Windows 10 End of Life: A Small Business Guide to Upgrading to Windows 11

The clock is ticking for Windows 10. Microsoft has announced it will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. For small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners, this “end of life”(EOL) date is more than just an IT milestone – it’s a call to action. Running an operating system after its support expires can leave your business vulnerable and outdated.  

In this comprehensive guide from Uprise Partners, we’ll walk you through what Windows 10 EOL means for your company, why upgrading to Windows 11 is critical, and how to navigate the transition smoothly. We’ll cover everything from the benefits of Windows 11 and its system requirements to deciding whether to upgrade existing PCs or buy new ones, budgeting for the change, a step-by-step upgrade plan, and troubleshooting tips.  

Windows 10 End of Life: What It Means and Why It Matters 

Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 means that after October 14, 2025, there will be no more free security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for Windows 10. Your computers won’t suddenly stop working on that date, but they will become increasingly unsafe and outdated over time. Here are the key reasons SMBs should take Windows 10 EOL seriously: 

• Security Risks: Without regular security patches, any new vulnerabilities discovered in Windows 10 will remain unpatched. An unsupported system becomes a prime target for cybercriminals. Continuing to run Windows 10 beyond EOL is like leaving your front door unlocked – hackers can exploit known flaws at will. This exposes your business to malware, ransomware, and data breaches that could be devastating. 

• Compliance Concerns: Many industries (finance, healthcare, etc.) have regulations requiring up-to-date, supported software. Running an EOL operating system could put you out of compliance with data protection standards. This might lead to fines or legal issues. Even if your industry isn’t regulated, using unsupported software sends a bad signal to clients and partners about your cybersecurity hygiene. 

• Software and Hardware Compatibility: After Windows 10’s lifespan, new applications and hardware devices will be built for Windows 11 (and beyond). You may find that new software releases won’t install on Windows 10, or new printers and peripherals lack Windows 10 drivers. Over time, an outdated OS can become a bottleneck, causing compatibility problems that hurt productivity. 

• Reduced Performance and Productivity: As technology marches on, Windows 10 will miss out on optimizations and improvements present in newer systems. Meanwhile, Windows 11 (and its successors) will be tuned for modern hardware and workflows. Clinging to an old OS could mean slower systems and lost efficiency, putting you at a competitive disadvantage. 

In short, Windows 10 EOL is a hard deadline. Ignoring it isn’t a viable option if you care about security and efficiency. The good news is that Microsoft’s latest OS, Windows 11, is ready to step in with improved security, performance, and features. Upgrading is the smart move – and it doesn’t have to be daunting. Next, we’ll look at what Windows 11 offers and why it’s worth the switch. 

Windows 11 Overview: A Boost in Security and Productivity for SMBs 

Windows 11 is not just a visual refresh of Windows – it’s designed to meet the needs of modern businesses, including small and mid-sized companies. Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t about having the latest shiny software for its own sake; it’s about protecting your business and empowering your team with better tools. Here’s an overview of key Windows 11 benefits relevant to SMBs: 

• Heightened Security by Default: Windows 11 was built with a “secure by design” philosophy. It requires modern hardware security features like TPM 2.0 chips and UEFI Secure Boot and includes advanced protections like virtualization-based security and an intelligent app control feature that blocks untrusted applications. Microsoft reports that new Windows 11 PCs have seen a 62% drop in security incidents and a 3× reduction in firmware attacks compared to older Windows 10 devices. In practical terms, this means Windows 11 helps keep hackers out and your data safer. 

• Improved Productivity Features: Windows 11 introduces enhancements to help your team work smarter. For example, Snap Layouts let users instantly arrange windows into efficient layouts (side by side, quadrants, etc.) for multitasking (How to prepare for Windows 10 end of support by moving to Windows 11 today | Windows Experience Blog). The integration with collaboration tools is deeper – Microsoft Teams chat is built right into the taskbar for quick meetings, and virtual desktops and multiple monitors are handled more seamlessly. The interface is streamlined and distraction-free, helping employees stay focused. In short, everyday tasks like switching between apps, organizing your screen, or joining a video call are faster and easier. 

• Familiar but Modern Interface: While Windows 11 looks new – with a centered Start menu, rounded window corners, and updated icons – it still feels familiar. The Start menu and taskbar are simplified but work similarly to Windows 10, so your staff won’t face a steep learning curve. Windows 11 retains compatibility with your existing business apps (if they ran on Windows 10, they should run on Windows 11), so you get a modern experience without sacrificing compatibility or retraining employees on all-new workflows. 

• Performance and Efficiency: Under the hood, Windows 11 is optimized for speed. It boasts faster startup from sleep, more efficient memory usage, and better use of modern CPUs for improved performance. On capable hardware, Windows 11 simply feels snappier. For SMBs, this can mean extending the useful life of PCs (they’ll run more efficiently on Windows 11 than they did on an aging Windows 10 install) and enabling staff to get more done with less waiting. Features like battery usage improvements on laptops can also benefit productivity for on-the-go employees.

• Long-Term Support and Updates: Windows 11 is the platform Microsoft will be focusing improvements on going forward. By moving to Windows 11, you position your business to receive ongoing updates and new features for years to come. You’ll also be ready for future innovations (for example, Windows 11 is built to integrate future AI-powered features and cloud services more deeply. Essentially, upgrading now “future-proofs” your IT environment so you’re not scrambling to catch up later. 

The bottom line is that Windows 11 offers a more secure, productive, and future-ready environment for your business. And importantly, Microsoft is offering Windows 11 as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users whose computers meet the requirements.  

Technical Requirements: Can Your PCs Run Windows11? 

Before you plan your upgrade, you need to know which of your existing computers can make the leap to Windows 11. Microsoft set stricter hardware requirements for Windows 11 than Windows 10, primarily to enforce security and reliability standards. Here are the minimum system specifications for Windows 11: 

• Processor (CPU): 1 GHz or faster, with at least 2 cores, on a 64-bit processor listed as supported for Windows 11. Practical note: Windows 11 generally requires an Intel 8th-gen Core CPU or newer, or an AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer. Nearly any PC sold in the last 4-5 years meets the 1 GHz/2-core requirement, but older CPUs (pre-2018) might not be on the supported list even if they are technically fast enough. 

• Memory (RAM): 4 GB or more (4 GB is the absolute minimum); for business use, 8 GB or more is recommended for smooth performance. 

• Storage: 64 GB or larger drive, though most computers benefit from more storage than this minimum. Windows 11 needs adequate disk space for the installation and future updates. If a PC has a small 64 GB drive (common in some older or budget laptops), consider upgrading to a larger SSD to allow room for growth. 

• System  Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability replaces the older BIOS system found in very old PCs. Most systems from the last decade have UEFI, but it might need to be switched from Legacy/CSM mode to UEFI mode in BIOS settings for the upgrade. Secure Boot is a security feature that ensures your system only boots trusted software – it must be supported and enabled. 

• TPM (Trusted Platform Module): TPM version 2.0 chip is a security chip in modern PCs that stores encryption keys and ensures platform integrity. Virtually all     business-class PCs from 2016 onward have a TPM 2.0 (sometimes it’s an actual chip, other times it’s built into the CPU). On some PCs you may need to enable the TPM in firmware settings. If a PC has no TPM 2.0, it will not be eligible for Windows 11 in standard ways. 

• Graphics & Display: A graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 and a display at least 9 inches in size, with 720p or higher resolution. This is usually not a limiting factor for desktop PCs and standard monitors. It mainly affects very old or very small form-factor devices (e.g., a tiny tablet might fail this). 

• Current OS: The PC must be running Windows 10 version 2004 or later for a direct in-place upgrade. If somehow you have a PC on an older Windows 10 build, just run Windows Update first. (If you’re still on Windows 7 or 8.1 – which are already out of support – you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 10 or do a fresh install of Windows 11.) 

So how do you check all this without becoming a computer detective? Microsoft provides a handy tool called the PC Health Check app. You can download and run this free utility on any Windows 10 PC, and it will tell you if that PC meets Windows 11’s requirements. It will flag any deficiencies (for example, “TPM 2.0 not detected” or “CPU not supported”) so you know exactly what might need attention. We highly recommend running PC Health Check on each machine in your office. It only takes a minute or two per PC. 

Other quick ways to assess compatibility include checking your PC manufacturer’s website (many have lists of which models support Windows11) and simply running Windows Update – eligible Windows 10 PCs often show a message in Windows Update settings that Windows 11 is available for free upgrade. If a machine doesn’t meet the above requirements, Windows 11 setup will refuse to install on it (at least without unsupported workarounds). In the next section, we’ll discuss what to do in that case – whether to upgrade components, stick with Windows 10 a bit longer, or replace the PC entirely. 

Upgrading vs. Replacement: Deciding on the Best Strategy for Your Hardware 

One of the biggest questions for SMBs facing the Windows 11 transition is: Should we upgrade our existing PCs, or buy new ones? The answer may be a mix of both, depending on each machine’s age and capabilities. Here’s how to evaluate your options: 

• If a PC Meets Windows 11 Requirements: Generally, if a computer passes the compatibility check, you can plan to do an in-place upgrade to Windows 11 on that machine. Windows 11 is offered as a free upgrade, so there’s no licensing cost. However, passing the minimum requirements and running well are two different things.  

• Consider the PC’s age and performance. A 4-year-old computer with 4 GB RAM and a spinning hard drive may technically run Windows 11, but it might not give a great user experience (it could feel slow).  

• You could still upgrade, but also consider upgrading components – e.g., adding more RAM or swapping in an SSD – to give that PC new life along with Windows 11. Minor hardware upgrades are much cheaper than buying a new PC and can be worthwhile if the machine is otherwise in good shape. 

• If a PC Fails Compatibility (Missing TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot/UEFI): Some older computers (mostly made before 2016) lack TPM 2.0 support or have an outdated BIOS with no UEFI mode. These are basically no-gos for Windows 11. In theory, one could attempt to upgrade the motherboard or try unsupported installation hacks, but for a small business these options are not practical or reliable. If a work PC doesn’t have the hardware foundation Windows 11 needs, it’s a sign that the machine is quite old.  

The safest move is to plan for a replacement PC that comes with Windows 11 or supports it out of the box. Upgrading a 8-10 year old PC’s internals just to meet Windows 11 requirements often isn’t cost-effective – it’s better to invest in new equipment that will serve you for another 5+ years. 

• If a PC Has a Supported but Older CPU: You might encounter machines that fail the CPU check even though they have, say, a 6th or 7th generation Intel processor that is still reasonably fast. Microsoft drew a somewhat arbitrary line with CPU generations (mostly for security reasons like ensuring VBS and Mode Based Execution Control support). In these gray-area cases, you have a few choices: 

• Check if the manufacturer released any firmware updates enabling TPM/UEFI or if the CPU was later added to Microsoft’s supported list (some 7th-gen Intel chips were later approved). 

• If not supported, you could keep running Windows 10 on those for a bit longer (until 2025) while you budget for replacements. Or, replace them sooner to standardize on Windows 11 across the board. 

• Technically, one could install Windows 11 on unsupported CPUs via a registry hack – but this is not recommended for businesses. It might not receive updates properly and isn’t officially supported, which could lead to instability. It’s best to stay within the support matrix for any critical business system. 

• Consider the PC’s Age and Warranty: As a rule of thumb, PCs older than 4-5 years are approaching the end of their reliable business life. If a desktop or laptop is already that old in 2023-2024, by the 2025 deadline it will be 6-7 years old. Even if you can upgrade it to Windows 11, ask if it’s worth it. Newer PCs bring performance gains, and older ones may start failing (hardware faults, battery wear, etc.).  

Many SMBs follow a 3-5 year refresh cycle for computers. Windows 10 EOL might actually align with your refresh plans – it could be the perfect time to retire those old machines and roll out new Windows 11 devices. On the other hand, if you bought a batch of PCs in 2019 or 2020, those are still relatively new; upgrading them to Windows 11 makes sense to maximize your investment. 

• Hybrid Approach – “Upgrade what you can, replace what you must”: You don’t necessarily have to throw out every Windows 10 PC. Review your inventory: 

• New-ish PCs (2-3 years old) – likely keep and upgrade to Win11. 

• Mid-age PCs (4-5 years) – upgrade if they meet requirements, but monitor performance; maybe extend their life 1-2 years then replace. 

• Old PCs (6+ years or fail requirements) – prioritize for replacement. You might schedule these first in your transition plan. 

This way, you spread out costs and avoid unnecessary waste. If you’re unsure how to evaluate your hardware, consider enlisting an IT partner. Uprise Partners’ IT Managed Services include technology assessments – we can audit your fleet, identify which machines are Windows 11-ready and which aren’t, and recommend an upgrade vs. replace plan that fits your budget and minimizes downtime.  

Remember, every business is different. An architecture firm with high-performance workstations might replace more aggressively, whereas a small accounting office might upgrade in place on slightly older PCs if they still perform adequately. The key is to make an informed decision for each system. 

Budgeting for the Transition: Cost-Effective Approaches 

Upgrading to Windows 11 doesn’t have to break the bank, but it does require planning. Here are some budgeting considerations and tips for a cost-effective transition: 

• Take Advantage of the Free OS Upgrade: If your PCs are compatible, the Windows 11 license won’t cost you anything – it’s a free upgrade from Windows 10. This is a big win for your budget. Unlike the old days where a new OS meant buying licenses, Microsoft is basically giving it to you (assuming you already own Windows 10, which you do). So, the primary costs to budget for are hardware and IT labor, not software licenses. 

• Assess Hardware Upgrade Costs vs. New Purchases: For each borderline PC, compare the cost of upgrading components to the cost of replacement. For example, say you have a decent PC that just needs more RAM and an SSD to run Windows 11 well – that might cost a couple of hundred dollars, far cheaper than a new $1,000 PC.  

On the other hand, if a machine needs a new motherboard for TPM 2.0, plus a new CPU, plus more RAM – that’s essentially building a new PC; you might as well buy a modern one. Prioritize the easy, affordable upgrades: additional memory, larger or faster storage, maybe a peripheral like a webcam if needed for Teams calls, etc. These can extend the life of mid-tier machines at low cost. 

• Plan for Staged Hardware Replacements: You don’t need to replace all old PCs at once. Consider a phased approach to spread out expenses. For example, upgrade critical users or departments first, and schedule others over the year leading up to the October 2025 deadline. Phasing also gives you flexibility to adjust the plan as needed (and perhaps catch end-of-year sales or bulk purchase discounts for new hardware).  

Just don’t procrastinate too much – waiting until late 2025 could leave you scrambling and possibly paying premium for rushed upgrades. Aim to have the majority of your new hardware in place by mid-2025. 

• Hidden Costs – Don’t Forget Training and Downtime: While Windows 11 is user-friendly, there will be minor differences (the Start menu moved, some settings relocated, etc.). It’s wise to allocate a bit of time or budget for employee training or orientation on Windows. This could be as simple as a one-page cheat sheet of “What’s new in Windows 11” or a short demo meeting.  

Also, factor in the IT time to perform upgrades or the potential need for an IT consultant’s assistance. If you don’t have internal IT staff, working with a managed service provider (like our team at Uprise Partners) to handle the upgrades might be a line item in your budget – but one that pays off by ensuring a smooth transition with minimal business disruption. 

• Use Current Hardware Longer with Smart Strategies: Not every user in your company may need the latest and greatest PC. You could implement a cascading strategy – give new Windows 11 PCs to power users or leadership, and trickle down their slightly newer PCs to replace very old machines in less demanding roles. This way, you maximize use of each device. Also, consider whether some staff can make use of laptops you already have if they’re working hybrid, etc. The idea is to be resourceful with what you’ve got, upgrading where it makes sense, and only buying new gear where truly needed. 

• Take Advantage of Vendor Deals and Trade-In Programs: When buying new PCs, check if manufacturers have trade-in programs for your old hardware or bulk purchase deals for small businesses. Sometimes you can get credit for aging machines or get discounts by buying, say, 5 PCs at once. It doesn’t hurt to negotiate or shop around among trusted vendors. Focus on business-class PCs that come with Windows 11 Pro and at least a 1-year warranty (many come with 3-year warranties, which is great for peace of mind). 

• Budget for Software Updates if Needed: Most software that ran on Windows 10 will run on Windows 11. But if you have any critical legacy software, verify compatibility. In rare cases, you might need to update or replace a piece of software that isn’t fully supported on Windows 11. It’s better to discover that early and include it in your planning (for example, upgrading an old accounting application to a Windows 11 compatible version). 

A well-planned budget will consider not just the PCs and OS, but the “all-in” cost of the transition: hardware, time, training, and support. The good news is that moving to Windows 11 can be more of an incremental upgrade than a giant capital expense, especially if you spread it over your normal refresh cycle.  

With the right approach, you’ll improve your IT infrastructure’s security and performance without unpleasant financial surprises. If budgeting or planning isn’t your forte, remember that Uprise Partners offers guidance as part of our services – our IT-in-a-Box solution for small businesses, for instance, can include handling upgrades and hardware refreshes in a cost-efficient package, so you know what to expect upfront. 

Step-by-Step Upgrade Guide: From Windows 10 to Windows11 

Once you’ve decided which computers to upgrade (and possibly after doing some hardware upgrades or replacements), it’s time to actually install Windows 11. Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide to follow: 

1. Check Compatibility of Each PC: Use the PC Health Check app to confirm which devices meet Windows 11 requirements. If any last-minute issues appear (like “TPM disabled” or a BIOS update needed), address those first. Enable TPM and Secure Boot in BIOS if they’re available but turned off. Ensure the PC is running Windows 10 version 2004 or later (run Windows Update on Windows 10 to get the latest updates). 

2. Back Up Important Data: Before doing a major OS upgrade, always back up. Even though the upgrade process should keep all your files and apps in place, there’s always a small risk something could go wrong. Make sure user documents are backed up to OneDrive, SharePoint, an external drive, or another backup solution. If you use Office 365 or cloud storage, a lot of this might already be protected. Also, consider creating a full system image or restore point on critical machines, just in case you need to roll back. 

3. Schedule the Upgrade During Off-Hours: Upgrading to Windows 11 can take some time (anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the PC). Plan the installation for a period when the user can be without their PC. This might be after office hours or on a weekend, or at least during a long lunch break. If you’re doing multiple machines, maybe stagger them so IT can oversee one or two at a time. The upgrade process will reboot the PC several times and run through a few screens. 

4. Start the Upgrade Process: There are a few ways to initiate the Windows 11 upgrade: 

• Windows Update (Recommended): On Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” If the device is compatible, you should see an option to download and install Windows 11. Select it and follow prompts. This is the simplest method. 

• Windows 11 Installation Assistant: If Windows Update isn’t showing the upgrade and you believe the PC is compatible, you can download Microsoft’s Installation Assistant tool from their website. Run it, and it will guide you through the upgrade in a similar fashion. 

• Bootable USB or ISO (for Clean Install or Multiple PCs): For advanced users or IT admins, you can download a Windows 11 ISO and create a USB installer. This can be useful if you want to do a fresh install (wiping the PC and installing Windows 11 from scratch) or if upgrading a lot of PCs offline. Most SMB owners will not need to do this – it’s more work and only really necessary if you want a clean slate or have very custom setups. In-place upgrades via Windows Update are usually just fine. 

5. Follow the Prompts: Once the upgrade starts, Windows will copy files, restart, and eventually present you with some setup screens. You (or your employee) might be asked to accept license terms, choose some privacy settings, and sign in to a Microsoft account (or domain/Office 365 account). For business PCs, it’s best to sign in with the user’s work account (if using Azure AD or Office 365) or a local account as appropriate. Just go through the on-screen instructions – they are fairly straightforward. If asked about account setup and you use Microsoft 365, use those credentials to reconnect things like OneDrive. 

6. Post-Upgrade: Verify and Tweak Settings: Congratulations, Windows 11 should be installed! Now do a quick check: 

• Ensure all the user’s files, applications, and settings are present. Most should carry over directly. 

• Connect any peripherals (printers, scanners) and see that they work. Windows 11 will usually auto-detect and install drivers, but if something is missing (say, a printer doesn’t have a driver), you may need to download a Windows 11 driver from the manufacturer’s site. 

• Check that security software (antivirus, backup agents, etc.) is running. Some AV programs might need an update for Windows 11 compatibility – verify that your security is active. 

• Encourage the user to take a few minutes to get familiar with the new Start menu and taskbar. Maybe pin any important apps back to Start or Taskbar if they didn’t carry over. 

7. Update Drivers and Windows (Again): It’s a good idea to run Windows Update again after the upgrade. This will fetch any Windows 11 specific updates or drivers. Also, open the Microsoft Store app and check for updates to Store apps – the new versions of things like Calculator, Mail, etc., might update after the OS upgrade. If any device isn’t working right (for example, the display resolution looks off or sound is not working), go to Device Manager and see if any drivers are missing (look for any yellow exclamation marks). Update those drivers from Windows Update or the manufacturer’s website as needed. 

8. (Optional) Enable New Features: Windows 11 has some features turned on by default (like Snap layouts). But you might want to configure a few things: 

• If you use OneDrive for backup, ensure it’s signed in and syncing the Desktop/Documents/Pictures. 

• If your organization uses BitLocker encryption (which is a good idea on laptops), check that BitLocker is still on after the upgrade (it usually is). 

• Explore the Windows 11 settings (System > Multitasking to adjust Snap behavior, Personalization to adjust the Start menu, etc.) to fine-tune the experience or align it with company policy. Most settings from Windows 10 will carry over, but it doesn’t hurt to verify important ones (like default browser or power settings). 

9. Communicate with Your Team: Let your staff know about any notable differences in Windows 11. For example, “Your Start button is now centered – click the Windows icon in the middle of the taskbar.” Or “Right-click on the taskbar to get Taskbar Settings if you want to change things.” These little tips can save employees some initial confusion. Emphasize that their core apps (Office, browsers, line-of-business apps) work the same as before. After a day or two, most people will feel right at home. 

By following these steps, you can upgrade PCs to Windows 11 in a controlled, safe manner. If you have many PCs, repeat the process in batches. Always ensure backups are done and don’t hesitate to seek help if something is unclear. (Pro tip: If the DIY route feels overwhelming, Uprise Partners can handle the upgrades for you as part of our managed IT offerings – minimizing disruption and ensuring everything is configured correctly. That way you can focus on running your business, not running installers.) 

Troubleshooting Common Issues During the Upgrade 

Even with good preparation, you might run into a few hiccups during or after the Windows 11 upgrade. Don’t panic – here are some common issues SMBs may encounter and how to fix them: 

Installation Failure or Upgrade Errors 

If the Windows 11 upgrade fails partway and rolls back to Windows 10 (you see a message like “Undoing changes” or an error code), it’s often due to one of a few reasons. Incompatible hardware is the top culprit – double-check that the PC actually meets all requirements (for example, if Secure Boot or TPM were off, the installer might abort). Other causes can include insufficient disk space (make sure you have well over the 64 GB minimum free, ideally 20+ GB free for the install), or outdated drivers/updates on Windows 10 that conflict with the upgrade. To troubleshoot: 

• Ensure the latest Windows 10 updates are installed (including optional driver updates). 

• Disconnect any non-essential devices (extra USB drives, etc.) during the upgrade. 

• Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or security software, which can sometimes interfere. 

• Run Microsoft’s Windows Update Troubleshooter or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant for another try. 

• If you get a specific error code, a quick web search of that code often yields the specific fix. 

Most installation issues can be resolved by addressing the above. If a PC simply refuses to upgrade and it’s critical, you can consider doing a clean install of Windows 11 (back up data, wipe the drive, install fresh) – but consult IT support before taking that route. In stubborn cases, there may be a hardware compatibility quirk. This is where having expert help can save a lot of time. (Our team is just a call away via Contact Us if you need hands-on assistance troubleshooting an upgrade failure.) 

Driver or Device Problems After Upgrade 

It’s not uncommon after upgrading an OS for some device drivers to act up. Perhaps your display resolution is wrong, audio isn’t working, or a printer/scanner is no longer recognized. Windows 11 is pretty good with drivers – it will carry over most from Windows 10 – but here’s what to do if you hit an issue: 

• Update Drivers: Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Optional Updates. If any driver updates are listed, install them. Alternatively, visit the PC manufacturer’s website and look up your model to find Windows 11 drivers for components like the graphics card or audio device. Installing the latest drivers often fixes weird issues. 

• Check Device Manager: Open Device Manager (you can search for it from the Start menu). Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark – that indicates a problem. Right-click and choose “Update driver.” If Windows can’t find one, note the device name and manually download the driver from the vendor’s site (Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors - Microsoft Support). 

• USB/Peripheral Issues: If a USB device (like a keyboard, webcam, etc.) isn’t working, try unplugging and plugging it back in. If that doesn’t work, update the USB controller drivers via Device Manager. Also ensure no special software is needed (for some multifunction printers, you might need to reinstall their software package to restore full functionality). 

• Application Compatibility: Very rarely, you might find an old application or hardware (like a very old label printer or something) doesn’t work on Windows 11. Check the vendor’s site for updates or patches. In worst case, you might need to run that particular app on a different PC or in a compatibility mode. However, most software that runs on Windows 10 continues to run on Windows 11 without issues. 

Performance or User Experience Concerns 

If a PC seems sluggish after upgrading, or an employee is struggling with the new interface: 

• Performance Tweaks: Ensure that the device meets more than the minimum specs. Windows 11 on a minimum spec machine (4 GB RAM, older CPU) will run, but not briskly. Adding memory or upgrading to an SSD can significantly improve performance if you haven’t done so already. Also, check for any background processes that might be hogging resources (open Task Manager). Sometimes third-party antivirus or older startup programs might need updating for Windows 11 and could temporarily cause slowdowns. 

• Visual Effects: Windows 11 has some new animations and effects. On a very borderline machine, turning off visual effects can help. You can do this by searching for “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows” and choosing "Adjust for best performance" (though this makes things look less pretty). 

• User Training: If confusion is the issue (“Where did my taskbar icons go?” or “How do I right-click the taskbar now?”), a quick training session or cheat sheet can resolve it. For example, the taskbar right-click no longer shows Task Manager by default – you now press Ctrl+Shift+Esc or right-click the Start button to get it. Little changes like that can throw people off until they learn the new method. Encourage your team to be patient and ask questions. After a short adjustment period, most find Windows 11 quite comfortable. 

Rolled Back or Needs to Revert 

If something went seriously wrong and you need to roll back to Windows 10, you have a 10-day window after the upgrade to do so easily. In Settings > System > Recovery, there’s an option to go back to Windows 10 (available only within that 10-day post-upgrade period). This can be a safety net if a show-stopping issue arises. However, keep in mind rolling back is a temporary fix – you’ll still need to get to Windows 11 before 2025. It’s better to troubleshoot and fix the Windows 11 install if possible. Use rollback only if a critical business function is broken and you need more time to sort it out. 

Remember: You’re not alone in this process. If you encounter issues that you can’t solve quickly, reach out for help. Microsoft’s support site has a lot of troubleshooting info, and as an SMB, you may have an IT support vendor or managed service provider you can call. Uprise Partners for instance has helped many clients through this transition – from compatibility checks to post-upgrade support. Don’t hesitate to use your resources so that a minor snag doesn’t turn into a major headache. 

The Bottom Line 

If you’re ready to start your Windows 11 journey or have questions specific to your business, contact Uprise Partners today. We can provide a custom roadmap for your upgrade, perform compatibility checks on all your machines, and even handle the heavy lifting of installations and troubleshooting. Don’t wait until the last minute – the sooner you prepare, the smoother the transition will be. With Windows 11 and Uprise Partners as your IT ally, you can face the October 2025 deadline with confidence, knowing your business technology is up-to-date, secure, and optimized for success. 

Your business doesn’t stand still, and neither should your technology. Windows 11 opens the door to better security and productivity– let’s step through that door together and keep your company moving forward.