By Peter Sanderson, Managing Director, OneTeam IT

After nearly four decades in IT, I’ve seen my fair share of overhyped tech, unnecessary upgrades, and software that promised the world and delivered… well, let’s just say less than that. So, when it came time to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, I’ll admit - I wasn’t exactly racing to the download button.

To be fair, I’ve built a bit of a reputation as a Microsoft cynic over the years. And I braced myself for the usual post-upgrade chaos: lost features, broken shortcuts, incompatible apps, and the inevitable swearing at the screen.

But this time? It didn’t happen.

Surprisingly Smooth Sailing

The upgrade process was so uneventful, it was almost disappointing - in the best possible way. Aside from a slight change to the taskbar layout (which I quickly got used to), it felt like I was back to business as usual. No learning curve, no drama, no digging through obscure settings to find the tools I use every day.

Okay, I still don’t love the curved corners on the new application windows (the pedant in me misses the clean angles of Windows 10), but that’s hardly a deal-breaker.

What Matters Most: Reliability and Security

What’s really impressed me, though, are the two things I care most about in any IT environment: reliability and security.

Windows 11 delivers both in spades.

• Reliability: Since upgrading, I haven’t had a single hiccup. Patch updates have been seamless, all my applications still work, and the system just feels stable - something I don’t take for granted after years in the trenches.
• Security: This is where Windows 11 really shines. The enhanced security features work quietly in the background, protecting without getting in the way. Features like hardware-based isolation, TPM 2.0 encryption, and zero trust-ready capabilities aren’t just nice-to-haves - they’re essential in today’s threat landscape.

And the best part? I don’t have to do anything to benefit from them. It just works.

The Clock Is Ticking on Windows 10

If you’re still on Windows 10, here’s the thing: support officially ends in October 2025, but most businesses will feel the pressure well before then. That means no more security updates, no more patches, and a growing risk profile as time goes on.

My advice? If you haven't planned or carried out your Windows 11 upgrade yet,then I suggest getting started while you are still ahead of the support cutoff.

At OneTeam IT, we’ve helped countless businesses seamlessly manage system and device upgrades, ensuring they get the benefits without the stress. If you’re unsure where to start or need help with compatibility, deployment, or licensing - we’re here to help.

Because unlike in the past, this upgrade doesn’t have to be painful. And if this longtime Microsoft skeptic can be converted, that’s saying something.

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