WINDOWS 11 and GARRISONPRO
Frequently asked questions, information, and our stance on the new operating system.
How is GarrisonPro is handling the transition to Windows 11?
As you will see in the questions below, Windows 11 is eventually going to become the new standard for Windows computers. This means that we will need to eventually transition all of our managed clients to Windows 11 in order to ensure your continued system security, reliability, and functionality.
However, we will not be transitioning to Windows 11 immediately. There is going to be plenty of time between the initial release date for Windows 11, and the end-of-life date for Windows 10 to work out any kinks or issues.
We'll be using this time appropriately to test, develop, and validate the tools and processes we use to keep your computers and your business safe. Rest assured that we will not upgrade any GarrisonPro managed computers to Windows 11 until we can ensure that we are able to provide you with the same level of security, stability, and functionality that you have come to expect from our services and expertise under Windows 10.
At this time, all GarrisonPro managed systems are set to actively block the Windows 11 upgrade. When we feel that Windows 11 is ready for prime time, we'll work with you and your team to implement a phased Windows 11 upgrade plan for your business so that you can continue to enjoy secure, reliable, systems.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact us and ask, or refer to the FAQ, below.
F.A.Q.
What is Windows 11?
Windows 11 is a new version of the Microsoft Windows Operating System. An operating system is the core software that runs your computer and determines how it will look, feel, and act when you power it on.
Windows 11 is the successor to Windows 10. Over the next few years, Windows 11 will gradually become Microsoft's primary and only focus. Eventually, Windows 10 will no longer be supported by Microsoft, and all Windows computers will either be upgraded to Windows 11, or replaced with new Windows 11 systems.
When is this happening?
Windows 11's official release date is October 5th, 2021. After this date, you will be able to install Windows 11 on any computer with the required hardware, and upgrade current Windows 10 systems to Windows 11 for free.
What does it cost?
All Windows 10 systems with an active and valid Windows 10 license will be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free after the official Windows 11 release date of October 5th, 2021. Whether or not your computer is able to take advantage of this free upgrade though, depends on the hardware in your system.
What are the hardware requirements?
You're going to need a computer that is compatible with modern security and secure boot methods. The vast majority of computers sold since 2017 - 2018 are compatible with these requirements. If you have a much older computer, or a computer which does not some of the built-in security hardware, you will eventually need to replace your computer, or upgrade the internal components of the system.
GarrisonPro will work with all of our clients as part of this Windows 11 transition process to evaluate current hardware, and phase out systems which would be incompatible with Windows 11.
What if I just want to keep what I already have (Windows 10) instead?
You can - and that's perfectly fine. We would actually prefer that you do so. Continue using Windows 10 for now, and we'll make sure that we do not upgrade or change anything for you until it makes good business sense to do so. Windows 10 is going to continue to be supported by Microsoft until October 14, 2025. This means that you will continue to receive security and stability patches for your systems, and everything can continue working in the manner that it is currently configured. You still have years of life left in your current systems before Windows 11 becomes a necessity.
