As businesses look ahead to the October 14, 2025, end-of-support deadline for Windows 10, many are discovering that upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t as simple as a software update. A significant percentage of existing PCs don’t meet the strict hardware requirements set by Microsoft for Windows 11, leaving many companies in a difficult spot. These incompatible machines need to be removed from your environment by October 14th 2025 when Windows 10 goes End of Support.
Windows 11’s Strict Hardware Requirements
One of the key reasons so many PCs can’t be upgraded to Windows 11 is due to the operating system’s stricter hardware requirements. While Windows 10 could run on older machines, Windows 11 requires more modern hardware. Specifically, PCs must have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 security chip and a compatible CPU. Many PCs purchased before 2018 lack these specifications, making them ineligible for a direct upgrade.
Additionally, the emphasis on security means that Windows 11 blocks installations on machines that don’t meet these requirements. This includes older devices that might otherwise still be functioning perfectly fine. There are articles and Youtube videos where people manage to get Windows 11 to install on machines that aren't supposed to be compatible, but the problem there is this: you're just ONE Windows Update away from the whole computer not booting and when that happens you're out of luck. The risk of data loss and lost productivity is far greater than the cost associated with simply replacing these machines properly and on a planned schedule.
How 256 Solutions Can Help You Plan for the Transition
At 256 Solutions, we understand that planning for hardware upgrades can be a daunting task, especially when you’re managing a large IT environment. That’s where our Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform comes in. With our RMM platform, we keep track of your entire hardware inventory, ensuring we know exactly which devices are up to date and which ones need to be replaced before the Windows 10 support deadline.
Our platform also helps you stay on top of factory and extended warranties for all your hardware, minimizing the chances of unplanned expenses. By working with 256 Solutions, you can have peace of mind knowing that we handle every detail—whether it’s monitoring the status of your devices, planning for replacements, or managing warranties.
For our own customers we were able to provide budgets for replacing this hardware over a year ago, giving them time to plan and budget for when computers would be retired and which ones would hang on just a little bit longer. Because of this, they're going into the future with their eyes open and not their heads in the sand.
When it’s time to upgrade, we offer trusted hardware solutions from Dell and Lenovo, two of the most reliable brands in the industry. This means that not only can we help you transition smoothly to Windows 11, but we can also future-proof your infrastructure with high-quality machines built to last.
Future-Proofing with AI in Mind: Why NPUs Matter
With the rise of AI and machine learning, businesses need to think ahead. That’s why at 256 Solutions, we recommend that any new hardware purchases include systems equipped with Neural Processing Units (NPUs). We are in almost all cases now ignoring chips that do not have an integrated NPU. You need to be careful because a lot of older chips ARE compatible with Windows 11, but will leave you high and dry when you try to take advantage of some of these new AI powered products.
NPUs are designed to handle AI workloads more efficiently, and as AI continues to play a larger role in business operations, having machines with NPUs will help ensure that your infrastructure is ready for the future. Whether you’re planning for data analysis, automation, or AI-driven applications, devices with NPUs are an essential part of future-proofing your business.
Navigating the Upgrade Path
With so many older machines unable to run Windows 11 (we had one customer with only 5% of their workstations that would be compatible), many businesses are faced with some tough decisions about their IT infrastructure. Replacing it needs to be done, but with so much needing to be replaced at once in some cases they're learning that the cost savings they had in the past for not upgrading this hardware sooner is catching up with them today.
At 256 Solutions, we’re here to help you navigate that process.
We’ll work with you to assess your current hardware, determine which devices can be upgraded, and identify any that need to be replaced. And, with our strong relationships with Dell and Lenovo, we can ensure that you’re getting the best devices that meet both your immediate needs and your future AI requirements.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
Waiting until the last minute to address your hardware needs can lead to unnecessary stress and potential disruptions to your business operations. By planning your upgrades now, you’ll avoid the rush and ensure your business is ready for the future. There are some incredible rebates being offered through Dell and Lenovo today that your company can take advantage of. Don't wait until the last minute. Lock in these savings now, and relax knowing that your trusted IT partner will spend the next year replacing your out of date hardware now.
At 256 Solutions, we’re more than just a provider of IT solutions—we’re your partner in planning and executing a seamless transition to Windows 11. From tracking hardware and warranties to future-proofing with AI-capable systems, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to start preparing your business for the future.
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