How to Upgrade to Windows 11 for Your Business in Sussex

Posted16 June 2025

Updated16 June 2025

With support for Windows 10 ending in October 2025, now is the time for Sussex businesses to start planning the move to Windows 11. Whether you’re based in Brighton, Worthing, Chichester, Lewes, or Eastbourne, upgrading to Windows 11 can improve your security, performance, and user experience — but it needs to be done properly.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to upgrade safely, what to check before upgrading, and how Cyber United can help Sussex businesses make a smooth transition.

Why Upgrade to Windows 11?

Windows 11 offers several improvements over Windows 10, including:

Enhanced security features
A modern, streamlined interface
Better support for hybrid work and Microsoft 365
Ongoing updates and performance improvements

With Windows 10 reaching end of life in 2025, staying on an unsupported system could expose your business to cyber threats and compliance risks.

1. Check If Your Devices Meet the Requirements

Not all PCs are compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced stricter hardware requirements, including:

TPM 2.0 chip
UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
Intel 8th Gen or newer / AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer
4GB RAM minimum
64GB storage or more

How to check compatibility:
Download and run Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool or contact Cyber United to assess your current devices.

2. Back Up Your Data Before Upgrading

Before any upgrade, ensure your files, applications, and settings are backed up.

Recommended backup methods:

Microsoft 365 cloud storage (OneDrive and SharePoint)
External hard drive backups
Third-party business-grade backup solutions

Tip: Businesses in Sussex should check backup policies are in place across all staff devices — not just servers.

3. Decide Between In-Place Upgrade or Fresh Install

You have two main upgrade paths:

In-place upgrade: Retains all files and apps, ideal for most users.
Fresh install: Wipes the system clean. Best for ageing or problematic PCs.

Cyber United can help you choose the right approach based on your devices, business needs, and software dependencies.

4. Plan the Upgrade Outside of Business Hours

Upgrading during work hours can disrupt productivity. If you’re in Crawley, Hastings, Seaford, or Shoreham-by-Sea, we can schedule evening or weekend upgrades to avoid downtime.

What to plan for:

At least 1–2 hours per device
Internet access for downloads and activation
Local admin access for setup

5. Check Software Compatibility

Ensure your key business applications and tools work with Windows 11.

Check with vendors for:

Antivirus and security software
Line-of-business apps (e.g. accounting, CRM)
Printers, scanners, and specialist hardware drivers

At Cyber United, we help Sussex clients test and verify software compatibility before deploying Windows 11 company-wide.

6. Update Device Drivers and Firmware

To avoid performance issues post-upgrade, it’s important to update all drivers:

Graphics drivers
Network adapters
Peripheral devices
BIOS/firmware updates from the manufacturer

Tip: We can automate driver updates and validation as part of a managed IT service.

7. Train Your Team on Windows 11

The new layout and features in Windows 11 might take time for staff to adjust to. Offering quick onboarding or guidance can reduce confusion and support requests.

Helpful areas to cover:

New Start Menu and taskbar
Virtual desktops and Snap layouts
Microsoft Teams integration
File Explorer changes

Cyber United can provide training materials or live onboarding sessions for teams across Sussex.

8. Consider Replacing Outdated Hardware

If your current PCs are not compatible, upgrading to new Windows 11-ready machines may be more cost-effective than upgrading old hardware.

We recommend:

Business-grade laptops and desktops with TPM 2.0
SSD storage for faster performance
Minimum 8GB RAM for long-term usage

We offer hardware procurement, setup, and migration support across East and West Sussex.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to Windows 11 doesn’t have to be a headache — especially when you have expert local support. Whether your business is in Lewes, Bognor Regis, Hailsham, or Burgess Hill, Cyber United can guide you through a smooth, secure, and disruption-free upgrade to Windows 11.

Need Help Upgrading to Windows 11 in Sussex?

At Cyber United, we provide expert IT support to businesses across Sussex. From compatibility checks and data backups to full Windows 11 rollouts, we make sure your upgrade is done right the first time.