Why Upgrading to Windows 11 Is Essential: Security, Support, and Compatibility

March 11, 2025

Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system, delivers a fresh and modern user experience with a redesigned Start menu, taskbar, widgets, and much more. Beyond it’s refreshed look, Windows 11 also promises to improve the performance, security, and compatibility of Windows devices, while supporting a variety of new hardware and software features.

If your organization currently uses Windows 10, you might be wondering if upgrading to Windows 11 is necessary. In this blog, we’ll explore the key benefits of transitioning to Windows 11 and outline the main differences between the two operating systems. Let’s begin by discussing the critical aspect of security and why adopting Windows 11 is essential for safeguarding your systems.

Why Moving to Windows 11 is Essential for Security

Microsoft’s Windows 11 is more than just a sleek redesign. It is an essential upgrade that addresses critical security flaws and system vulnerabilities that Windows 10 cannot protect against. End-of-support means that Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, leaving users exposed to increasing cyber threats, including ransomware, zero-day exploits, and emerging attack vectors.

The End of Windows 10 Means the End of Ongoing Protection

Windows 10, while once a reliable and secure operating system, will quickly become a liability after October 14th, 2025. In fact, cybercriminals specifically target outdated systems, knowing that security flaws will remain unpatched, leaving businesses and personal users at risk of:

Data breaches due to unpatched security flaws.
Malware and ransomware infections from malicious software exploiting vulnerabilities.
Identity theft and credential leaks as attackers gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Compliance and Business Risks

For businesses, continuing to use Windows 10 after its end-of-support date could lead to compliance violations and legal consequences in industries with strict data security regulations. Organizations can face the following risks:

Failing cybersecurity standards (ISO, HIPAA, GDPR, PCI-DSS, etc).
Increased liability for security breaches and data loss.
Higher cyber insurance premiums due to outdated software risks.

Windows 11: Built for Security

Windows 11 introduces a security-first approach with hardware-based protections designed to combat modern cyber threats. Key security enhancements include:

Secure Boot: Ensures that only trusted software loads during startup, blocking malware at the boot level.
Virtualization-Based Security (VBS): Isolates critical system processes to prevent malware from hijacking sensitive data.
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0: This module provides encrypted security keys, making it exponentially harder for attackers to gain access.
Microsoft Pluton Security Processor: This is a new hardware security chip designed to protect encryption keys and credentials from theft, even in the event of an entire system compromise.

With these security features, Windows 11 helps reduce the risk of successful cyberattacks and helps businesses maintain compliance with cybersecurity regulations.

Other Improvements of Windows 11 Over Windows 10

User Interface

Windows 11 is built to be more modern and user-friendly. Here are a few key upgrades to the user interface:

The Start menu is now centered on the taskbar, and it shows a grid of pinned and recommended apps, as well as a search bar and a power button.
Widgets replace the News and Interests feed on the taskbar. They are personalized dashboards that show information such as weather, news, calendar, traffic, stocks, and more.
File Explorer now allows you to open multiple tabs within the same window.
The updated Task Manager shows more details and options than before, including more details on CPU-level performance.

Snap Layouts

One of the most notable improvements is the introduction of Snap Layouts. The simple Snap feature in Windows 10 allowed users to arrange two windows side-by-side or four windows in a grid. Windows 11 offers a more versatile array of layouts.

By hovering over the maximize button of any window, users can choose from various predefined layouts, such as three windows side-by-side or one large window flanked by two smaller ones. This flexibility allows for a more customized and efficient workspace.

Snap Assist

The Snap Assist feature has also been refined in Windows 11. While Windows 10’s Snap Assist helps to fill empty screen space by showing a list of other open windows, Windows 11 takes this a step further. When you snap a window into place, Snap Assist in the newest Windows Operating System provides a more intuitive and visually appealing interface that displays thumbnails of your other windows. This not only helps in quickly selecting the next window to snap but also offers a preview, making it easier to manage multiple applications simultaneously.

Device Requirements for Running Windows 11

Windows 11 has higher system requirements than Windows 10, which means that some older devices may not be able to run the new operating system. A few of the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 are:

A 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz and two cores
4 GB of RAM
64 GB of storage
A TPM 2.0 chip for security*

* The TPM component is the biggest determiner of whether or not your computer can migrate to Windows 11.

Windows 10, on the other hand, has lower system requirements, which are:

A 32-bit or 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz
1 GB of RAM for 32-bit or 2 GB of RAM for 64-bit
16 GB of storage for 32-bit or 32 GB of storage for 64-bit

If your current devices do not meet the Windows 11 system requirements, you will need to invest in newer devices.

Windows 11 Compatibility: What to Keep in Mind

Beyond security and new features, Windows 11 offers enhanced performance, system stability, and long-term support, ensuring devices remain compatible with future applications and hardware. Benefits include:

Optimized Performance: How do faster boot times, improved memory management, and better system responsiveness sound?
Ongoing Support: Windows 11 computers will have regular feature updates, security patches, and technical assistance from Microsoft.
Enhanced Modern Software and Hardware Compatibility: Windows 11 devices work seamlessly with modern apps, ensuring businesses stay ahead of technological advancements.
AI-Enabled PCs: New Windows 11 machines arriving in 2025 will bring along significant advancements in AI to improve your day-to-day efficiencies.

While Windows 11 introduces numerous enhancements, it’s important to acknowledge potential compatibility challenges. Devices such as printers and certain business applications may require updates or reconfigurations to work seamlessly with the new operating system.

Printers

Older printer models may face driver compatibility issues. It is essential to check the manufacturer’s website for updated drivers or firmware that supports Windows 11. Businesses relying on network printers should also ensure that their network configuration and printer settings are compatible with the new OS.

Business Applications

Specific legacy business applications might not function correctly on Windows 11. Software developers might need to update these applications to ensure compatibility. Enterprises using custom or proprietary applications should test these programs in a Windows 11 environment before upgrading to avoid disruptions in workflow and productivity.

Other Peripherals

Peripheral devices such as scanners, external drives, and specialized input devices may also encounter compatibility issues. Users must verify that these devices have the necessary drivers and support for Windows 11. In some cases, replacing outdated hardware with newer models that are certified for Windows 11 might be necessary.

Compatibility Check

To assist with these potential issues, KiteTech suggests reaching out to vendor representatives about whether your software or device is compatible with Windows 11. You can also check using the PC Health Check tool from Microsoft, which scans your device and provides a report on whether it meets Windows 11’s system requirements.

Making the Migration to Windows 11 with Expert IT Guidance

If your employees work on Windows 10 devices, the October 14th deadline is fast approaching. It’s time to build out and implement your workstation refresh plan. If you’re working with Kite Technology, your Client Experience Manager is here to help with this transition.

If you are not working with Kite Technology and need help creating a Windows 11 adoption plan, we encourage you to explore Kite Technology’s Managed IT Services. We help with proactive and strategic IT planning, as well as help our clients stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends. Reach out to our team today to start your conversation!