Category: Windows 11

Upgrading to Windows 11? Check For Tech Support First!

12/13/2021

Windows 11 debuted to the public on October 5. So far, most of the upgrades to Microsoft’s newest desktop operating system have proceeded smoothly. Yet, that does not translate into a blanket “go for it” policy for accounting and financial professionals. Therefore, as discussed below, we urge caution before upgrading to Windows 11 due to technical support availability.

Availability of Technical Support is Critical

As every business professional knows, ensuring the availability of technical support for all essential line-of-business (LOB) applications is critical. Notably, without tech support, how can a business get back up and running quickly if an application runs slowly or crashes? Therefore, situations such as these require that technical support is available for all critical applications.

To illustrate, imagine a public accounting firm attempting to generate tax returns during the height of tax season. In that environment, time is of the essence! Assume the firm upgraded to Windows 11, but their tax software publisher did not support the software in that environment. How would the firm complete all necessary tax returns if the tax software frequently crashed? Further, would the firm be able to file extension requests electronically on behalf of its clients? For such reasons, before you upgrade, please verify that the publishers of your critical applications support them on Windows 11.

A Sampling of Accounting-Oriented Applications Supported on Windows 11

Of course, not all Windows applications presently offer technical support if you install the application on a Windows 11-based computer. To illustrate, consider the table below. It shows the system requirements published by each company as a proxy for the availability of technical support. Specifically, you will note the simple fact that many publishers do not yet support their software on Windows 11. Of course, this information can change quickly. Therefore, you should verify the availability of technical support in Windows 11 environments with your software publishers.

Application	Supported on Windows 11?	Click for More Information
CCH ProSystem fx Tax Software 2021	No	ProSystem fx
Drake 2021 Tax Software	Yes	Drake
Intuit Lacerte 2021 Tax Software	Yes	Lacerte
Intuit ProSeries 2021 Tax Software	Yes	ProSeries
Intuit QuickBooks 2022 Desktop	No	QuickBooks
Sage 50cloud Accounting	No	Sage 50cloud
Spire Desktop	No	Spire
Thomson Reuters UltraTax 2021 Tax Software	No	UltraTax

Fortunately, there are many similarities between Windows 11 and Windows 10. Therefore, it is improbable that most users will experience any problems when running unsupported software on Windows 11. However, can you afford to take that chance? Keep in mind, if you run any unsupported applications on Windows 11, you will likely be on your own for technical support. Moreover, you may even find that you need to roll back to Windows 10 – a time-consuming and unpleasant task!

Summary

Just over six weeks since its introduction, Windows 11 generally receives very high marks for compatibility, speed, and security. Accordingly, these accolades may tempt many into wanting to upgrade as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Obviously, for many, that can be a good decision. However, for those who need to run software not yet supported in a Windows 11 environment, the upgrade could be very costly in terms of slow processing, downtime, and technical support. Therefore, although we are generally bullish on Windows 11, check for the availability of technical support on your critical applications before you choose to upgrade.

You can learn more about Windows 11 and other technologies by participating in a K2 Enterprises training session.

Tommy Stephens

Four Critical Considerations for Windows 11

11/6/2021

Microsoft officially unveiled Windows 11 on October 5. The latest update to the Windows operating systems offers some subtle changes and some that are not so subtle. As a result, many users and technology teams might think upgrading immediately is the right strategy. On the other hand, others will find that deferring the upgrade is the wiser choice. In this article, we examine four critical considerations associated with the decision to upgrade to Windows 11.

Verify You Have A Supported Computer

As you have probably heard by now, Windows 11 requires a relatively well-equipped computer to run in a fully-supported environment. More specifically, the following are the critical hardware requirements for Windows 11 to run in a supported environment.

1 GHz or faster 64-bit multi-core processor or System on a Chip
4GB of RAM
64 GB or larger disk drive
UEFI, Secure Boot capable
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
DirectX 12 or later graphics card with WDDM 2.0 driver
High-def display (720p or higher) larger than 9” diagonally
Internet access for updates

While most business-grade computers placed in service within the past three to five years will satisfy these minimum requirements, some will not. The one feature that is most likely missing from some devices is a TPM version 2.0 or newer chip. This chip is one of the cornerstones of the enhanced security features associated with Windows 11. If your computer does not have a TPM 2.0 chip installed, some of the security features available in Windows 11 will not function. Fortunately, although some users’ devices will not have a TPM 2.0 chip installed, if you purchased your computer after July 2016, it is likely to have the required TPM chip installed.

How to Test Your Computer for Compatibility

You can test your computer to see if all necessary hardware components are present by running the Windows PC Health Check app. This app quickly examines your computer and, in a matter of a few seconds, provides you with a report on the availability of required components to run Windows 11. You can download the Windows PC Health Check app by visiting https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp or by clicking here. Once you download the app, access your Downloads folder, and click on the downloaded file to complete the installation. When the installation finishes, click the Check now button to test your computer and receive your report.

Are All Your Applications Supported on Windows 11

Another critical consideration in your upgrade journey to Windows 11 is to verify that all your necessary applications will run on the new version of the operating system and that their publisher supports them on Windows 11. Note that these are two completely different, albeit related, requirements. For example, suppose a critical application you use simply won’t load and run properly and reliably in the Windows 11 environment. In that case, you must likely defer your upgrade until necessary updates allow you to run that application – and all others – in the new environment.

On the other hand, what if a critical application seems to run fine, but the application’s publisher does not yet support it in Windows 11? Again, in that situation, you should likely defer to the upgrade until technical support becomes available. To illustrate, suppose you are in a public accounting practice, and your tax software’s publisher does not yet support your tax software in Windows 11. Can you take the risk of running such a critical application with the prospect of no technical support, should it become needed? Almost certainly not! In that case, deferring the upgrade is likely the right choice.

Train Team Members on How to Take Advantage of Windows 11's New Features

Windows 11 offers to end-users a significant number of new features designed to enhance security and productivity. However, you and your team members cannot take advantage of these features unless you know what they are and how to use them. Among these significant new features are enhanced virtual desktops, widgets, snap layouts, and Teams Chat. Identify those features that your team should likely use and ensure that each team member receives the necessary training to understand how the features can help them and use them effectively.

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF NEW FEATURES IN WINDOWS 11

Develop and Implementation Plan Even if You Postpone the Windows 11 Upgrade

In any business, implementing a new operating system should never be a haphazard, unplanned process. Therefore, even if you don’t intend to upgrade to Windows 11 right away, you should begin making plans for Windows 11 now. In these plans, you should include the three items addressed above – 1) hardware compatibility and the potential need to upgrade or replace some computers; 2) verifying that all critical applications run as expected on Windows 11 and that their publisher supports them in that environment; and, 3) creating a training plan to ensure that all team members understand the new features that are relevant to them and how to take advantage of these new features. Additionally, your implementation plan should include a timeline for rolling out Windows 11 to your team.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PLANNING FOR WINDOWS 11

Summary

Many professionals view operating system upgrades as necessary evils of modern computing environments, sometimes creating more problems than providing benefits. However, in most cases where the upgrades provide questionable benefits, the culprit is likely poor planning, which, in turn, leads to less than satisfactory results. Fortunately, that need not be the case with Windows 11. By addressing the four critical considerations outlined above, you can make the transition to Windows 11 for you and your team a smooth and productive one. Best of luck on this endeavor!

Learn more about Windows 11 and other new technologies by participating in a K2 Enterprises training event. You can learn more at https://shop.k2e.ca

Tommy Stephens

Five Key Things to Know About Windows 11

7/5/2021

By now, you have likely heard that Microsoft will release Windows 11 later this year. Although more evolutionary than revolutionary, Windows 11 will impact businesses and individuals alike. Therefore, whether you plan to upgrade immediately or wait a while, now is the time to develop your upgrade strategy. Read on to learn five key things about Windows 11 to help you create that strategy.

Key New Features In Windows 11

One key new feature in Windows 11 is a redesigned user interface. In particular, the Start button and the taskbar have relocated to the bottom center of the screen. Also, the Start button will show recently used files.

Another key new feature is integrated Chat and videoconferencing tools from Microsoft Teams. Thus, if you use Teams, you can access your tools directly from the taskbar. Also, surprising many, Microsoft announced that Windows 11 can run apps designed for the Android operating system. You will be able to search for and install these apps from the Microsoft Store.

Additionally, Windows 11 improves how computers arrange windows. For instance, Snap Layouts and Snap Groups allow you to quickly arrange multiple open windows on your device. Further, if you disconnect from a second monitor, icons for the apps open on that monitor will appear in the taskbar.

Also, laptop and tablet computers may get better battery life with Windows 11. With the updated operating system, users may be able to manage how often the screen refreshes. Reducing the number of refreshes per second improves battery life.

The New Version Of Windows Requires More Horsepower

A potential drawback for some, the new version of Windows requires more computing power than its predecessors. Specifically, Microsoft released the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, and they are substantially more demanding than for prior versions.

An Intel 8th Generation Coffee Lake or Zen 2 CPUs, or higher
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 support
4 GB of Random Access Memory (RAM)
64 GB of storage

The practical implication of these requirements, should Microsoft stick to them, is that millions of existing devices will not be eligible to upgrade to Windows 11.

The Windows Update Is Free

Like previous versions of Windows, the upgrade to Windows 11 will be free for existing Windows 10 customers. In a July 24 announcement, Microsoft announced that consumers would begin to receive the update during the 2021 Holiday Season. However, some IT professionals speculate that update could start arriving as early as October.

If you are running Windows 10, you can check your Windows Settings to see if the upgrade is available to you at any point. To do so, go to Settings, Update & Security, Windows Update, and click Check for Updates. If it is available to you, you will see Feature update to Windows 11. If you see that, click Download and install.

The New Version Of Windows Will Provide Enhanced Security

In an ever-risky cybersecurity environment, one of the most critical enhancements in the new version of Windows is better security. More to the point, with the Windows update, Microsoft seems to embrace the concept of “zero-trust” security models. The requirement of a TPM chip for Windows 11 devices seems to confirm this strategy. With a TPM chip in place, the operating system can create and store encryption keys. Further, the TPM chip can assist with authenticating a device, a key component of zero-trust security models. Moreover, the new version of Windows enables other security measures by default, rather than relying on end-users to activate them, further improving security.

You can learn more about Windows 11 from Microsoft by clicking here

Settings Will Be Easier To Find And Manage

For those who occasionally need to tweak various settings, Windows 11 will make it easier to do so. With a redesigned Settings app, you can access and manage your Settings easier than with Windows 10. For instance, you will be able to see which devices are paired to your computer. You will also be able to see which subfolder you are currently looking in. And, the new version of Windows will remember where windows were located you reconnect to an external monitor. All these improvements should translate into less time managing your device and more time using it.

Summary

Many consider operating systems a “necessary evil” of computing – perhaps rightly so! However, refinements continue to appear that make them more palatable and contribute to efficiency and security. The next version of Windows seems to offer such advances. While it’s not as revolutionary as some of its predecessors, the enhancements promised in Windows should make computing easier and safer for potentially hundreds of millions of users. However, keep in mind that older devices probably not be upgradeable, so there could be new hardware costs on the horizon. So begin planning now for your migration to Windows 11 to ensure no unpleasant surprises along the way.

Want to learn more about Windows 11 and other emerging technologies?
Consider a K2 Enterprises Technology Conference!

Tommy Stephens

Authors

Ward Blatch
Ward provides consulting and training services as the Managing Director of K2E Canada Inc. He joined K2E Canada in 2005 and is responsible for the Canadian operations of this international consulting group, which provides professional development technology education for accountants across Canada and the US. Ward lives in rural Nova Scotia and can be reached at [email protected].

Tommy Stephens
Tommy is one of the shareholders in K2 Enterprises, affiliating with the Firm in 2003 and joining as a shareholder in 2017. At K2, Tommy focuses on creating and delivering content and is responsible for many of the Firm's management and marketing functions. Tommy resides in the metro Atlanta area. You may reach him at [email protected].

Randy Johnson
Randy is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with over 40 years experience in Strategic Technology Planning, Accounting Software Selection, Paperless, Systems and Network Integration, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, Business Development and Management, Process Engineering and outsourced managed services. Randy can be reached at [email protected]

Bernie Smith
Bernie coaches businesses to develop meaningful KPIs and present their management information in the clearest possible way to support good decision making. As the owner of Made to Measure KPIs, he has worked with major organisations including HSBC, Airbus, UBS, Barclays, Credit Suisse, Lloyds and many more.

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Upgrading to Windows 11? Check For Tech Support First!

Availability of Technical Support is Critical

A Sampling of Accounting-Oriented Applications Supported on Windows 11

Summary

Tommy Stephens

Four Critical Considerations for Windows 11

Verify You Have A Supported Computer

Are All Your Applications Supported on Windows 11

Train Team Members on How to Take Advantage of Windows 11's New Features

Develop and Implementation Plan Even if You Postpone the Windows 11 Upgrade

Summary

Tommy Stephens

Five Key Things to Know About Windows 11

Key New Features In Windows 11

The New Version Of Windows Requires More Horsepower

The Windows Update Is Free

The New Version Of Windows Will Provide Enhanced Security

Settings Will Be Easier To Find And Manage

Summary

Tommy Stephens

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