Are you prepared for the Windows 10 Retirement? The time is now to start accelerating the shift to Windows 11.
As Windows 10 approaches its retirement, the time has come to prepare for a transition to Windows 11. Microsoft has committed to supporting Windows 10 until October 14, 2025.
So, what are the hardware prerequisites for Windows 11? The updated minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, and potentially any subsequent OS versions, are as follows:
- A processor with TPM 2.0 enabled.
- 4GB of RAM.
- A 64GB HDD/SSD.
- A GPU compatible with DirectX 12 or later.
However, with the introduction of the TPM 2.0 requirement and a more limited list of compatible CPUs, many individuals have discovered that their devices, which run Windows 10 seamlessly with chipsets up to the Intel 7th generation and first-generation AMD Zen CPUs, are ineligible for the Windows 11 upgrade.
Intel has witnessed rapid advancements since the launch of the final 7th-gen chipset in late 2017, with a new generation released each year, often with enhanced iterations following shortly afterward. Part of this progress can be attributed to the competition from AMD processors, which have historically excelled in gaming and consumer environments. The Ryzen series, in particular, has proven unexpectedly competitive in the business market, boasting improved security, graphics, core counts, and thread sizes in the latest generations.
Now, the question arises: Is it time to upgrade? The answer varies for each business and should be considered over the next 18 months. For companies with entirely compatible fleets, fewer devices, or planned refresh cycles, the decision may be more straightforward.
Some businesses may explore workarounds, such as editing device registry information, to make their legacy devices forward-compatible. Media creation tools, workarounds, and third-party support providers offering unofficial patches for Windows 10 can be found online. However, it's crucial to note that some legacy software tools may not be compatible, and as long as you use applications and software that remain compatible, you can continue operating, albeit with caution similar to businesses still running Windows 7 – preferably with offline and off-network use for security reasons.
Other enterprises might face months of development and testing to prepare a new image before they can deploy any new operating system. Managing a large estate can add complexities to the logistics of a rollout. The associated costs of licensing, development, and logistics may necessitate a more budget-conscious approach.
In tailoring the right solution, whether it involves procuring the latest technology, cost-effective alternatives, or devising a roadmap that integrates imaging creation and deployment, Concorde Technology Group is available to assist in finding the ideal device to meet your needs.