The Windows 10 Clock is Ticking—Are Your Systems Ready?
The end of Windows 10 support is coming fast—October 2025 may seem far away, but businesses that wait too long to act could face serious disruptions, security risks, and compliance headaches.
Adding to the urgency, Microsoft has announced that Microsoft 365, Office 2019, and all older versions of Office will also stop receiving updates on Windows 10 as of the same date. This means that holding onto outdated systems won’t just slow you down—it could put your business at risk.
The big question is: Should you upgrade your existing devices to Windows 11, or is it time for a full replacement? Here’s what you need to consider before making your move.
Step 1: Check Your System’s Compatibility
Not all Windows 10 devices can run Windows 11. Microsoft has strict hardware requirements, but real-world testing has shown that even some devices that technically meet the criteria may still struggle.
Microsoft’s Minimum Windows 11 Requirements:
✔ 64-bit processor (1 GHz or faster with 2+ cores)
✔ 4 GB of RAM (8GB minimum, though more is strongly recommended)
✔ 64 GB of storage (barely enough for the OS alone)
✔ TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) & Secure Boot
Real-World Issues with Compatibility
🚨 Even some Intel 9th Gen chipsets fail Windows 11 compatibility checks due to poor TPM 2.0 integration, leaving many users stuck without an upgrade path.
🚨 Performance bottlenecks occur on systems with low RAM—while 8GB is Microsoft’s minimum, we’ve found that it’s inadequate for users running Microsoft 365 and modern workloads.
Step 2: Consider the Age of Your Devices
Even if your system meets Windows 11’s requirements, older devices may not perform well after an upgrade. If your hardware is 5+ years old, it may be time to replace it.
🚨 Why Older Devices Should Be Replaced:
❌ Slower performance – Aging hardware struggles with modern workloads.
❌ Security risks – Older firmware and components are more vulnerable to cyber threats.
❌ Limited upgrade potential – Adding RAM or storage may not provide enough of a boost.
💡 Rule of Thumb: If your device is approaching its 5th birthday, replacement is often the better investment.
Step 3: Performance Matters—Are Your Devices Holding You Back?
Think beyond Windows 11 compatibility—ask yourself: Are my devices helping or hurting my productivity?
✅ Upgrade to Windows 11 if:
- Your system meets compatibility requirements.
- Your performance is still strong, with no frequent crashes or slowdowns.
- Your hardware can handle future software demands.
🚨 Replace Your Devices if:
- Slow performance, frequent crashes, or reliability issues are causing downtime.
- You need better security, speed, and energy efficiency.
- Your system is nearing the end of its lifecycle (5+ years old).
💡 Bottom Line: If your devices are already struggling, an upgrade won’t fix fundamental hardware limitations.
Step 4: The Cost Factor—Short-Term vs. Long-Term Investment
Budget always plays a role in IT decisions. Here’s how upgrading vs. replacing compares:
💰 Upgrading Existing Devices:
✔ Lower up-front cost (if compatible).
✔ May require additional expenses for RAM, storage, or security updates.
⚠ Could be a temporary fix if the hardware is aging.
💰 Replacing Devices:
✔ Higher up-front cost but better long-term value.
✔ Faster performance, better security, and longer lifespan.
✔ No compatibility concerns—fully optimized for Windows 11.
Step 5: Storage & Memory—Do You Have Enough?
💾 Storage Recommendations:
- 256GB SSD minimum for business users.
- Higher capacity needed if you:
🔹 Work with large applications, images, video, or music content.
🔹 Use cloud file sharing tools like OneDrive, SharePoint, or Dropbox—local syncing can quickly consume drive space.
💾 Memory (RAM) Requirements:
🚨 8GB of RAM is inadequate for users running Microsoft 365—it leads to disk swapping, slowdowns, and inefficiencies.
💡 Best Practice:
- 12GB RAM is the absolute minimum for smooth operation.
- 16GB or more is ideal for business users to future-proof their system.
Step 6: Businesses Need Windows Professional—Not Home Edition
Upgrading to Windows 11? Make sure you’re using Windows 11 Professional—not the Home edition.
🚨 Why Windows Home Edition is a Bad Choice for Businesses:
❌ Lacks centralized management tools – No Group Policy, Remote Desktop, or Windows Update for Business.
❌ Security gaps – Missing BitLocker encryption, domain authentication, and advanced security policies.
❌ Printing and networking issues – Often struggles with business-class printers, file shares, and VPN configurations.
❌ Incompatible with Active Directory (AD) – If your business uses Windows Active Directory Domain Services, Windows Home will not work.
💡 Best Practice: Businesses should always run Windows 11 Professional to ensure security, management, and compatibility with professional applications.
Step 7: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
🚨 Why You Need to Act Now:
📉 Supply Chain Shortages: The closer we get to October 2025, the harder it will be to find reliable business-class devices. We strongly recommend purchasing new hardware by June 2025 to avoid long delays.
📉 Compliance & Security Risks: Running outdated systems can create compliance issues—especially if you handle sensitive customer data (PII, PHI, financial records).
Not Sure What to Do? We Can Help.
Deciding whether to upgrade or replace your devices doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our FREE Network Assessment helps you:
✔ Assess your system’s readiness for Windows 11.
✔ Identify security vulnerabilities and performance bottlenecks.
✔ Get expert recommendations tailored to your business.
📅 Don’t wait until last-minute shortages hit—schedule your FREE assessment today!
Click here to schedule your FREE assessment today!
Don’t wait until the October 2025 deadline – get ahead of the game and ensure your business is ready for what’s next.
