As the end-of-life for Windows 10 approaches on October 14, 2025, businesses must start planning their migration strategies to ensure a smooth transition to Windows 11. This blog will delve into the latest Windows 11 hardware requirements, focusing on CPU specifications, the impact on business hardware lifecycle decisions, and the security advantages of the latest hardware. We'll also explore how organizations can plan for hardware replacements and best practices, and how Windows 365 can extend the life of hardware that doesn't meet Windows 11 requirements.
Windows 10 End-of-Life Planning
With Windows 10 support ending, businesses need to prioritize upgrading to Windows 11 to continue receiving security updates and support. This transition is crucial for securing IT infrastructure and ensuring business continuity.
Windows 11 Hardware Requirements
To run Windows 11, devices must meet specific hardware requirements. These include:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
- RAM: 4 GB or more
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel
CPU Requirements and Business Impact
The CPU requirements for Windows 11 are particularly stringent. Only certain processors are supported, including newer Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm models. As of the latest update for Windows 11 24H2, only 11th-generation Intel Core processors and newer are officially supported. This change means that older Intel processors, such as 8th, 9th, and 10th-generation models, are no longer supported for the latest version of Windows 11. This can impact businesses significantly, as older hardware may not meet these requirements, necessitating hardware upgrades or replacements.
Supported Intel CPU Chipsets for Windows 11 24H2
Here are some of the supported Intel CPU chipsets for Windows 11 24H2:
- Intel® Core™ i3: 11th Gen and newer (e.g., i3-1115G4, i3-1125G4)
- Intel® Core™ i5: 11th Gen and newer (e.g., i5-1135G7, i5-1145G7)
- Intel® Core™ i7: 11th Gen and newer (e.g., i7-1165G7, i7-1185G7)
- Intel® Core™ i9: 11th Gen and newer (e.g., i9-11900H, i9-11980HK)
These processors meet the design principles around security, reliability, and the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
Supported AMD CPU Chipsets for Windows 11 24H2
Windows 11 24H2 also supports a range of AMD processors. Here are some of the supported AMD CPU chipsets:
- AMD Ryzen™ 3: 3rd Gen and newer (e.g., Ryzen 3 3100, Ryzen 3 4300G)
- AMD Ryzen™ 5: 3rd Gen and newer (e.g., Ryzen 5 3600, Ryzen 5 4600G)
- AMD Ryzen™ 7: 3rd Gen and newer (e.g., Ryzen 7 3700X, Ryzen 7 4700G)
- AMD Ryzen™ 9: 3rd Gen and newer (e.g., Ryzen 9 3900X, Ryzen 9 5900X)
- AMD EPYC™: 2nd Gen and newer (e.g., EPYC 7252, EPYC 7742)
These processors are designed to meet the security, reliability, and performance standards required for Windows 11.
Security Advantages on Latest Hardware
Windows 11 leverages the latest hardware to provide enhanced security features. These include:
- Secure Boot: Ensures that only trusted software can start when the device boots
- TPM 2.0: Provides hardware-based security-related functions
- Virtualization-Based Security (VBS): Uses hardware virtualization features to create and isolate a secure region of memory
- Windows Hello: Uses biometric authentication for secure and convenient sign-ins
These features help protect against sophisticated attacks and ensure data integrity, making Windows 11 a robust choice for securing IT infrastructure.
The Rise of Copilot+ PCs and AI
Windows 11 introduces Copilot+ PCs, a new class of AI-powered devices with specialized neural processing units (NPUs) capable of performing over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS) . These devices enhance productivity and provide unique AI-driven experiences, making them ideal for businesses looking to leverage AI technology.
Planning for Hardware Replacements
Organizations should start planning for hardware replacements by:
- Assessing Current Hardware: Use enterprise-grade analytics tools or Digital Experience Monitoring (DEX) solutions to audit your hardware assets. These tools provide detailed insights into hardware performance, usage patterns, and overall health.
- Budgeting for Upgrades: Allocate budget for necessary hardware upgrades or replacements.
- Phased Rollout: Implement a phased rollout plan to minimize disruption.
- Training and Support: Provide training and support to employees to ensure a smooth transition.
Best Practices for Migration
- Data Backup: Ensure all critical data is backed up before starting the migration process.
- Compatibility Testing: Test applications and peripherals for compatibility with Windows 11.
- Pilot Testing: Conduct pilot testing with a small group of users before a full-scale rollout.
Extending Hardware Life with Windows 365
For hardware that doesn't meet Windows 11 requirements, Windows 365 offers a viable solution. Windows 365 allows businesses to stream a Windows 11 desktop to any device, extending the life of older hardware . This cloud-based service provides flexibility and scalability, making it an excellent option for businesses looking to maximize their existing hardware investments.
Hardware Replacement Strategy with Windows Autopilot and Microsoft Intune with Entra Join
To streamline the hardware replacement process, enterprises can leverage technologies like Windows Autopilot and Microsoft Intune with Entra join. Here’s how:
- Windows Autopilot: Simplifies the deployment and management of new devices. It allows IT departments to pre-configure devices, ensuring they are ready for use right out of the box. This reduces the time and effort required for manual setup and configuration.
- Microsoft Intune: Provides comprehensive device management capabilities. With Intune, IT administrators can manage devices, enforce security policies, and ensure compliance. Intune’s enhanced device hardware inventory feature helps in tracking hardware assets and planning for replacements.
- Entra Join: Enables devices to join Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) directly, without the need for on-premises Active Directory. This simplifies identity management and enhances security by leveraging cloud-based authentication and single sign-on (SSO).
Leveraging DEX Tools for Hardware Management
Digital Experience Monitoring (DEX) tools are invaluable for enterprises in managing their hardware lifecycle. Here’s how DEX tools can help:
- End-of-Warranty Tracking: DEX tools can monitor the warranty status of all devices within the organization. They provide alerts when devices are nearing the end of their warranty period, allowing IT departments to plan for replacements or extended warranties proactively.
- Windows 10 Version Tracking: DEX tools can track the versions of Windows 10 running on all devices. This is crucial for identifying devices that are running versions of Windows 10 that are nearing end-of-support. IT departments can then prioritize these devices for upgrades to Windows 11 or other supported versions.
- Performance and Health Monitoring: DEX tools provide detailed insights into device performance and health. This includes monitoring CPU usage, memory usage, disk health, and more. By identifying underperforming or failing hardware early, IT departments can take corrective actions before they impact productivity.
- Usage Analytics: DEX tools can analyze how devices are being used across the organization. This includes tracking application usage, login times, and more. These insights help in making informed decisions about hardware upgrades and replacements based on actual usage patterns.
Implementing the Strategy
- Evaluate Current Hardware: Use Intune’s enhanced device hardware inventory to assess the current state of your hardware.
- Plan for Replacement: Identify devices that do not meet Windows 11 requirements and plan for their replacement.
- Deploy with Autopilot: Use Windows Autopilot to deploy new devices seamlessly. Pre-configure devices to join Entra ID and enroll in Intune for management.
- Manage with Intune: Use Intune to enforce security policies, manage updates, and ensure compliance.
- Monitor and Optimize: Continuously monitor device performance and health using Intune’s analytics and reporting capabilities.