Windows 11 Upgrade: What Are My Options?

Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025. While that seems far in the future, it’s really not, as IT staff and vendors will be scheduling many upgrades with clients between now and then. An upgrade may also take on average about 8 weeks due to planning the project, procuring hardware, installing Windows 11, and finalizing all changes in your environment.  

Upgrading to Windows 11 is a significant step for any organization. However, making the transition requires careful planning and consideration of the various upgrade options available to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption. 

To make sure you meet this deadline, it’s important to start the planning process now. This blog post will explore the different paths you can take to upgrade to Windows 11, helping you make an informed decision that best suits your organization's needs. 

Upgrading vs. Replacing Devices 

You have a few upgrade options related to your devices. 

1. Upgrade any eligible devices. 

If a device meets certain specifications, then you can upgrade the device. At a minimum, the device must adhere to the following standards: 

• i5 Processor 
• 16GB RAM 
• 256GB SSD Drive 

In addition, Microsoft also outlines some minimum requirements related to system firmware, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), graphics cards, display, internet connectivity, and having a Microsoft account. 

2. Replace an ineligible device with a new device. 

If your device does not meet the above specifications, then you must replace the device with one capable of running Windows 11. 

If your device is more than five years old, there is a higher likelihood that it may need to be replaced due to capacity and age. Newer operating systems are more robust than their predecessors, requiring more processing power and space on your devices. 

3. Purchase extended support for your devices. 

Microsoft may offer extended support for Windows 10, although we’ve heard nothing official yet. We will most likely know more in October 2024. Microsoft confirmed they will provide Extended Security Updates for a yet-undetermined fee until October 10, 2028. 

Keep in mind that this option is not recommended, for many reasons: 

• High Costs: Expect a fee that could consume up to 33% of the cost of replacing a device. Extended support plans are often expensive, and the cost tends to increase over time as the operating system becomes more outdated. Also, older operating systems often require more maintenance, and the cost of managing legacy software can add up over time. 
• Limited Support and Updates: Extended support typically includes security updates but no new features or functionality improvements. As newer software and hardware are developed, compatibility with Windows 10 will decline, leading to potential operational disruptions or the need for costly workarounds. 
• Increased Security Risks and Compliance Challenges: Although security updates are provided, older systems are inherently more vulnerable to cyberattacks. The extended support only addresses known vulnerabilities, and the gap between emerging threats and available protections can widen over time. In addition, new regulatory requirements or standards might require more advanced operating system features or capabilities not available in Windows 10. 

4. Hardware as a Service (HaaS) includes a free upgrade. 

If you already have HaaS, your upgrade or replacement will happen before October 14, 2025. The upgrade or replacement is likely included as part of your subscription, and you do not have to worry about any extra fees. 

If you currently don’t have HaaS, consider using this solution in the future to avoid a similar situation happening again—as any operating system upgrades would all be covered. 

Phased Rollout vs. Full Rollout 

A phased rollout involves upgrading a small number of devices at a time, gradually transitioning your entire organization to Windows 11. This method minimizes risk and allows for issues to be addressed on a smaller scale before full deployment. A phased rollout is a particularly good option for large organizations or those with complex IT environments where minimizing disruption is critical. 

For smaller organizations, a full rollout may be sufficient—especially if the planning is sound and risks have been mitigated. 

Managed Services Provider (MSP) vs. In-House Staff 

If you don’t have dedicated IT staff, then outsourcing the upgrade process to a managed IT service provider ensures that professionals handle the transition. There are too many risks if non-technical staff attempt to upgrade devices, buy new hardware, and configure settings. We recommend working with an MSP to create a tailored upgrade plan that fits your organization’s needs. 

For organizations whose IT staff have expertise in handling complex upgrades and the ability to provide ongoing support post-upgrade, then your in-house IT staff should be sufficient to handle your upgrade to Windows 11. 

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The right Windows 11 upgrade path depends on your organization's size, complexity, and specific needs. With options of upgrading or replacing devices, doing a phased or full rollout, or leveraging an MSP versus relying on in-house staff, careful planning and execution are key to a successful transition. By understanding your options and preparing accordingly, you can ensure a smooth upgrade takes place before the end-of-life deadline of October 14, 2025.