Ensuring Your Current Windows 10 Devices Can Handle the Upgrade

As the end of life for Windows 10 approaches, it's essential to ensure that your current devices can handle the upgrade to Windows 11. In this blog post, we'll provide tips on checking your current Windows 10 devices for compatibility with Windows 11, discuss hardware requirements and recommendations, and highlight the importance of upgrading hardware if necessary. 

Tips on Checking Your Current Windows 10 Devices for Compatibility with Windows 11 

1. Use the PC Health Check Tool: Microsoft offers a PC Health Check tool that can help you determine if your current device meets the hardware requirements for Windows 11. Download and run the tool to get a detailed compatibility report. 

2. Check System Specifications: Manually check your device's specifications to ensure they meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. This includes verifying the processor, RAM, storage, and other hardware components. 

3. Review Compatibility Lists: Visit the manufacturer's website for your device to check for compatibility lists or updates. Some manufacturers provide detailed information on which models are compatible with Windows 11 and any necessary updates. 

   
   

Microsoft’s Minimum Hardware Requirements: 

Key word here is minimum! If you go with these specifications, your work computer will run slow. We recommend more powerful hardware species listed below these specifications here:  

• Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC). 

• RAM: 4 gigabytes (GB) or more. 

• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device. 

• System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable. 

• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. 

• Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x. 

• Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p). 

• Internet Connection: Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features. 

Recommended Specs for Better Performance (Especially for Business Use) 

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7(8th Gen or newer) 

• RAM: At least 8 GB, 16 GB is preferred 

• Storage: 256 GB SSD or larger 

• Graphics: Integrated or discrete GPU with DirectX 12 support 

• Display: Full HD (1080p) or higher resolution 

For Copilot+ PCs (AI-enhanced Windows 11 experience-most new PCs) 

• Processor: NPU-capable SoC (e.g., AMD Ryzen AI 300, Intel Core Ultra 200V, Snapdragon X series) 

• RAM: 16 GB DDR5/LPDDR5 

• Storage: 256 GB SSD/UFS 

• NPU: Capable of 40+ TOPS (trillion operations per second) 

Importance of Upgrading Hardware if Necessary 

If your current devices do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, it's essential to consider upgrading your hardware. Upgrading your hardware ensures that you can take full advantage of the new features and improvements offered by Windows 11. It also helps maintain the performance and security of your system. 

When upgrading hardware, consider the following recommendations: 

• Processor: Upgrade to a compatible 64-bit processor with multiple cores for better performance. 

• RAM: Increase your device's RAM to at least 8 GB for smoother multitasking and improved performance. 

• Storage: Consider upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster boot times and improved overall performance. 

• Graphics Card: Ensure your graphics card is DirectX 12 compatible for better visual performance. 

Ensuring your current devices can handle the upgrade to Windows 11 is crucial for a smooth transition. By checking compatibility, meeting hardware requirements, and upgrading hardware if necessary, you can enjoy the full benefits of Windows 11 and maintain the performance and security of your system. 

Don't wait until it's too late—start planning your upgrade today and ensure a seamless transition to a more secure and efficient operating system. Tariff increases are already causing hardware and software prices to rise. The time to act is now!  

We can provide a complimentary Windows 10 Upgrade assessment including a plan and budget. Contact us here to learn more!

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