Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds and apps and some enhanced features. On 05/10/2021 Windows 11 started rolling out to eligible devices currently running Windows 10 and new devices will become available with Windows 11 pre-installed. The roll out will be phased so not everyone will be offered the upgrade immediately and is free of charge.
It is expected that all eligible devices will have been offered the update by mid-2022. New eligible devices will be offered the update first, with the roll out working down through in-market devices over time. Which is a very measured approach, with a focus on gathering performance analytics to ensure all recipients have a good experience with Windows 11, as opposed to pushing the update to as many older devices as possible.
Please note: Compatibility is much more limited than Windows 10 and if a device is 5 years old or more, it is unlikely to be compatible with Windows 11.
Windows 11 will start to become available on 5th October 2021. From this day the free Windows 11 upgrade will be rolled out to eligible Windows 10 PCs. Additionally, PCs that come pre-loaded with Windows 11 will be available for purchase.
How can you get Windows 11:
- Purchase a new PC which comes with Windows 11 pre-installed. Get in touch with Infinity Group to discuss compatible PCs
- Purchase a Windows 10 PC that is eligible for the free upgrade. The upgrades are being rolled out over time.
- Check if your current Windows 10 PC is eligible for downloading and running the PC Health Check App – Upgrade to the New Windows 11 OS | Microsoft . If you are a business user, you may not be able to run the application – please contact Infinity Group to help you determine compatibility
Windows 11 upgrades
Windows 11 upgrades will not be rolled out en-masse, so if you can’t find the upgrade in your current PC’s updates page, don’t panic! Microsoft have made it clear that they are rolling out the upgrade in a phased approach, responding to data and analytics collected from Windows 10 alongside the increasing number of Windows 11 upgrades. This approach allows them to detect device and application compatibility issues before they affect many users. They’ve even warned that they may put the upgrade on hold for certain specs of devices whilst they address any issues that arise. To find out more, check out Microsoft’s Windows release health | Microsoft Docs page.
What are the benefits of Windows 11?
The main benefit is additional security. It contains a raft of new features designed to facilitate the work from anywhere shift brought about by the pandemic, such as work and personal desktop profiles that help to silo environments. There are also fixes for many issues Windows 10 users have lived with for a long time, such as the tendency for windows to dance around wherever they like on screens when docking/undocking laptops.
However, the shortlist of compatible hardware and the actual system requirements highlight that improvements in security are the key driver behind the birth of Windows 11, with the new default features having demonstrated the ability to reduce malware infections by 60%.
What should you do when you’re offered the upgrade?
If you have a support contract with us, have a chat to your Account Manager before upgrading to make sure your current setup is ready to make the shift. There may be some considerations to take into account before upgrading such as apps you currently use not being compatible as yet.
Ultimately you should upgrade to Windows 11 to benefit from the additional security as in 4 years from now Windows 10 will cease to be supported.
What if you’re not offered the upgrade?
Unlike Windows 10 which was designed to run on older hardware, Windows 11 will only operate on new machines. If you are not offered the upgrade, this is likely because your device is too old, again speak to your Account Manager and we can help formulate an upgrade process.
The risk of not upgrading eligible devices to Windows 11
If you are offered the upgrade but choose not to install it, this will mean your devices will be lacking the enhanced security features of Windows 11 and are therefore at greater risk of infection.
Minimum device requirements for Windows 11
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0
- Graphics Card: DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: 720p, 8-bit per colour channel, at least 9-inch diagonal
- Internet Connection and Microsoft Account: Windows 11 Home requires an active internet connection and a Microsoft Account to complete initial, first-use setup of the operating system, or when switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S-mode.
Infinity Group are specialists across the Microsoft Modern Workplace and hold 9 Microsoft accreditations. To find out more about the Windows 11 upgrade please get in touch.