Don’t Rush To Windows 11…
Before you read: If you’re considering moving to Windows 11 but want a second opinion, get in touch with the Safe Network Solutions team. We can help you assess your technology and determine whether it’s the right move for your business.
3 Critical Considerations Before You Move To Windows 11
Discover why migrating to Windows 11 may not be the right move for your business right now.
Microsoft is taking a big step forward with Windows 11—so big that it may not be a viable option for many businesses. Depending on the specifics of your business processes and the state of your current hardware, it may do more harm than good.
Why You Need To Wait Before Migrating To Windows 11
Windows 10 was a generally accessible option to many users, which is why Microsoft pushed migration so hard. It’s not the same with Windows 11, however.
The specific hardware requirements and narrow integration options make it far less viable an option for businesses today. Here are three reasons to think carefully before you migrate:
- Your Hardware May Not Be Powerful Enough: Although there are plenty of exciting new features that make the switch so attractive, it is important to note there are certain hardware requirements that need to be met in order to run Windows 11. Do your devices meet these requirements?
- Modern CPUs: 2-core (2018 or newer)
- Intel 8th Generation Core
- AMD Ryzen Gen 2 (Zen+)
- Qualcomm 7c, 8c, 8cx
- 4GB Memory
- 64GB Storage
- TPM 1.2 or greater / UEFI Secure Boot
- 64-bit OS only
- >9” with HD Resolution (1280 x 720 (720P) equivalent)
- DirectX 12 API compatible graphics / WDDM 2.0
- Internet connectivity
Microsoft recently expanded the options for compatible 64-bit processors that you can use with Windows 11. Their criteria for minimum system requirements are based on a benchmark for reliability, security, and compatibility.
In addition to the previously listed options, Windows 11 minimum requirements now include:
- Intel® Core™ X-series, Xeon® W-series
- Intel® Core™ 7820HQ
If you’re not sure how to parse the minimum requirements and cross-reference with your current system, you can use the PC Health Check App. Available to Microsoft Insider members, this app evaluates your system automatically and lets you know whether Windows 11 will run properly.
If your hardware does not meet the strict requirements of the new operating system (OS), you may encounter serious issues, such as performance lag, data loss, and ongoing downtime.
- Windows 11 May Not Support Your Most Important Software: There’s no guarantee that your current line of business apps will run properly on Windows 11. That means that if you migrate, you may also have to upgrade your key business software as well. Moving to Windows 11 will be time-consuming enough on its own. The last thing you want is to have to upgrade to a new software platform and go through that onboarding process as well.
- New Operating Systems Can be Buggy: No matter how well-tested a new OS is, there’s always a bug or two when it launches. As a rule of thumb, you should never rush to upgrade to the next version of a software solution without letting it hit the market first. Delaying your move ensures you don’t have to deal with any day-one bugs.
Windows 11: Everything You Need To Know Before You Install
If you have decided that Windows 11 is right for you, make sure you do the necessary work prior to installation. You need to know what the new OS offers, and whether your systems can support it.
These are the basic requirements to install Windows 11 on a PC:
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
- RAM: 4 gigabyte (GB).
- Storage: 64 GB or a larger storage device.
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
- Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0 driver.
- Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
- Internet Connection and Microsoft Accounts: To complete the device setup on its first use, Windows 11 requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account. For all updates and to take advantage of some features, internet access is required. Some features require a Microsoft account as well.
Feature Requirements
In order to utilize Windows 11 to its fullest potential, your device will need to meet some feature requirements as well. Some features in Windows 11 have specific requirements beyond the system requirements above.
These are just a few of the additional requirements for some key features:
- 5G Support: Requires a 5G capable modem.
- Cortana: Requires a microphone and speaker and is currently available on Windows 11 for approximately 13 countries, including the United States.
- DirectStorage: Requires an NVMe SSD to store and run games that use the “Standard NVM Express Controller” driver and a DirectX12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support.
- Presence: Requires a sensor that can detect human distance from the device or intent to interact with the device.
- Intelligent Video Conferencing: Requires video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output).
- Multiple Voice Assistant (MVA): Requires a microphone and speaker.
- Mute/Unmute from Taskbar: Requires video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output). The app must be compatible with the feature to enable global mute/unmute.
- Teams: Requires video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output).
- Touch: Requires a screen or monitor that supports multi-touch.
- Two-factor Authentication: Requires use of a PIN, biometric (fingerprint reader or illuminated infrared camera), or a phone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities.
- Voice Typing: Requires a PC with a microphone.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Requires new WLAN IGV hardware and driver and a Wi-Fi 6E capable AP/router.
Rushing Your Migration Will Damage Your Business In One Way Or Another
The key takeaway is that even if you can migrate, you shouldn’t do so without considering it carefully. Only under very specific circumstances would it be the right move for your business.
If you have any questions about migration, preparing your team for a Windows 11 rollout, or anything else Windows 11-related, get in touch with the Safe Network Solutions team.
Thanks to the team at Generation IX in Los Angeles for their insights into this article.
Safe Network Solutions is a technology consulting firm located in Nashville, TN. We are focused on reducing our Clients’ stress and the time they spend handling IT related issues. As technology has become more integrated with daily business tasks, downtime is not an option. Whether your systems reside on-premise, in the cloud, or in a hybrid setup, you need a partner with expertise in a wide array of technologies, with a security focus.
