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The clock is ticking on Windows 10 – are businesses ready?

Businesses need to take action if they haven’t already to make sure they are ready for the end of Windows 10.  Although it feels like yesterday we all got it, Microsoft will stop providing security updates to Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This means businesses need to upgrade to Windows 11 by then or face serious security implications.

Unlike Windows 10, which was specifically designed to run on older hardware, Windows 11 requires relatively new hardware and is blocked as an upgrade on older PCs. Most PCs designed and sold in 2019 or later will work with Windows 11.

Hardware Requirements for Windows 11

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. Not all devices will be eligible for an upgrade.

Processor       1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). Intel 8th generation +

RAM   4 gigabyte (GB).

Storage           64 GB or 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 WDDM 2.0 driver.

Display           High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per colour channel.

Can I get the upgrade?

Microsoft have already sent out the free updates to Windows machines that are compatible so if you haven’t been invited, assume you won’t be.  Sadly, the main issues being the security and processor make this highly difficult to ‘upgrade’ devices to meet the requirements.  Most devices purchased pre 2019 will not make the grade.

What to consider before upgrading

Upgrades should not be taken lightly, as with all upgrades they come with the risk of data loss, and the potential of a device being out of action for a while, though this upgrade from 10 to 11 is much smoother than the previous upgrades to Windows 10.

Compatibility

Companies will need to consider the software and hardware they are running and check with the providers to check it works with the upgraded Windows.

 

An experienced IT company will help you mitigate the transaction making sure you have the right equipment and that upgrades run smoothly to avoid company down time and data loss.

Cloud Repatriation

A survey in the US has revealed a significant shift in the IT landscape there, driven by concerns surrounding cybersecurity. The study found that nearly half of American organisations are either considering or have already undertaken cloud repatriation, a process of moving existing cloud-based workloads back to on-premise infrastructure. This trend, dubbed “cloud repatriation,” has security anxieties at its core, with 41% of respondents citing it as the primary motivator, followed by unrealistic expectations associated with cloud migration.

However, the study paints a complex picture beyond just security concerns. While nearly all respondents have explored cloud repatriation in the past three years, the decision to move back on-premise often stems from a confluence of factors. Unexpected cost increases during cloud migration and unforeseen technical challenges encountered during the process also contribute to the repatriation trend.

Despite these challenges, the majority of IT leaders remain open to embracing the cloud in the future. They favour a hybrid approach, seamlessly integrating both cloud and on-premise infrastructure within their IT ecosystem. According to the Citrix survey, this hybrid strategy offers a compelling value proposition, allowing organizations to optimise costs, seamlessly integrate systems, and embrace innovation without compromising on agility or flexibility.

Interestingly, the study doesn’t provide a definitive answer on the inherent security advantage of either cloud or on-premise environments. While a third of respondents reported experiencing similar cyberattack rates regardless of location, others reported fewer incidents on-premise. This disparity highlights the complexity of the security landscape and the fact that the “best” approach depends on various factors specific to each organization.

Ultimately, the Citrix research underscores the ongoing quest for striking the ideal balance between cloud and on-premise solutions. Organizations are seeking a flexible and adaptable IT model that prioritizes security, compliance, and performance while remaining responsive to evolving business needs. This necessitates a nuanced understanding of the advantages and limitations of both cloud and on-premise solutions, allowing businesses to make informed decisions that align with their unique security posture and specific requirements.

We have already taken customers out of the cloud, saving a huge amount in future costs and giving them back control over their own data, whilst still being able to share their data securely across 3 continents.  A client we have just provided a quote for, could save £175k over the next 10 years by coming out of the cloud and having no loss of the benefits they sought in the first place.  For other customers, faced with large 365 bills or the potential cost of new servers and software, we have provided alternative solutions to fit their budget.

Please feel free to contact us to have a discussion about your potential options.

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