Originally adapted from The Technology Press. Substantially reviewed and updated 15 September 2026. Regular support for Windows 10 version 22H2 ended on 14 October 2025. Some editions have different lifecycles, and eligible Extended Security Updates can provide a limited transition period. Neither is a reason to leave the device estate unplanned. Windows 11 eligibility is only the starting point. Your applications, peripherals, licences and recovery arrangements also need to fit. Identify the exact Windows edition and lifecycle.Microsoft lifecycle Pilot the real business workload.Compatibility Schedule rollout, recovery and replacement.Business continuity Practical checkpoints, not a guarantee of security or compliance. Check Microsoft’s supported hardware requirements. Confirm the processor, TPM 2.0 and UEFI/Secure Boot capability. Minimum requirements are not a performance recommendation. Do not use a hardware bypass as a business support plan. Test applications and connected equipment. Include printers, specialist software, security tools and add-ins. Microsoft 365 or Office requires its own suitable entitlement and supported version. Answer the remaining three questions: licensing, recovery and timing. Confirm licences; back up and test recovery; then pilot a small group before scheduling wider deployment. Replace devices that cannot meet the supported business requirement. Talk to ITFR about your business, priorities and the controls that fit.An upgrade is a business change, not just a download
What to check
1. Is the device eligible?
What to check
2. Will the work still run?
What to check
3. How will the change be managed?
What to check
Sources & further reading
Make the next step practical
