How to Prepare Your Business for a Smooth Windows 11 Upgrade

Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. After that date, Windows 10 computers stop receiving security updates — making them a prime target for ransomware. If your Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing or Melbourne western suburbs business is still running Windows 10, now is the time to plan your Windows 11 upgrade.

Step 1 — Check If Your Hardware Can Run Windows 11

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. The most common blocker for older business computers is a missing or disabled TPM 2.0 chip. Check every machine first.

Minimum requirements

• Processor: 64-bit, 1GHz or faster — Intel 8th generation or later, AMD Ryzen 2000 or later
• RAM: 4GB minimum (8GB recommended for business use)
• Storage: 64GB free disk space
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module version 2.0 — the most common blocker on pre-2018 hardware
• Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot enabled

How to check compatibility on each computer

1. Download PC Health CheckSearch "PC Health Check" on microsoft.com. Install it on each work computer — it checks all Windows 11 requirements in one click and tells you exactly what passes or fails.
2. Note which computers failComputers purchased before 2018 most commonly fail. List them — these need replacement or hardware upgrade before the October 2025 deadline.
3. Check TPM status separatelyPress Windows + R, type tpm.msc, press Enter. TPM 2.0 is sometimes present but disabled in the BIOS. A technician can switch it on without any hardware replacement.

Step 2 — Back Up Everything Before You Upgrade

Before upgrading any business computer, make sure all data is backed up and can be restored if needed. A Windows 11 upgrade is generally safe — but unexpected issues can occur on older hardware.

What to back up

• Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures folders
• Outlook PST files and email profiles
• Browser bookmarks and saved passwords
• Software licence keys
• Accounting data files (MYOB, Xero desktop)
• Custom Word, Excel and Outlook templates

Step 3 — Check Application Compatibility

Most modern business software runs on Windows 11. However, older or industry-specific applications may have issues. Check before upgrading any computer running business-critical software.

• Accounting: MYOB, Xero desktop, QuickBooks — check each vendor’s website for Windows 11 support status
• Medical: Best Practice, Medical Director — confirm your version’s Windows 11 compatibility
• Legal: LEAP, Smokeball — both support Windows 11, but confirm your version is current
• Education: LMS browser plugins and extensions — test after upgrade
• Any software developed before 2018: Test individually before rolling out widely

Step 4 — Plan the Upgrade in Stages

1. Upgrade a test computer firstChoose a less critical workstation. Run it on Windows 11 for a week and confirm all business applications work correctly before proceeding to other machines.
2. Schedule outside business hoursA Windows 11 upgrade takes 30 to 60 minutes with several restarts. Schedule for evenings or weekends to avoid disrupting staff during the business day.
3. Keep some Windows 10 machines runningDo not upgrade every computer at once. Maintain fallback capacity until you are confident Windows 11 is stable across your environment.
4. Document any issuesNote compatibility problems, missing drivers or settings changes needed. This helps when upgrading subsequent machines and builds a reference for your IT provider.

Step 5 — Perform the Upgrade

Method A — Windows Update (easiest for compatible computers)

1. Go to Settings → Windows Update
2. If compatible, you will see “Windows 11 is ready”
3. Click Download and install
4. The computer restarts several times — allow 30 to 60 minutes total

Method B — Installation Assistant (recommended for businesses)

1. Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from microsoft.com
2. Run as Administrator
3. Follow the on-screen steps — gives you more control and better logging if issues occur

After the Upgrade — Verify These Items

• All business applications open and function correctly
• Network drives and shared printers are still connected
• VPN connection still works if applicable
• Microsoft 365 apps (Outlook, Teams, Word) are activated
• Backup software is running scheduled backups
• Antivirus and security software is active and up to date
• Mapped drives reconnect automatically on login

What If Your Hardware Cannot Run Windows 11?

• Replace the hardware: Computers that fail the check are typically 7 or more years old and due for replacement regardless. New business PCs with Windows 11 pre-installed cost $800 to $1,500.
• Enable TPM in BIOS: Some computers have TPM 2.0 hardware but it is disabled. A technician can enable it in firmware settings — this may allow Windows 11 to install without any hardware replacement.
• Extended Security Updates: Microsoft will offer paid Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 after October 2025. This buys extra time but is not a permanent solution.

Quick Checklist

• Run PC Health Check on every work computer before October 2025
• Identify computers that need replacement (typically pre-2018)
• Back up all data and confirm the backup is restorable
• Check compatibility of critical business applications
• Upgrade a test machine first, then roll out to the rest
• Schedule upgrades outside business hours
• Verify all applications, drives and printers after each upgrade
• Call Unifill IT on 0452 330 180 if you need help

The October 2025 deadline is closer than it looks. Planning now — rather than rushing in September — is the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one. Unifill IT offers a free IT audit for businesses across Melbourne’s western suburbs.