If you’re still putting off the reminder to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you’re not alone. The thought of managing a system upgrade can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure if your hardware is up to the task or whether your critical business applications will continue to function smoothly. However, delaying the upgrade could mean missing out on key security improvements and performance enhancements, and with Windows 10 support ending soon, it’s important to act now.
IT Backbone can help you through the entire process, from testing to backup and upgrading, giving you complete peace of mind as you transition to Windows 11.
Is your hardware ready? Or are you still ignoring the reminder to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?
One of the most critical steps in upgrading to Windows 11 is ensuring that your hardware can support the new operating system. Running Windows 11 on older hardware—especially a mechanical hard drive or minimal RAM—can result in sluggish performance that hinders productivity.
- CPU Compatibility: Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, and only relatively modern processors are supported. If your CPU is from before Intel’s 8th generation or AMD’s Ryzen 2000 series, you may be unable to install the OS. IT Backbone can help assess whether your processor is compatible and recommend upgrades if necessary.
- RAM: Although Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM, running the system with anything less than 16GB of RAM will likely lead to lag, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications. IT Backbone can evaluate your memory needs and assist with necessary upgrades to ensure smooth performance.
- SSD Storage: Windows 11 is optimised for SSDs (solid-state drives), which are much faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). If you’re still using a mechanical HDD, you may experience slow boot times and poor performance. IT Backbone can help you upgrade your storage to an SSD, ensuring you benefit from faster speeds and a more responsive system.
Will your business application still work?
Upgrading to a new operating system often raises concerns about whether your existing business-critical applications will continue to run smoothly. While Windows 11 aims for backward compatibility, some legacy or custom software may present issues.
- Compatibility Testing: Before upgrading, it is crucial to verify that your essential applications are compatible with Windows 11. IT Backbone can perform thorough testing of your business software to identify potential issues and help resolve them before you upgrade.
- Virtualisation Tools: If your business relies on virtualisation tools like VMware or Hyper-V, it’s essential to ensure these tools are fully supported by Windows 11. IT Backbone will help verify compatibility and suggest any updates for a seamless transition.
Does your system meet the technical requirements?
Windows 11 heavily emphasises security, which means your system needs to meet specific technical requirements, such as having TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled. These settings ensure your system is secure from the moment it powers on.
- TPM 2.0: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 is a security feature that Windows 11 requires for encryption and safeguarding sensitive data. IT Backbone can help verify that your system has TPM 2.0 and enable it if necessary. If your system lacks a TPM module, they can recommend hardware upgrades to meet the requirements.
- Secure Boot: Another critical requirement, Secure Boot, ensures that your system starts only with trusted software. IT Backbone can assist in checking and enabling this feature within your BIOS or UEFI settings, ensuring your system passes the security checks needed to run Windows 11.
Planning for your upgrade
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 requires thoughtful planning and careful preparation, particularly if you’re running older hardware or specialised business software. With IT Backbone’s expertise, you don’t have to tackle these challenges alone. They will ensure a smooth transition and guide you through the key steps.
- Backup Your Data: Before upgrading, it’s essential to back up your data to prevent any loss if something goes wrong during the installation. IT Backbone can manage this process, ensuring all your important files and applications are securely backed up.
- Test Systems Before Full Deployment: Rather than upgrading all systems at once, IT Backbone can test Windows 11 on a few machines in your environment to identify potential issues and resolve them before company-wide deployment. This minimises downtime and ensures a smooth upgrade process.
- Hardware Upgrades: If your system is ageing, especially if you’re still using an HDD or have less than 16GB of RAM, IT Backbone can provide expert advice and handle the necessary upgrades. Whether installing a new SSD or adding more memory, they’ll ensure your hardware is up to running Windows 11 smoothly.
Ignoring the reminder to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is easy, but delaying it could leave you vulnerable to security risks and hamper your productivity. However, upgrading doesn’t have to be stressful. By partnering with IT Backbone, you’ll have the support and expertise needed to make the transition seamlessly. They’ll handle the testing, backup, and hardware upgrades, giving you complete peace of mind.
