Let’s Talk About Windows 11 from a Technical and Business Perspective

Let’s talk about Windows 11. While you may not want to hear about another upgrade for your PCs, let us have your attention for a minute because this will come up,with Windows 11 slated for release on 10/5/2021.

What is Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the newest Microsoft Windows operating system, even though Microsoft proclaimed that Windows 10 was the last version of Windows in 2015. We’re guessing they got bored and wanted to keep their marketing department busy.

What’s new with Windows 11?

It’s primarily a combination of a user interface “upgrade” paired with a significant increase in system requirements.

The interface “upgrade” is clearly influenced by the rounded corner Apple macOS look. Also, the start menu is in the middle for some reason. 

Microsoft has increased the system requirements significantly from Windows 10. The official link is here, but the notable requirements are TPM 2.0 chip and 8th+ generation 64 bit CPU. 

Why are these requirements notable?

• TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module. This is a chip typically found in business-class computers that can store disk encryption keys. It allows you to encrypt your hard drive without having to enter in a long password (think 48 characters for BitLocker) on boot. Microsoft requiring TPM is hugely limiting to the majority of consumer-grade computers.

• 8th+ generation 64 bit CPU means that if your CPU is 3-4 years old, it’s probably below the requirements. This is quite aggressive when compared to prior versions of Windows. Microsoft’s reasoning is centered around security features in newer CPUs and recent Intel exploits that could have been prevented if everyone had properly configured modern CPUs. 

Our Advice to both consumers and businesses

Stay on Windows 10 for now. Windows 10 is supported for ten years — 10/14/15 to 10/14/25. You have four years to refresh your Windows devices and obtain a TPM 2.0 chip with a modern CPU. 

Everyone should note that Microsoft likes to let its customers serve as real-life beta testers and improve their products by their experiences. Consumers can take risks and experience downtime with minimal impact on their livelihood. Businesses cannot and should not test operating systems for Microsoft and risk downtime. Moreso, your business applications’ system requirements dictate what operating system you should use. Do not upgrade because you can. Upgrade intentionally because the product has matured and it meets your business requirements. 

Please reach out if you have any questions here.