This article gives companies a comprehensive overview of the Windows 11 upgrade that many are experiencing as a result of the upcoming Windows 10 End-of-Life (EOL) Still need to implement. The article shows which Benefits of Windows 11 Which offers System requirements Must be met and which Upgrade options Are available for various IT environments. It also explains which Options for action Exist if you want to continue using Windows 10 or if parts of the existing hardware Not officially compatible with Windows 11 Are.
The most important things in brief
SOFTTAILOR takes over the complete Windows 11 rollout — from planning to central distribution to optimization. Standardised, secure and efficient for companies of all sizes.
1. Why should companies upgrade to Windows 11?
An upgrade to Windows 11 not only brings a fresh design, but also numerous improvements that optimize everyday work and security. Here are the top reasons why you should consider making the switch:
Windows 10: Support ends on October 14, 2025
A key reason for the upgrade is the upcoming Windows 10 End-of-Life (EOL). Microsoft wants to stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025 Adjust. From this point on, it will No security updates, bug fixes, or technical support Give more. This means an increased risk of security gaps and compatibility issues with new software.
So if you want to stay secure and up to date in the long term, you should start switching to Windows 11 early on. For Companies, Staying on Windows 10 Means In case of doubt, there is also a lack of insurance coverage and disregard of legal requirements for cyber security.
Modern Secure Device with Windows 11
Moving to Windows 11 offers companies more than just a simple operating system upgrade. Many organizations are using this change as an opportunity to rethink their entire IT strategy and create a Unified, cloud-native and more secure device infrastructure Build up.
Windows 11 is optimized for modern IT environments where Cloud Management, Zero Trust Security, and Hybrid Work Models Be in focus. Companies that are planning a hardware replacement anyway can use this time to complete their entire Endpoint Strategy To revise.
Switching to Windows 11 offers the opportunity to standardize older, heterogeneous structures and create a Modern Secure Device Strategy To establish that on Intune, autopilot and cloud-based management Is based.
Benefits of realignment:
- Cloud-native management: Reduce on-premises dependencies by Microsoft Intune and Endpoint Manager
- Optimize security architecture: Enforcing zero trust principles and using Secure Core PCs
- Better user experience: End Users Benefit from New Devices, Optimized Configurations, and an Improved Work Environment
Through this strategic approach, an operating system upgrade can not only provide technical benefits, but also improve IT security, administrative efficiency and user satisfaction in the long term.
Increased performance of Windows 11
In addition to strategic benefits, Windows 11 also offers significant improvements in performance, usability, and security. The redesigned user interface makes for more intuitive operation and increases productivity. The new start menu is tidier and adapts to individual usage patterns, while snap layouts allow for a more efficient window arrangement. In addition, the optimized dark mode with rounded UI elements offers a more pleasant user experience.
In terms of performance, Windows 11 has been specially optimized for modern hardware. Faster start times, more efficient use of resources, and fewer background processes contribute to improved system performance. Intelligent Power Management ensures an optimized battery life, especially on mobile devices.
The security architecture has also been further developed. With TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, the operating system is tamper-proof, while Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and Windows Hello for Business improve protection against identity theft. Through regular updates and long-term support, the system is always up to date with the latest security standards and provides a stable basis for a secure IT environment.
2. System Requirements for Windows 11
Before upgrading to Windows 11, check whether the hardware you are using meets the required minimum requirements. With Windows 11, Microsoft has significantly increased system requirements to further improve security standards and system performance.
Minimum requirements for Windows 11
If your devices are Not compatible Are classified, there are still ways to install Windows 11 — more on that later.
Checking Windows 11 compatibility with Intune and SCCM/MECM
Before planning a Windows 11 upgrade, it should be checked that the existing devices meet the minimum requirements. Microsoft provides for this in Intune and SCCM/MECM Offers special dashboards that enable a central check of upgrade readiness.
Windows Feature Update Device Readiness Report (Intune)
For environments that are managed with Microsoft Intune, the Windows Feature Update Device Readiness Report available. This tool provides a central overview of all managed devices and their upgrade compatibility.
- In Intune Admin Center under Reports → Windows updates → Windows Feature Update Device Readiness Report The compatibility of the devices can be checked.
- The dashboard shows a Categorization of devices After they are ready to upgrade.
- Devices that are not compatible with a Detailed fault analysis Listed so that targeted measures can be taken, such as BIOS updates or activating TPM 2.0.
Windows 11 Upgrade Readiness Dashboard (SCCM/MECM)
For companies that Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM/MECM) Use, does that offer Windows 11 Upgrade Readiness Dashboard A comprehensive analysis of the upgrade readiness of all managed devices.
- In the SCCM console at Software library → overview → Windows 11 Upgrade Readiness The upgrade status of the devices can be viewed.
- The dashboard shows a Categorization of devices As compatible, incompatible, or unknown.
- Devices that are not compatible with the respective Missing requirements (for example, no TPM 2.0 or outdated processor) listed
3. Windows 11 upgrade options: Central installation for multiple devices
There are various ways to upgrade systems to Windows 11.
In Companies or IT Environments with Many Devices, a Centralized deployment From Windows 11 is essential to save time, ensure consistent configurations and minimize sources of error. Implementation is usually carried out using existing solutions for Software Distribution, for example via Intune or SCCM/MECM. We have briefly described the relevant steps below.
Basically, there are two procedures for upgrading Windows 11: the In-place upgrade And the Clean Installation. While a clean installation completely rebuilds the system, an in-place upgrade takes over existing applications, data and settings. For most companies, the in-place upgrade is the preferred route — especially as part of an automated, nationwide rollout.
The methods described in this article therefore relate exclusively to In-place upgrade-Procedure.
Windows 11 upgrade with Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is the preferred solution for companies that have a Cloud-based management Use.
Here's how deployment works:
- Check device compliance — With Intune, you can check which devices are compatible.
- Deploy Windows 11 as an update — Create a Update policy for Windows 11
- Roll out update on a scheduled basis — Set maintenance windows to upgrade outside business hours.
- Performance monitoring — Use Intune dashboards to monitor the upgrade status of all devices.
Advantages:
- Automatic deployment without user interaction
- Easy monitoring and fault analysis
- Ideal for distributed IT environments
Windows 11 deployment with MECM/SCCM (Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager)
If your IT infrastructure already MECM/SCCM Do you use the Windows 11 upgrade via the Windows servicing process manage.
- Deploying an upgrade package via SCCM
- Create rollout schedules (e.g. test group → pilot phase → complete distribution)
- Automatic installation with custom settings
- Monitoring & fault analysis via SCCM dashboards
Advantages:
- Complete control over the rollout process
- Possibility to customize with your own scripts
- Integration with Existing Company Policies
- Expanded control by task sequences In SCCM to specifically automate and secure preparation and follow-up processes such as pre-checks, backups or post-installations
Companies that have no software distribution at all, which will rarely happen, can use WSUS and GPOs as an alternative.
4. Important preparations before upgrading
Before carrying out a Windows 11 upgrade, central preparations should be made to ensure a smooth process and avoid potential operational disruptions.
Data backup — protecting business-critical data
Although no data is usually lost during an in-place upgrade, problems can occur in exceptional cases. Data backup in advance is therefore absolutely recommended.
Recommended backup strategies:
- Cloud storage solutions: Services such as OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox enable automatic, version-based backup of business-relevant data. In conjunction with Microsoft 365, it is particularly recommended to use OneDrive for Business.
- Central Network Drives (on-premises): In locally operated IT infrastructures, storage on managed network drives can be a suitable alternative, e.g. as part of user profile redirections or controlled by group policies.
- System image (optional): For smaller environments or in addition to data storage, a complete image of the system can be created. However, this method is not suitable for large-scale rollouts.
Update drivers and software
Outdated drivers or incompatible software versions may malfunction after the upgrade. Therefore, before rollout, it is recommended that you:
- Installing the latest Windows updates On Existing Windows 10 Systems
- Update critical drivers (e.g. chipset, graphics, network) via manufacturer sites or automated tools
- Compatibility testing of business-critical applications, especially with older specialist or industry software
Identify and remove incompatible software
Certain software components can block the upgrade or cause instabilities afterwards. These include in particular:
- Outdated anti-virus and security solutions
- Software without official support for Windows 11
- System tuning tools with profound interventions (e.g. registry cleaners, auto-optimization programs)
These preparatory measures help to minimize potential risks before the upgrade and ensure the compatibility and stability of the target systems.
5. Windows 11 upgrade despite unsupported hardware — Is that possible?
Not all PCs comply with the official Windows 11 system requirements, especially older devices that don't support TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot. However, there are ways to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware — but with certain risks.
Limitations and risks
While Microsoft allows unofficial installations, it points out that such systems:
- No guarantee of updates have (future Windows updates may not be available).
- Performance issues or stability issues Be able to learn.
- No official support from Microsoft received.
When companies install Windows 11 on incompatible hardware, they are taking on a high risk that cannot be justified outside of private users!
Bypassing system requirements
Windows 11 requires certain hardware requirements that not all older devices meet. Still, there are various methods to install the operating system on unofficially supported hardware. The only sensible central solution is installation using a registry hack.
Installing with registry hack
One well-known approach is to set a registry key that can be used to bypass the TPM and CPU check. This key can be set manually or as part of automated software distribution (e.g. via Intune or SCCM) — for example as a preparatory step as part of an installation package.
This creates a DWORD value during the installation routine (allowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMorCPU) in the path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SYSTEM\ Setup\ MOSetup set. In a central distribution, this process can be integrated into the upgrade script or a user-defined installation package.
Is that a good idea?
While bypassing the system requirements is technically possible, you should ask yourself whether it's worth it.
- For Test and Secondary Systems It may be an option.
- For Productive Devices or Businesses It is risky as future updates might not be available.
- Alternative: If your PC is too old, it might be more useful to consider upgrading your hardware.
6. This is how the secure Windows 11 migration is successful
After the successful upgrade to Windows 11, there is not only the question of stability, but also how the new system can be operated efficiently, securely and in a standardized way within the organization. Two central categories play a key role here:
Windows 11 software packaging
The clean provision of software on Windows 11 devices is a key factor for operational safety and user satisfaction. Particularly in standardized IT environments, the Software packaging Be checked and adjusted in advance.
- Customization of existing packages: Many installation packages must be verified or updated for Windows 11, particularly if they use system integrations or UI elements.
- PSADT for Windows 11: The PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit (PSADT) offers flexible ways to distribute applications in a script-based and user-friendly way.
- Automated patch management for Windows 11: patch management software Such as Patch My PC or Robopack ensure the automatic distribution of up to 30,000 software packages for Windows 11.
Windows 11 Hardening and Optimization
After installation, it is recommended to harden Windows 11 specifically and optimize it for corporate use. The goal is a secure, high-performance and standardized operating system.
- Visual Effects and Performance: In performance-critical environments, visual effects can be disabled via group policies or Intune configurations (e.g. transparency effects, animations).
- Autostart and background processes: Standardised autostart configuration guidelines prevent unwanted processes and improve startup speed.
- Define energy profiles centrally: Power management for mobile devices across the company can be set to maximum performance or customized profiles via Intune or group policies.
- Privacy and telemetry settings: By default, Windows 11 devices transmit extensive diagnostic data. These can be reduced centrally to a privacy-compliant level via guidelines (e.g. minimal diagnostic data, deactivation of personalized advertising and location services).
- Enable security features: Functions such as VBS, Credential Guard or Application Guard should — if the hardware allows it — be activated as standard and checked regularly.
These measures form the basis for stable, secure and productive Windows 11 operation and are essential, particularly in the case of a large-scale rollout. Other aspects such as hardening standards, baseline templates or Endpoint Security Configurations should be considered as part of the endpoint strategy.
7. Conclusion — The Windows 11 upgrade is not a question of when?
Upgrading to Windows 11 is a necessity for anyone who wants to work on a secure and powerful operating system over the long term. With the official Windows 10 End-of-Life (EOL) Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. This means an increased risk of cyber attacks, reduced software compatibility and a lack of performance optimization.
Especially in a professional environment, you should never rely on an outdated operating system, as these leads to security risks and compatibility problems in the long term.
If you already have compatible hardware today, you shouldn't postpone the upgrade, but carry it out as early as possible. Windows 11 not only brings a modern design, but also significant improvements in security, performance, and management options. Companies benefit from optimized update processes, zero-trust security models and efficient Endpoint Management.
For anyone whose hardware does not meet official requirements, the question is whether an unofficial installation or a hardware upgrade is the better way.
An installation outside the official specifications may be justifiable in test environments, but it is Not a viable option in professional use — In particular Not in a broad rollout across multiple devices. Operating unsupported systems is contrary to current security and compliance requirements and should therefore be avoided. In addition, running Windows 11 outside the official requirements would necessarily lead to major compatibility problems.
Companies that plan and implement the upgrade in a structured manner ensure that the transition is smooth.
Windows 11 is the future of Microsoft's operating systems, and with the end of Windows 10 at the latest, the change will be inevitable. The earlier you deal with this, the better you can benefit from the benefits and ensure a safe, efficient workplace.
Dorian has been involved in corporate and IT strategy since 2011. Due to the endpoint security deficiencies of many companies and the information overload, he developed the endpoint strategy. Dorian is co-founder of the “Endpoint Management” expert group at IAMCP e.V.
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