What to consider before updating your fleet to Windows 11
With the release of Windows 11 in October 2021, six years since the release of its predecessor, Windows 10, many organisations are considering updating their fleet of personal computers and laptops to the latest operating software.
Windows 11 promises to be the most secure platform ever released by Microsoft. It boasts a new look, increased customisation, superior multitasking capabilities and much-improved touch screen capabilities, among many other features (more on those later).
While there is often the temptation to update to the newest product available, this may not always be the best course of action, depending on your existing hardware and whether it will meet the requirements of the new operating system.
Something else to consider is that, as is the case with any new OS, there are usually teething issues and plenty of kinks to iron out before it can deliver optimal performance.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the advantages of updating your company’s fleet to Windows 11, including some of its features and new capabilities. We’ll also discuss some of the potential issues with updating to the latest version of Windows right now, so that you can make an informed decision on what is the best course of action for your business.
Image from: https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/06/24/introducing-windows-11/
Image from https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11
What’s new in Windows 11
The most noticeable change in Windows 11, compared to Windows 10, is its look and feel. The new layout has been completely redesigned to improve usability and to create a more intuitive interface.
Widgets and snap layouts allow users to customise their desktops and apps more than previously possible, and many standard Windows apps (for example, Media Player, Notepad and Paint) have been updated with a new look and new features.
Responding to popular demand, Microsoft has developed seamless integration for Android apps, which are now available through the Microsoft Store. The thinking behind this was to bridge the gap between mobile and laptop devices, which is also evident in the changes to the tablet mode (i.e. on Surface devices) - now more closely resembling a desktop experience than before.
While some of the most obvious changes are visual, arguably Windows 11’s most impressive features are hidden in the background. For example, Windows updates are significantly smaller in size (around 40% smaller), and the updates occur in the background, which increases energy efficiency and preserves battery life.
System requirements
Most new devices will meet the requirements for running Windows 11.
At a glance, the minimum system requirements for the Windows 11 upgrade are:
64-bit processor
1Ghz clock speed
4GB of RAM
64GB drive
UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM 2.0
A display larger than 9-inches with HD Resolution (1366x768)
DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
Internet connection
While most of these are standard inclusions in most new devices, with the one exception being TPM 2.0. The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a small co-processor that is designed to improve the PC’s defences.
How to check your compatibility
If you’re currently running Windows 10, you can use the Windows PC Health Check app to check whether your system meets the requirements for Windows 11.
If your device isn’t compatible, the check will identify exactly which component is lacking, and what you can do to make your device Windows 11 ready.
Image from: https://www.wired.com/story/most-important-things-microsoft-announcement-windows-11-android-apps/
Potential issues
Shortly after its release, there were many reports of Windows 11 making people’s internet connections slower. Other problems have also been relatively common, such as network drivers slowing down video streaming, memory leaks, and RAM issues related to File Explorer.
As the OS is still quite new, there has not yet been enough testing on older devices. This is usually a source of unforeseen bugs, with fixes often released in future updates.
One of the key differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 is that Windows 10 was specifically designed to be installed as an update on older devices. Windows 11, on the other hand, requires relatively new hardware and will not install as an upgrade on older PCs.
Most PCs designed and sold in 2019 or later will work with Windows 11. Owners of PCs that fall short of the minimum requirements may still be able to install Windows 11, but Microsoft warns that those installations will be unsupported.
Should you update to Windows 11 now?
Updating your fleet’s devices to a new operating system is a calculated risk. On one hand, there are performance benefits to gain - faster speeds, better security, etc. On the other hand, there are risks with incompatibility and the inevitable bugs to be found in a new product.
Device refresh program
The decision to update (or not to update) should be based on an analysis of the fleet’s compatibility, and the potential risk of downtime if something goes wrong. To achieve this, you should conduct a device refresh program - create a register of all devices in the organisation, and where they are deployed (i.e. who is using what).
If there is not already a register like this in place, it may take some time to gather all the details from across the business, but it will be infinitely useful for future device maintenance and updates.
Do you have to update?
The short answer is “no”. Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will continue to be supported until 2025.
This means that, if your fleet is incompatible with Windows 11, or if you’d rather wait until some of the early-release kinks are smoothed out, you have time to do so.
This time can also be used to assess the devices currently circulating through your business, and add them to a device register.
Value in older devices
Another consideration when deciding whether or not to update to Windows 11 is the cost/benefit proposition.
Something that many CIOs aren’t necessarily aware of, is that there is still value to be recovered from their older devices, and that this value is likely to exceed the cost of recovering and wiping the devices.
Get help from the experts
When it comes to updating your fleet’s software, there are many moving parts in both the decision-making process and the rollout itself.
For guidance, advice or help with any stage of the process, contact us.