The Upgrade Process: Is Your System Ready?
Windows 11 introduces stricter hardware requirements compared to Windows 10. Before upgrading, devices need to be evaluated to ensure they meet the minimum system requirements. While modest, the system requirements include:

• Processor: A compatible 64-bit CPU with at least 1 GHz clock speed and 2 or more cores.
• RAM: 4 GB or more.
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
• Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
• Display: A high-definition (720p) display, 9” or larger, with 8 bits per color channel.

Microsoft provides a PC Health Check tool to verify system compatibility. This tool is very handy for taking the guesswork out of matching up requirements, especially on shop floor systems, or newly purchased hardware that seems as though it should be compatible. If your device fails the PC Health Check tool, its clear checklist style readout will tell you where things went wrong, so certain issues can be addressed, such as insufficient disk space. However, for some errors, like an incompatible TPM chip or CPU, you simply won’t be able to upgrade that system to Windows 11, and you’ll need to plan for purchasing new hardware.

CPU Compatibility: A Major Roadblock
One of the most significant hurdles for users upgrading to Windows 11 is CPU compatibility. Windows 11 requires a relatively modern processor for compatibility with its newer security features, which excludes many CPUs that were perfectly capable of running Windows 10. For example, Intel 7th Gen processors and older, as well as AMD Ryzen 1st Gen processors, are not officially supported.

This has left some users frustrated, as their otherwise functional systems running Windows 10 perfectly fine, are deemed incompatible. For those systems that can’t be upgraded, but are considered business critical, Microsoft Extended Security Updates may be an option for the short term.

Increased Security in Windows 11
One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade to Windows 11 is its enhanced security features. Microsoft has made significant improvements to protect users from modern threats, including:

• Hardware-Based Security: Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which work together to protect against firmware-level attacks and ensure that only trusted software runs during startup.
• Windows Hello: Improved biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition) for secure and convenient login.
• Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: Enhanced protection against phishing and malicious websites.
• Virtualization-Based Security (VBS): Isolates critical system processes in a virtualized environment to prevent malware from accessing sensitive data.
• Zero Trust Architecture: Windows 11 is designed with a Zero Trust approach, ensuring that users and devices are continuously verified before accessing resources.

These security enhancements make Windows 11 a more robust choice for both individuals and businesses, especially in an era of increasing cyber threats.

Legacy Software: The Hidden Pitfall
Another critical consideration is legacy software. Many businesses rely on older applications that may not be compatible with Windows 11. This is especially true for specialized software for interfacing with hardware like PLCs, or an aging ERP system that is no longer actively developed or maintained.

Before upgrading, businesses should work with a trusted IT Partner to assess their readiness for the upgrade to Windows 11 and do the following:

Check Software Compatibility: Verify with software vendors whether their applications are compatible with Windows 11, or if not, what the timeline for compatibility may be, so you can accurately assess business impact.

Test in a Virtual Environment or New System: Run Windows 11 in a virtual machine or on new hardware to test critical applications before committing user systems to the upgrade.

Explore Alternatives: If legacy software is incompatible, consider finding modern alternatives or running the software in a virtualized Windows 10 environment. Leverage the experience and technical expertise of your IT Services Partner to build a solution that keeps business running with minimal impact.

Failure to address legacy software compatibility can result in disrupted workflows, lost productivity, downtime, and unforeseen costs for software upgrades or additional vendor support.

Windows 10 End of Support: The Clock is Ticking
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14th, 2025. After this date, the operating system will no longer receive security updates, leaving systems vulnerable to new threats. This deadline underscores the importance of planning your upgrade to Windows 11 sooner rather than later.

For businesses, the end of support means they must either upgrade to Windows 11 or invest in extended security updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, which can be costly. While it may seem like October is a long way away, the reality is that there’s no better time to start working with your IT Partners on a plan for upgrading your hardware.

Extended Security Updates for Windows 10
For organizations that cannot immediately upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft is expected to offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, similar to the program provided for Windows 7. These updates will provide critical security patches for up to three years after the end-of-support date, but they come at an additional cost. Businesses should weigh the cost of ESUs against the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 to determine the best course of action.

Key Considerations Before Upgrading

• Backup Your Data: Always back up important files before performing a major upgrade. OneDrive folder syncing and a robust backup platform help to curb fears of a catastrophic loss of user files during an upgrade gone awry.
• Check Hardware Compatibility: Use the PC Health Check tool to ensure your device meets the requirements.
• Evaluate Software Dependencies: Identify and test critical applications for compatibility.
• Plan for Hardware Upgrades: If your system is incompatible, budget for new hardware that supports Windows 11.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Microsoft’s announcements regarding updates and support deadlines.

Conclusion
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is a significant step that requires careful planning. While the new operating system offers many benefits—including enhanced security, a modern interface, and innovative features—the stricter hardware requirements and potential compatibility issues with legacy software can pose significant challenges. With the end of support for Windows 10 looming, now is the time to evaluate your systems, address any roadblocks, and prepare for the transition. By taking a proactive approach, you can ensure a smooth upgrade process and continue to enjoy a secure and efficient computing experience.

By addressing these key points, businesses can make informed decisions about upgrading to Windows 11 and avoid the pitfalls that come with these forced upgrades.

Failing to plan is always planning to fail, and DMC is here to partner with you as your trusted advisor in the perilous process of upgrading to Microsoft’s latest operating system. Please reach out and the DMC Technology Group experts can get to work!

Jason Hood

President, DMC Technology Group

Jason Hood brings over 30 years of IT leadership to DMC, having successfully guided companies through transformative business initiatives across a range of industries.

The post Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11: What You Need to Know appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

Recently, I found myself deep in conversation with my Managed Service Provider (MSP) customers as we prepared for M365 license renewals. It struck me how much digital clutter accumulates over time, and how important it is to regularly step back and clean house.

Unnecessary Licenses

Take, for example, a client I worked with last year. They had dozens of unused M365 licenses assigned to former employees, shared mailboxes still hosting outdated project emails, and a web of transport rules so tangled it was a wonder any emails reached their destination at all. Sound familiar? If so, it might be time for a little IT spring cleaning.

The first step? License assignments. It is easy for organizations to accumulate unnecessary licenses, driving up costs without adding value. By reviewing and reallocating these, we were able to optimize spending and ensure every user had exactly what they needed—no more, no less.

Unused Mailboxes

Next, we turned our attention to user accounts. Over the years, old accounts piled up like digital dust bunnies, often with permissions still lingering long after their owners have moved on. We combed through active directory, removing or disabling inactive accounts, and tightening access controls to improve security.

Then came the mailboxes. You would not believe how many standalone and shared mailboxes we found that had not been accessed in months, sometimes years. We archived what we needed, deleted the rest, and refined permissions to keep things lean and manageable.

But the real revelation was in the group structures. So many teams had created ad hoc groups for one-off projects that never were cleaned up, leading to confusion and misrouted emails. By streamlining these groups, we restored clarity and efficiency to their communication workflows.

Updates to Email Security 

And of course, no IT cleanup is complete without a deep dive into email security. We reviewed forwarding rules and transport policies, shutting down any unauthorized forwarding and ensuring phishing protections were properly configured. SPAM filters got a tune-up, and unnecessary rules were pruned to prevent disruptions.

By the end of this process, my client’s M365 environment was running smoothly—no excess, no confusion, just a clean, efficient system ready for the months ahead. 

It was a reminder that IT hygiene, just like home cleaning, should be a regular habit rather than a once-a-year scramble.

So, when was the last time you gave your IT setup a good spring cleaning? If you have not done so recently, now’s the perfect time to start. 

Need help with your IT spring cleaning? Please reach out and the DMC Technology Group experts can get to work!

Jason Hood

President, DMC Technology Group

Jason Hood brings over 30 years of IT leadership to DMC, having successfully guided companies through transformative business initiatives across a range of industries.

The post Spring Cleaning for IT: A Fresh Start for Your M365 Environment appeared first on DMC Technology Group.