Getting Ready for Windows 11
Is your PC Windows 11 ready? Learn about system requirements, compatibility, & steps to ensure a smooth upgrade. Get your device Windows 11 ready today!
Are your devices ready for Windows 11?
If you don’t yet have a plan in place for Windows 11, you are behind, you need to catch up, and you don’t have much time left before device shortages stop you from upgrading at all.
However, your devices may currently be Windows 11-ready – which is why Apogee offers a free Windows 11-Readiness Assessment, and still offers ongoing support even if you don’t need to upgrade your physical devices.
So what are you waiting for? Talk to us now about starting your smoothest transition to Windows 11!
How to Get Your PCs Ready for Windows 11
Depending on the results of your Windows 11 Readiness Assessment, we’ll either recommend bringing your existing devices under our cost-effective support plan, or upgrading your devices through a Managed IT Service - which will give you access to ongoing security patches from Microsoft.
However, tighter security isn’t the only benefit you’ll gain by upgrading. Windows 11 comes with productivity tools designed to improve staff output, allowing you to benefit from higher value employee hours without increasing your headcount – contributing toward your reputation as a business known for providing a fast, effective service.
Better yet, sourcing your Windows 11-ready PCs through a Managed IT Service makes the installation as smooth a process as possible, and is comprised of three simple steps:
Step #1: Checking Windows 11 Compatibility on Current Devices
Depending on when your last upgrade was, it may actually turn out that your current devices are already compatible with Windows 11 and can be upgraded for free – which is why Apogee offer a free Windows 11 Readiness Assessment, which you can book right away.
Step #2: Back Up Your Data
Your existing data will be transferred to your new devices as part of your transition, but to eliminate the chances of anything being lost during the process, we first need to back-up your data to a secure server.
Step #3: Start the Installation!
The last step is for us to install your new Windows 11-compatible devices on your behalf – which your staff will be able to use right away, thanks to your relevant software and data already having been installed. This part of the service covers both offices and remote locations for your convenience.
What are the Windows 11 system requirements we need to match?
Generally, most devices dating back to mid-2017 are compatible with Windows 11 and can be directly upgraded if running Windows 10 build 2004 or later.
The minimum requirements to install Windows 11 are:
- Processor: 1Ghz or better 64-bit processor
- RAM: At least 4GB RAM
- Storage: At least 64GB Storage
- Graphics: DirectX 12 & WDDM 2.0 compatible graphics chipset
- Motherboard: UEFI firmware (BIOS) that supports Secure Boot and has a TMP 2.0 module.
It’s important to understand that whilst these are the minimum requirements the user experience of such devices is likely to impact productivity. Apogee’s Windows 11 Readiness assessment can help you understand which devices would fall below what we would recommend for today’s workforce.
How do we get ready for Windows 11 security features?
The good news is that most of the improvements are seamless and create no impact on your end users when doing an in-place upgrade.
Improvements to Defender and hardware based isolation as well as Smart App control (depending on your licencing) may also be of interest, Apogee can help you get licenced and setup if you need.
If you’re deploying new hardware, then you may want to think about Windows Hello compatible devices enabling fingerprint and face recognition, or Secure Core compatible PCs.
How do we transfer files seamlessly to Windows 11?
If you’re doing an in-place upgrade there is nothing needed. Whilst we always recommend taking a backing up just in case, under normal circumstances you won’t lose any of your programs or files.
If you’re deploying new or replacing hardware then a few options might make sense for you. In most cases saving documents and files to OneDrive or another cloud service (Google, DropBox, etc.) is simple for users and they’ll be ready to go as soon as they get logged in on the new machine. It’s important to make sure that their client software has finished synchronisation before shutting down the old machine for that one last time.
Some organisations may have shared network folders or a SharePoint users can save their work to, and some organisations favour the tried-and-tested USB drive method, but the sensitivity of the files saved should be considered.
Apogee can offer advice and even hands on services for data migration if you need.
We have a lot of PCs - how can we get them all ready for Windows 11 at once?
Every organisation is different, but it may help to put together a checklist.
- Make sure that you have tested any line of business or custom applications, scripts, policies etc. with a few power users or your internal IT for example.
- Where possible make sure that Windows 10, and any software and drivers are up-to-date.
- Where possible make sure that device firmware / BIOS is up to date (Apogee’s Windows 11 Readiness assessment can check this for you!)
- Encourage users to start using cloud or network drives as their default for all documents and files. OneDrive can automatically sync Desktop and Documents folders for example.
- Additionally, backup anything sensitive or important.
- Make sure your end users have access to any training material and help documentation they may need for changes that could affect them.
- Make an informed decision about the order/schedule of deployment that makes sense for you, for example, building, department, team, etc.
- Understand that release schedule to accommodate for any additional support queries that may come in during your deployment.
Of course, if an organisation needs help with any of the above they can lean on Apogee’s specialists and professional services.
Support for Windows 10 is ending - what should you do?
The adoption rate of Windows 11 has been growing as of February 2025 – and will only pick up speed as the deadline draws closer, which means high demand on new devices. To ensure you’re not left behind with unsecured, substandard devices until stocks replenish, you need to get started as soon as possible.
We realise there are several concerns that naturally come with upgrading, such as expenses, operational disruptions, and potential risk. However, these concerns are each addressed by upgrading through Device-as-a-Service – which handles all the pre-configuration, logistics, and installation on your behalf; ensuring your new devices will be ready to go fresh out of the box for a seamless IT transition.
How Apogee Can Help
Why choose Apogee to help you transition to Windows 11? Well, in a digital climate such as ours, you need an IT supplier who is quick, reliable, cyber-safe, and proactive when it comes to generating cost-efficiencies for your business – and Apogee’s status as an independent subsidiary of HP Inc. gives us the ability to be exactly that.
Equipped with HP’s resources and a broad base of expertise, Apogee are uniquely suited to navigate lesser-known pitfalls to ensure your Windows 11 transition is as disruption-free as possible. Best of all, once your transition is complete, you’ll also be able to access the long-term benefits of our industry-leading Service Excellence – which has a 98% resolute rate for all IT, software, and network requests.
Designed for your convenience, our solutions are completely scalable at your request, with additional complementary services available if you wish. This gives you an easy avenue to maximise value for your budget, all delivered with a consistent standard of service through one responsible and accountable point of contact.
Below are some examples of services Apogee offer that are relevant to your Windows 11 transition – both within the umbrella of Managed IT, and adjacent but complementary services.
Managed IT Services
These are the services directly involved with upgrading, managing, and maintaining your Windows 11-compatible IT estate.
Windows 11 Case Study: McCambridge Duffy
As part of their transition to a Windows 11-compatible fleet, insolvency firm McCambridge Duffy were able to achieve multiple operational efficiencies, including:
- Client caseloads have almost doubled to 5,000 to 9,500 without needing additional headcount,
- Facilitating hybrid working for 90% of staff, meeting common flexibility demands from key staff and preserving employee retention rates,
- A meeting of creditors appointment now takes just 7 days to process, rather than 45 – representing an 80% reduction.
- How do Apogee decide what to recommend us?
- What happens when I agree to a solution?
- We don’t have the resources to handle an upgrade right now.
- What happens to our old devices?
- How do I know I can trust your IT solution?
How do Apogee decide what to recommend us?
When it comes to your business, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution – and by conducting a Tech Audit service, we’re able to deliver expert guidance so you can upgrade to Windows 11 with confidence.
This service includes your Windows 11 Readiness Assessment, and also evaluates your current fleet size, the general health and performance of your individual devices, and your overall cyber security posture. With this information and the freedom of a multi-brand provider, Apogee are best-placed to recommend the optimal Windows 11-compatible fleet to address your complex business needs well into the future.
What happens when I agree to a solution?
Once you’ve agreed with our recommendation, we’ll source your new machines through our DaaS team – who will then take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of your Windows 11 devices; from expert procurement, deployment, ongoing support, all the way to responsible disposal & replacement when it eventually comes time to upgrade again.
With these aspects handled, your internal IT department is free to pursue more strategic endeavours – and since device uptime for your other employees is being facilitated by our support team, your organisation is free to benefit from high productivity and maximum output.
We don’t have the resources to handle an upgrade right now.
Configuring new business devices is an enormous burden on IT teams, and an equally sizeable waste of your time and resources. This is especially true if you’re trying to upgrade by yourself, and is commonly where most upgrades start hitting significant roadblocks.
An Imaging Service is vital for minimising disruptions to your Windows 11 transition, since it completes the lengthy configuration process on your behalf. Once we‘ve agreed your ideal specifications, our team will get to work applying this ‘master image’ to each of your new devices - ensuring that your staff will effectively be able to use their new devices straight out of the box.
It’s worth noting that this service is completely scalable to your needs, and can be expanded or downsized at any point to ensure you’re only paying for what you use.
What happens to our old devices?
But what happens to your existing devices during your Windows 11 transition, especially in terms of data compliance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency?
Give back to your budget with the help of our Buy Back IT scheme, which, as well as giving you money back for trading in your outdated IT devices, also provides you with peace of mind on two separate fronts: namely, sustainability and data compliance. All devices purchased through the scheme will be securely wiped of all data in line with modern regulations, eliminating the chances of a surprise data breach later down the road – with all useable parts being kept OUT of landfill and repurposed within our circular economy.
How do I know I can trust your IT solution?
While purchasing your new Windows-11 compatible devices might seem straightforward, the reality is that organising support for purchased devices is both difficult and expensive. Imaging Service conversely, is a key advantage of sourcing your new IT through a Managed IT Service, since it ensures maximum uptime through convenient, cost-effective support.
Under this kind of arrangement, you no longer need to keep capital aside for surprise IT repairs – instead, the cost of support is wrapped up in your regular bill, giving you unlimited access to our UK-based technical helpdesk. With support now an operational expense, you can redistribute your IT budget into more strategic areas of the business that need really need it!
Additional Complementary Services
These services are not necessarily part of Managed IT Services, but do provide additional utility alongside Windows 11’s powerful security measures and productivity tools.
- Securing more than your user devices
- Facilitating safer, effective remote collaboration
- Boosting output for less staff resource
- Improving data security by adopting Cloud platforms
- Ensuring connectivity for remote workers
- Future-Proofing your Business
- Protecting your cyber-perimeter
Securing more than your user devices
With your cyber security posture having been evaluated during your tech audit, your logical next step would be to bolster areas in need of attention. Whether you’re trying to meet the criteria for a Cyber Essentials certification or address a more specific problem, our Cyber Security Services can help.
As with many of the options listed here, you can engage with this service as much or as little as you like – ranging from one-off consultancy, to ongoing guidance, to completely outsourcing the management of your cyber security infrastructure to our expert team.
Facilitating safer, effective remote collaboration
One of the main benefits of Windows 11 is additional protection for hybrid workers. Unprotected ‘smart’ devices connected to home routers are easy targets for computer hackers – and if business IT devices aren’t protected properly, they can represent an entryway into your networks. However, Windows 11 devices have in-built security measures to protect against this, giving you the peace of mind that your teams are collaborating safely, even from remote locations.
This remote collaboration is further enhanced with a Document Management system, which gives your team a central server to locate, share, back up, and edit files within. This interconnectivity promotes enhanced remote collaboration, but with additional security measures and access controls to provide another layer of defence for your sensitive data.
With these aspects handled, your internal IT department is free to pursue more strategic endeavours – and since device uptime for your other employees is being facilitated by our support team, your organisation is free to benefit from high productivity and maximum output.
Boosting output for less staff resource
AI-powered productivity tools are another feature of Windows 11 that’s designed to boost your staff output – but there’s more than one way to maximise value for your existing employee hours.
Every department has its low-value, high tedium admin tasks that take up valuable staff time and resource. By routing these tasks through Business Process Automation, however, you cut lengthy hours of processing times down to minutes – allowing your employees to devote more time and focus to the higher value tasks that really matter.
Improving data security by adopting Cloud platforms
Since moving to Windows 11 facilitates safer hybrid working, it’s advisable to move your document storage, ERP software, financial platforms, and HR management programs to protected Cloud servers. This is because relying on physical storage setups alone is actually more risky than hosting them digitally – since Cloud providers are constantly updating and developing their security infrastructures to keep ahead of cyber threats.
But where do you start to ensure a smooth migration to a Cloud server, and how do you know you’ve got the right Cloud solution to suit your specific needs?
Whether you require one-off help with a migration, support on-demand, licence management for Microsoft Azure or Microsoft 365, platform configuration and optimisation, or a hosted desktop solution through our own dual-site data centre; our Cloud Services provide you with a tailored and scalable solution that grows alongside your business.
Ensuring connectivity for remote workers
To create the most robust hybrid working environment possible for your Windows 11 workers, a strong IT infrastructure is key. Aligning with our Infrastructure Services allows you to pass responsibility of the management and support of your IT servers to us - be they housed on-premises, based in the Cloud, or hosted off-site entirely.
With our support facilitating maximum uptime for your performance-enhanced Windows 11 devices, you set the stage for hybrid employees to deliver high output and top-quality service. This, in turn, allows your business to foster a reputation for responsiveness and effectiveness – increasing the potential for favourable word-of-mouth, and drawing external interest to your business.
Future-Proofing your Business
If you want additional assurance that your files will be safe throughout your transition to Windows 11 and don’t already have a Business Continuity Plan in place, this is a perfect excuse to start. Absolutely vital for any business, a Business Continuity service is what will allow you to maintain your operations after a sudden outage, cyberattack, or other disaster.
With your business-critical systems now hosted, protected, and updated daily in our dual-site datacentre, you benefit from the peace of mind that your data is safe, always accessible, and as current as possible - allowing you to essentially pick up where you left off in the event of unforeseen interruptions.
Protecting your cyber-perimeter
With your workforce more enabled to work remotely thanks to the security features of Windows 11, keeping your company network operational and protected is absolutely essential – and since IT talent is in short supply, outsourcing this is likely your easiest avenue.
Aligning with our IT Network Services means you benefit from maximum uptime for your routers and switches, as well as proactive monitoring and patching for the endpoint devices connected to your networks, ensuring your teams are always online, active, and effective.
For more information on how we can help make your Windows 11 transition as smooth as it can be, contact us by using the form below
FAQs
Windows 11 Resources
Learn more with our Windows 11 transition FAQ pages:
End of Life (EOL) Windows 10
Windows 11 Features
How to Upgrade to Windows 11
Windows 10 vs Windows 11
Windows 11 Versions
Talk to us now about starting your smoothest transition to Windows 11!
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