With the countdown on until Windows 10 reaches end of support, it’s time to prepare for Windows 11.
Why do I need to upgrade to Windows 11?
Microsoft have announced that Windows 10 will no longer be supported after 14 October 2025.
This means that devices running Windows 10 after this date will be unsecure, as Microsoft will stop patching security flaws in the software from this time.
Why is the Windows 11 upgrade so different to all the previous upgrades?
Windows 11 offers a much-needed security uplift compared to Windows 10. As part of this, devices will only be compatible with Windows 11 if they have an eighth-generation processor or higher, as well as a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0) chip installed. Practically speaking, if your device is more than a few years old it may not be compatible with Windows 11.
How can I tell if my device is compatible with Windows 11?
- In the search tool bar, look up PC Health Check and open the app. If it’s not installed, download it from https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp (link opens in new window).
- In the Introducing Window 11 pane, click on the Check now button (highlighted by the red arrow below).
The app will check your current device and assess if it meets the minimum requirements.
What if I need a new device?
You’re not alone. Microsoft have said more than five million devices in Australia are unable to be upgraded to Windows 11, but suppliers are only expecting 2.6 million new devices between now and Windows 10 reaching end of life.
Our advice is to budget for device replacement in early 2025, before the end of financial year rush. It is better to be early than to miss out! For best performance, we recommend business-grade commercial devices running Windows 11 Pro, with a minimum of a 13th generation Intel i5 processor or higher with 16GB memory and 512GB SSD storage.