The Lingering Impact of COVID-19 Hardware Purchases
The global shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a massive wave of hardware purchases. Organisations rushed to equip their newly distributed workforce, often prioritising immediate needs over long-term compatibility.
Obvious and Immediate Benefits
The move from Windows 7 to 10 was a major overhaul. It brought a visual redesign, a performance boost, and significant security upgrades. With most organisations skipping Windows 8, time between upgrades was lengthy. The changes Windows 10 offered were so substantial that organisations almost had to invest in new hardware to keep up.
Subtle but Important
Unlike the leap from Windows 7 to 10, the initial transition to Windows 11 was less about flashy new features and more about subtle, under-the-hood enhancements. It offers more features, better security, and improved Microsoft apps.
However, many organisations felt that these improvements were not reason enough to upgrade. Remember, at the time of the pandemic, Microsoft Copilot, which requires Windows 11 to access its full capabilities, had not been released or even announced. Prior to Copilot, many organisations felt that it would be more cost-productive to upgrade only when they needed to, assuming the same hardware would be compatible with Windows 11.
This was not the case.
The Pandemic Destroyed Upgrade Paths for Thousands of Companies
Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 to be enabled to support its robust security features. If you were buying brand-new hardware, it probably had TPM 2.0. However, if you’d bought a fleet of older machines as a response to the global pandemic whilst trying to save costs, you’d have unwittingly stranded your company without an upgrade path.
And with Windows 10 support running out in October 2025, companies saddled with old incompatible hardware are realising the massive task ahead of them.
XMA Helps you Navigate the Windows 11 Transition
At XMA, we understand that the Windows 11 transition is about more than just a new operating system – it’s about ensuring your hardware infrastructure is primed for the future.
Our comprehensive approach starts with a thorough assessment of your existing hardware. We use cutting-edge tools to identify devices that fall short of Windows 11 requirements, giving you a clear picture of your upgrade needs.
From there, we handle the entire hardware refresh process, from procurement and deployment to ongoing management. We source the right equipment for your needs, seamlessly integrate it into your environment, and provide proactive support to ensure optimal performance throughout the hardware lifecycle.
Don’t let the legacy of COVID-19 hardware hold you back.
Visit our Windows 11 page at Windows 11 | XMA today and book a free consultation at Windows 11 Readiness (office365.com) to discover how we can help you harness the full value of Windows 11.
