Windows 11 Migrations: Knowledge From the Other Side of the Jump 

Quick Summary 

• Hardware compatibility raises the stakes, and the potential costs involved. 
• Migrating to Windows 11 from Windows 10 isn’t always straightforward – issues often arise if machines aren’t fully updated beforehand. 
• Driver and firmware compatibility is a big stumbling block.
• Network file sharing has changed – older SMB protocols are no longer supported by default in Windows 11. 
• Don’t assume application compatibility, even if developers claim it’s true!
• Real-world insights show planning and pre-checks save time, money, and headaches. 

Making the Leap to Windows 11 – Lessons we’ve learnt so far.

As many businesses move towards Windows 11, we’ve been helping organisations of all shapes and sizes make the transition from Windows 10. While Microsoft promotes the process as seamless, the reality is often more complicated – especially in enterprise environments with a mix of hardware, bespoke software, and legacy systems. 

Here’s what we’ve learnt from being on the frontline of Windows 11 migrations. 

One of the First Hurdles is Hardware Compatibility. 

Windows 11 enforces stricter requirements than Windows 10 – including mandatory TPM 2.0 support, Secure Boot, a supported CPU list, and don’t forget 2-3x the RAM!  

This often means some perfectly serviceable machines need replacing or upgrading before they can be brought in line. Even when hardware is technically supported, BIOS settings often need adjusting. Understanding the capabilities of your hardware estate early is key to avoiding last-minute surprises. 

Update Your Windows 10 Machines First 

The upgrade tool Microsoft provides is handy – but not infallible. One of the most common issues we see? 

Machines not fully updated before attempting the jump. 

• The upgrade tool often fails if the system is behind on feature updates. 
• Best practice is to incrementally update to the latest version of Windows 10 first. 
• Only then should you attempt the upgrade to Windows 11. 

Skipping this step often leads to upgrade failures, lost time, and frustrated users. 

Drivers and Firmware: Don’t Rely on the Wizard 

Many assume the Windows upgrade process will handle driver and firmware updates automatically. 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t. 

• Manufacturer-specific firmware needs to be checked and updated manually. 
• This includes things like BIOS updates, chipset drivers, and specialist peripherals. 
• Without this prep work, machines can become unstable post-upgrade or fail during the process. 

Our advice? Always visit the manufacturer’s site for each model and update everything before the move. 

Watch Out for Network Sharing Changes (Especially SMB) 

One major technical change in Windows 11 is how file sharing over networks is handled. 

The SMB1 protocol (used by older devices and systems) is no longer supported by default. 

• SMB (Server Message Block) is the protocol that handles Windows network file sharing. 
• Windows 11 supports SMB v2 and v3, but SMB1 is considered insecure and deprecated. 
  • If you still rely on SMB1 for legacy systems, you’ll need to either: 
  • Migrate to newer systems that use SMB2 or SMB3 
  • Reconfigure Windows 11 to support SMB1 (not recommended for security reasons) 

Best course of action? Upgrade your file sharing systems before the migration. Microsoft has more on this here. 

Test All Business-Critical Applications in Advance 

Vendors often claim their software is “Windows 11 compatible” – but that doesn’t mean it’ll work in your environment. 

We’ve seen issues with: 

• Software that relies on old frameworks or runtimes no longer default in Windows 11. 
• Licensing problems due to hardware ID changes after upgrade. 
• UI glitches or unresponsive features on modern Windows versions. 

Our golden rule? 

Test every essential app manually (or virtually) on a Windows 11 machine before you roll out the migration across your estate. This avoids surprises and ensures continuity. 

Final Thoughts: Planning Pays Off 

Migrations are always about balance – balancing time, risk, and business continuity. 

From our experience: 

• Preparation is everything – a few extra hours checking drivers and firmware saves days of troubleshooting. 
• Don’t assume compatibility – test early, test often. 
• Communicate with your teams – training and support helps smooth the transition. 

If your organisation is planning the move to Windows 11 and wants expert help managing the process, we’re here to share what we’ve learnt – and make sure your jump is as smooth as possible. Contact Trustco today about your Windows 11 Migration.