Who needs to make this decision?

Office managers checking compatibility

If essential software, printers or specialist peripherals depend on an existing PC, establish whether that machine can move to Windows 11 and whether the office can keep using those tools after migration.

People responsible for data and recovery

If the office handles customer, employee or business data, include backups, restoration and continuing security updates in the device plan. The Information Commissioner’s Office advises organisations handling personal data to use security measures appropriate to their circumstances and risks.

Teams choosing between desks and mobility

Match replacement PCs to where staff actually work. A permanent desk and work across several locations place different demands on portability, connections and support.

What should the office check first?

Start with the existing PCs and the work they must support. Then decide which can migrate, which need replacement and whether any need a short-term security-update bridge.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Supported system Check the complete Windows 11 requirements for each PC, including processor, TPM 2.0 status, UEFI and Secure Boot capability, memory and storage. I need to know whether an existing PC has a supported route before replacing it. Around 36% of consumers put operating-system eligibility first.
Migration continuity Test essential applications and peripherals, and plan access to business data, licences and a restorable backup. Our work depends on software and files being available after the move, not just on a new PC starting up. For around 29% of consumers, continuity is the primary concern.
Work-location fit Choose a desktop or laptop for each role, then check the required displays, ports, docking arrangements and support terms on the exact configuration. Some staff stay at one workstation; others need to carry their computer between locations. Work-location fit comes first for around 21% of consumers.
Transition timing If considering commercial Extended Security Updates, confirm Windows 10 version 22H2, Microsoft’s enrolment prerequisites and a date for completing migration. We need more time to test or replace a PC without treating the delay as a permanent plan. Around 14% of consumers chiefly need that temporary bridge.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Treating TPM 2.0 as the entire compatibility check

    A TPM listing alone does not establish Windows 11 eligibility. Microsoft also specifies processor, firmware, memory, storage and other requirements.

    Assess each PC against the full requirements; check whether TPM 2.0 is disabled before deciding that the hardware lacks it.

  • Using Extended Security Updates as a permanent plan

    Microsoft says commercial Extended Security Updates cover critical and important security updates for enrolled Windows 10 devices, not new features, non-security updates or general Windows support.

    Set a migration deadline for each covered PC and use the bridge period to finish compatibility testing or replacement.

  • Moving devices without testing recovery

    A replacement can interrupt access to files, accounts, applications or peripherals even when its operating system is suitable. The Information Commissioner’s Office highlights timely restoration as part of data security for organisations handling personal data.

    Test backup restoration and move one representative user before rolling out changes across the office.

  • Assuming a business-range name guarantees the right configuration

    Models within the same range can differ in operating system, connections and support arrangements. A portfolio description does not establish what a particular order includes.

    Check the exact model and configuration against the office’s software, display, peripheral and support requirements.

Business PC brands to consider

These manufacturers offer ranges relevant to small-office replacement, but suitability depends on the exact model and service terms.

Dell

Dell presents its Dell Pro range to small businesses, with laptop and desktop options alongside deployment and support services.

  • Worth considering where the office wants to assess device and service options together.
  • Confirm the ordered Windows edition, configuration, warranty and applicable service level rather than relying on range-wide claims.

HP

HP’s business ranges include ProBook and EliteBook laptops and ProDesk and EliteDesk desktops, spanning mobile and fixed-desk choices.

  • The distinct laptop and desktop lines give the office relevant form factors to assess by role.
  • Check the individual model’s processor, memory, ports, operating system and management options.

Lenovo

Lenovo positions ThinkPad laptops for mobile work and ThinkCentre desktops for fixed-office setups.

  • The two ranges provide starting points for comparing portable and desk-based replacements.
  • Verify the machine type, exact configuration, Windows edition and warranty entitlement for the device being considered.

Joybuy product choices

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can a small office keep using a Windows 10 PC?

A Windows 10 PC can still run, but Microsoft ended standard technical assistance, feature updates and security updates on 14 October 2025. Continuing to use one is not the same as having a supported system; assess the work and data involved and plan an upgrade, replacement or eligible temporary bridge.

Is TPM 2.0 enough for a Windows 11 upgrade?

No. Microsoft’s Windows 11 requirements also cover a compatible processor, at least 4 GB of memory, 64 GB of storage, suitable graphics and UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability. Check whether TPM 2.0 is disabled on an otherwise capable PC before ruling out an upgrade.

Can Extended Security Updates cover a PC while replacements are arranged?

Microsoft’s commercial Extended Security Updates can provide critical and important security updates during a temporary transition if the PC meets the enrolment requirements. For physical machines, Microsoft specifies Windows 10 version 22H2 and required updates and activation steps; the programme does not restore general Windows support.

What should an office handling personal data consider during replacement?

The Information Commissioner’s Office advises organisations to use security measures appropriate to their processing and risks, including the ability to restore access to personal data after an incident. Test backups and access to essential systems as part of the migration, and assess the office’s particular circumstances when making a compliance decision.