Windows 11 Upgrade

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 will start 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.

This 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.

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.

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.