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FAQ: Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for GreenLoop Customers
Why should we upgrade to Windows 11?
Upgrading to Windows 11 provides enhanced security features, improved performance, and a more modern user interface. It also ensures compatibility with the latest software and hardware, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities and improving overall productivity.
Windows 10 will reach end-of-support on October 14, 2025. After this, further security updates will no longer be released for this operating system.
What is the cost of upgrading to Windows 11?
Licensing Cost: In the vast majority of cases, the upgrade is free for computers running an existing licensed copy of Windows 10.
Service Cost: The service cost for upgrading will include a one-time setup fee and ongoing support charges. For a detailed quote, please contact our sales team.
When should we upgrade to Windows 11?
We recommend starting the upgrade process as soon as possible to avoid potential hardware procurement and service delays as the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline approaches on October 14, 2025. Early planning and execution will help ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions to your business operations. Your GreenLoop Account Manager will be in touch with further details and recommendations so you can budget and plan accordingly.
Which computers does GreenLoop recommend upgrading?
Computers must meet Microsoft’s minimum system requirements in order to attempt the in-place upgrade. The minimum system requirements include:
- A compatible 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz clock speed and 2 or more cores.
- 4 GB of RAM or more.
- 64 GB of storage or more.
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
- TPM version 2.0.
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
- A display greater than 9” with HD resolution (720p).
Don’t worry if you don’t understand all of this! Most business-class Windows 10 machines manufactured since 2020 meet the requirements above, and GreenLoop has already evaluated your fleet to gather system requirement compatibility.
GreenLoop fully supports upgrading Windows 10 PCs that meet the above requirements and that will be less than 3 years old as of the end-of-life deadline (October 14, 2025) . For existing customers, we’ll be able to offer a fixed-price quote to upgrade any qualifying machines in your fleet.
Note: GreenLoop strongly recommends 16 GB of RAM for most business customers on Windows 11, but we don’t require this in order to perform the upgrade.
GreenLoop offers qualified support for upgrading older devices, as long as they still meet the Microsoft requirements. In the vast majority of cases, we expect to be able to upgrade successfully. But older Windows installations and software loads can lead to unanticipated difficulties with the upgrade or with post-upgrade performance, so we’re not able to guarantee a fixed price in these cases.
Which computers cannot be upgraded?
Computers that do not meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 cannot be upgraded. This includes devices with older processors or lacking TPM 2.0 support. For GreenLoop clients, your Account Manager can provide detailed information on the upgrade compatibility status of your workstation fleet.
Will my apps continue to work after upgrading?
While the vast majority of applications that run on Windows 10 also work on Windows 11, we recommend piloting the upgrade with a small group of computers to ensure compatibility. This will help identify any potential issues with critical applications before a full rollout. Your GreenLoop Account Manager can help you identify a representative pilot group that incorporates diverse software loads based on user roles.
What can clients and end-users expect from GreenLoop through the upgrade process?
- Pre-Upgrade Consultation: Our team will conduct an assessment of your current workstation inventory and applications. Once we’re done, we’ll present you with a list of workstations with their upgrade compatibility status. This will include machines that you should consider replacing vs. upgrading due to age, and machines that are not capable of being upgraded. We will then work with you to decide which machines to upgrade vs. replace in order to arrive at a budgetary number.
- Pilot Testing: We will assist in setting up a pilot group to test the upgrade and ensure application compatibility.
- Upgrade Execution: Our technicians will handle the upgrade process in batches, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.
Most updates can take place overnight as part of our regular workstation maintenance plan. We just need your users to leave their workstations on or plugged in overnight. We will also send an email reminder the day before your users’ workstations are scheduled to be upgraded. - Post-Upgrade Support: We will provide ongoing support to address any issues that may arise after the upgrade. Our service desk is available to provide priority next-day assistance for any work-disrupting upgrade issues. In some cases it may be necessary to roll back to Windows 10 to remediate any issues (only possible for the first 10 days after upgrade), or perform a clean install.
