Bill Gates meets Arnold Schwarzenegger at a party and asks him if he’s upgraded to Windows 11. The Terminator responds: Ah, still love Vista, baby!
While Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest operating system — having been released in October 2021 — we want to begin by expressing that our team still loves Windows 10 (although we do hope you’ve terminated Vista). Here’s what you need to know about Windows 11 and how we can help you eventually make the switch.
What is Windows 11?
The successor to Windows 10, Windows 11 is complete with a host of upgrades, including enhanced virtual desktop support, Microsoft Teams integration and improved transition from monitor to laptop.
Excited to upgrade? That’s great! Not ready to make the jump? No worries. Users satisfied with Windows 10 can continue business as usual. But when Microsoft no longer supports the operating system come October 2025, we’ll be back.
We still advocate for Windows 10
The good news: our team knows how to achieve the same level of security Windows 11 provides to those still using Windows 10. The not-so-good news: it will require more work to get you there (more on that below).
Windows 10 will continue to be our go-to operating system, but our ultimate goal is to prepare our clients to upgrade their tech environments to Windows 11 in the future.
What’s next for Windows 10 users?
Our team takes a holistic approach to upgrading and securing your IT environment, considering backups, hard-drive space and overall app compatibility.
During the next 90 days, our trusted vCIOs will be reviewing your Windows 10 workstations and making a list of the devices that lack the appropriate hardware security. This is particularly important when it comes to Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0). If a device does not support TPM 2.0, we need to prioritize replacing that device during the next surge of upgrades.
More about TPM 2.0: Windows 11 demands TPM 2.0 and here’s what that means for you
Next, our team verifies that the appropriate TPM 2.0 configuration is enabled. Then, we secure your password using the fully integrated biometric authentication feature from Windows Hello PIN, facial or fingerprint recognition.
Finally, we develop our future device replacement plan (Aging Report) to include the appropriate hardware to support Windows 11.
Related Blog: Keep Yourself Protected From Ransomware Attacks
What do you need to know about Windows 11?
At first glance, the hardware requirements for Windows 11 may seem steep. However, we believe that the new operating system provides a much-needed hardware security baseline that we encourage you to demand from your OS. With up-to-date technology, you can establish optimal security measures for your IT infrastructure: an investment that pays dividends in protecting against online threats.
Thankfully, when your hardware meets compatibility conditions, Windows 11 is free to download and install. In most cases, all new devices are delivered with Windows 10 and provide you with the option to upgrade based on your organization’s rollout plan.
> Download and install this tool to determine your Windows 11 Compatibility
Windows 11 requires modern hardware equipped with TPM 2.0 and Generation 8 or above processors to meet compatibility requirements. The improved security measures include Secure Boot and Virtualized Based Security (VBS) to safeguard systems against hackers.
By requiring modernized hardware, Microsoft enforces security best practices. Why is this important? Hackers are taking advantage of systems that lack updated technology.
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Of course, Windows 11 is not all about the hardware. The OS has also gotten a facelift with plenty of exciting new features!
More about Windows 11 OS features here: Microsoft launched Windows 11. Now what? Essential info about the new OS
To avoid terminating any data, speak with your vCIO before upgrading to Windows 11. We know the ins and outs of the new operating system and its predecessors and are here to help you make the switch safely.
