade to Windows 11?
Hardware requirements aside, Microsoft says that it has done everything in its power to ensure upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is as easy as possible for IT staff. However, upgrading your company’s operating system can still be a big undertaking.
You will need to test what systems are compatible with Windows 11, determine whether business-critical systems are ready for the new operating system, and ensure your team members can all use it seamlessly.
As with any major change within your business, there are likely to be hiccups along the way.
When making the upgrade to Windows 11, we strongly recommend that your business does it slowly. By taking your time to upgrade Windows 11 throughout your business, you can ensure that everything is working properly before rolling it out to other areas of your organization.
Since support for Windows 10 doesn’t end until 2025, you have enough time to make a slow and strategic transition. Are you interested in learning more about Windows 11, and how your company can strategically upgrade its operating system without it impacting productivity? Get in touch with OT Group today. Our team of Ontario-based IT professionals would love to help.
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