Windows 11 – Natpoint

Company Check : Windows 11 Slims Down

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Paul Stradling

Microsoft is redesigning parts of Windows 11 to use less memory, a move that could help millions of older and lower-cost PCs remain responsive as rising RAM prices make hardware upgrades increasingly expensive.

Why Is Microsoft Doing This?

The company has confirmed that reducing Windows’ memory footprint has become one of its major engineering priorities.

Writing in an update on Microsoft’s Windows quality programme, Pavan Davuluri, President of Windows and Devices, said the company is focusing on “memory optimisation for 8GB and above” by “reducing Windows memory footprint to deliver a fast and responsive Windows experience across the PCs customers use every day.”

The announcement forms part of a broader initiative to improve Windows 11 performance, reliability and responsiveness while making everyday tasks feel faster and smoother.

Although Microsoft has not linked the changes directly to the global memory shortage, the timing is significant. Memory prices have risen sharply as AI infrastructure consumes increasing quantities of advanced memory chips, making even budget PCs more expensive to manufacture.

That matters because many Windows computers still operate with 8GB of RAM, particularly lower-cost laptops purchased by home users, schools and small businesses.

How Will Windows Use Less Memory?

Rather than removing features, Microsoft says it’s redesigning how Windows manages memory behind the scenes.

One area receiving attention appears to be the operating system’s memory allocator, which determines how Windows distributes RAM between applications and system components. Improving that process reduces unnecessary overhead and leaves more working memory available for users’ software.

Microsoft says it’s also continuing to optimise WinUI 3, the framework behind many modern Windows applications.

As Davuluri explained, Microsoft has delivered “substantial improvements in memory efficiency and latency”, adding that “these investments are strengthening the platform foundation needed to accelerate the modernisation of Windows 11 and the broader application ecosystem.”

The company is also improving Chromium and WebView2, technologies that underpin Microsoft Edge and many Windows applications. Since these components appear throughout Windows, even relatively small efficiency improvements can reduce memory consumption across the operating system.

Taken together, the changes are intended to make Windows feel more responsive without requiring additional hardware.

Can Software Really Replace More RAM?

In reality, the short answer is yes, but only up to a point. Microsoft isn’t suggesting that software optimisation can turn an 8GB computer into the equivalent of a 16GB machine. Applications still require physical memory, and demanding workloads such as video editing, software development, engineering design and advanced AI tools will continue to benefit significantly from larger amounts of RAM.

However, operating systems themselves inevitably consume part of the available memory before users even open an application.

Reducing that overhead means more RAM remains available for web browsers, office applications, video conferencing software and other everyday workloads. On lower-specification devices, even relatively modest reductions in memory usage can improve responsiveness by reducing the need for Windows to move data between RAM and slower storage.

The result is not necessarily a more powerful PC, but one that feels faster during everyday use.

The AI Hardware Challenge

The announcement also reflects a wider challenge facing today’s PC industry.

Over the past year, Microsoft has invested heavily in Copilot+ PCs, a new category of AI-capable computers that require a neural processing unit delivering at least 40 trillion operations per second, together with a minimum of 16GB of RAM.

Those specifications enable advanced AI features to run directly on the device rather than relying entirely on cloud computing. However, they also place many lower-cost computers outside the Copilot+ ecosystem.

At the same time, rising memory prices have increased the cost of building mainstream PCs, making 16GB configurations less affordable than many manufacturers had expected.

Optimising Windows for 8GB devices therefore allows Microsoft to improve the experience for millions of existing users while the wider hardware market adjusts to changing component costs.

Rather than encouraging immediate replacement, Microsoft appears to be extending the useful life of existing computers that remain perfectly capable of handling everyday business tasks.

Part Of A Wider Windows Refresh

It should be noted here, however, that memory optimisation is really only one element of Microsoft’s broader Windows quality programme.

The company says it has already introduced improvements across File Explorer, Windows Search, Start, the taskbar, Windows Hello, printer support, Bluetooth connectivity and Windows Update while continuing to strengthen the underlying architecture of Windows 11.

Davuluri said: “We’re continuing to invest across the full stack, from the kernel and shell to the apps and developer tools built on Windows, so performance improvements benefit the broad range of ways people use Windows.”

He added that “application launches and experiences like Start, File Explorer, Search, and Snipping Tool are faster and more responsive”, while boot and logon times have also improved.

Many of these enhancements have already appeared in Windows Insider preview builds and are expected to roll out more widely through future Windows 11 updates.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

For businesses, Microsoft’s announcement offers some reassurance that existing Windows hardware may remain productive for longer than many organisations had anticipated. Improving memory efficiency can’t overcome genuine hardware limitations, although it can help extend the useful life of devices that still perform well for everyday office applications, helping businesses delay costly replacement programmes during a period of unusually high component prices.

The announcement also highlights an important change in how software companies are responding to AI-driven hardware costs. For example, rather than relying solely on increasingly powerful specifications, Microsoft is investing in making Windows itself more efficient so that performance improvements benefit a much wider range of devices. That approach could prove particularly valuable while global memory supplies remain constrained and hardware costs continue to fluctuate.

A key point to note here is that Microsoft’s latest work demonstrates that software optimisation still has an important role alongside advances in hardware. Faster processors and larger amounts of memory will always improve performance, although making better use of the resources that computers already have can often deliver meaningful gains without requiring users to buy entirely new machines.

Tech Tip : Use Windows 11 Point-In-Time Restore To Recover From Problem Updates

Posted on 1 July 2026 by Paul Stradling

If a Windows update, driver, application or settings change leaves your PC unstable or unable to start properly, Windows 11 now includes a built-in Point-in-Time Restore feature that can roll your computer back to an earlier working state in just a few minutes.

Unlike the older System Restore feature, Point-in-Time Restore automatically creates full restore points every 24 hours by default. These include Windows, installed applications, settings and local files, making it much easier to recover from software problems without rebuilding your PC.

To Check Whether The Feature Is Enabled

– Open “Settings”.

– Select “System > Recovery > Point-in-Time Restore”.

– Confirm that the feature is turned on. On many Windows 11 Home and Pro PCs with drives of 200GB or larger, it is enabled automatically.

If Your PC Develops A Serious Problem

– Restart your PC into the “Windows Recovery Environment”.

– Select “Troubleshoot > Point-in-Time Restore”.

– Enter your “BitLocker recovery key” if prompted.

– Choose a restore point created before the problem occurred.

– Confirm the restore and allow Windows to roll your PC back to that earlier state.

Before using Point-in-Time Restore, remember that any applications, settings or local files created after the selected restore point will be removed. Files stored in OneDrive or another cloud service remain safe, although they may need to synchronise again afterwards.

Point-in-Time Restore provides an excellent safety net when updates or software changes go wrong, but it’s still important to keep your important files backed up to the cloud or another secure location.

Tech News : Microsoft Makes Copilot Optional In Windows 11

Posted on 2 June 2026 by Paul Stradling

Microsoft has introduced a new Windows 11 policy that allows organisations to remove the Microsoft Copilot app from managed devices, giving IT teams greater control over how AI is deployed.

A New Copilot Removal Policy

The change arrived as part of Microsoft’s April 2026 Windows 11 update and introduces a policy called “Remove Microsoft Copilot app”.

According to Microsoft’s own documentation, “This policy setting allows you to uninstall Microsoft Copilot from devices in a targeted way.” The company explains that the policy applies only under specific circumstances, including where Microsoft Copilot was not installed directly by the user and has not been used recently.

Microsoft also states: “The Microsoft Copilot app will be uninstalled. Users can still re-install if they choose to.”

Although that may sound like a relatively minor technical change, it represents quite a notable change in Microsoft’s approach to AI deployment.

Why Microsoft Is Making The Change

For the past two years, Microsoft has invested heavily in positioning Copilot as a central part of the Windows and Microsoft 365 experience.

The company has integrated AI into Windows, Office applications, security products, development tools, search functions, and business workflows. Microsoft’s long-term strategy clearly assumes that AI assistants will become a standard part of everyday computing.

However, adoption has not always matched the enthusiasm coming from technology vendors.

Many organisations remain cautious about introducing AI assistants into business environments due to concerns around governance, licensing costs, staff training, compliance obligations, data protection, and uncertainty about where AI genuinely improves productivity.

The introduction of an official removal policy seems to suggest Microsoft now recognises that many organisations still want the ability to decide for themselves when, where, and how AI tools should be deployed.

Importantly, Microsoft has not positioned the policy as a rejection of AI. Instead, it is being presented as a management and governance tool that gives administrators greater control over managed devices.

What The Policy Actually Does

The policy is aimed primarily at Enterprise, Education, and other managed environments where IT teams oversee large numbers of devices.

Rather than preventing Copilot from ever being installed, the policy allows administrators to remove inactive installations that meet Microsoft’s criteria.

This distinction matters because Microsoft is not abandoning its AI strategy. The company is simply providing organisations with more flexibility around deployment.

The documentation makes clear that users retain the ability to reinstall Copilot if they choose to do so later.

It is also important to understand that removing the Copilot app does not remove artificial intelligence from Windows entirely.

AI-powered capabilities remain embedded across numerous Microsoft products and services, including Microsoft 365, security tools, developer platforms, cloud services, and various operating system features.

In practical terms, the policy removes one specific application rather than reversing Microsoft’s broader AI integration strategy.

A Wider Industry Trend

The change actually reflects a broader trend emerging across the technology industry.

Many software providers initially approached AI as a feature that should be added everywhere as quickly as possible. Increasingly, vendors are discovering that customers want flexibility, transparency, and control alongside innovation.

Businesses are often willing to adopt AI where there is a clear business case, measurable productivity gains, or operational benefits. Resistance tends to emerge when tools appear to be imposed without clear governance frameworks or obvious value.

This is particularly true in regulated sectors where organisations must consider compliance, security, auditability, and data handling requirements before introducing new technologies.

Microsoft’s decision to introduce a removal policy can therefore be viewed as a recognition that successful AI adoption depends as much on customer trust and organisational readiness as it does on technical capability.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

For businesses, the announcement is less about uninstalling one application and more about the growing importance of AI governance.

Many organisations are still working out which AI tools genuinely improve productivity, which require additional oversight, and which may create unnecessary complexity or cost. The ability to manage deployment more precisely gives IT teams greater flexibility while those decisions are being made.

The wider significance is that the AI market appears to be entering a more mature phase. Rather than simply asking how quickly AI can be rolled out, businesses are increasingly asking where it delivers value, how it should be governed, and whether users actually want it.

Microsoft’s new policy suggests the company understands that customer choice will remain an important part of AI adoption, even as artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded throughout Windows and the wider software ecosystem.

Tech Insight : Problems With Windows 11 Updates Reported

Posted on 31 December 2025 by Paul Stradling

Many MSPs have been reporting that Windows 11 updates are increasingly causing upgrade failures, BitLocker lockouts and unexpected behaviour, and here we look at what may be going wrong, why it is happening now, and what can realistically be done to prevent it.

The Pattern Many MSPs Are Seeing on the Ground

It has been reported across organisations supported by MSPs that Windows 11 feature updates and security patches are failing in ways that feel inconsistent, hard to predict and difficult to explain. In practical terms, this has included devices that meet Microsoft’s published requirements not receiving updates at all, updates failing part way through installation, and systems rebooting directly into BitLocker recovery screens.

What has made this particularly frustrating is that many of the affected machines appear otherwise healthy. For example, disk space is available, policies are applied correctly, and in some cases manual upgrades succeed. At scale, however, manual intervention doesn’t translate into a sustainable approach, particularly when large numbers of devices behave differently. As a result, for MSPs, Windows updates are increasingly becoming a visible support issue rather than a background maintenance task.

Issues Acknowledged

This experience appears to align with wider reporting beyond MSP communities. For example, back in November this year (2025), Microsoft acknowledged issues with specific Windows 11 security updates that caused devices to enter BitLocker recovery mode after installation. These incidents affected supported business versions of Windows 11 and prompted follow-up guidance and remediation updates.

Updates That Refuse to Install or Fail Without Warning

One of the most frequently reported problems is Windows 11 feature updates either not being offered to eligible devices or failing without presenting a clear error message.

A recurring technical factor appears to be the EFI system partition (a small hidden disk area that helps Windows start). Many devices originally deployed with Windows 10 were created with EFI partitions of around 100 MB. While this was sufficient under earlier Windows servicing models, it is increasingly inadequate for modern recovery and update processes.

For many now it seems that when Windows attempts to stage a feature update and can’t write the required boot or recovery components to the EFI partition, the update may fail silently or be blocked entirely. Windows Update does not always highlight this limitation clearly, so investigation often focuses on policies, drivers or hardware compatibility, when the underlying cause is actually related to disk layout and boot configuration.

It’s been reported that this lack of visibility has added complexity to diagnosing update failures, particularly in mixed hardware environments.

Why BitLocker Is So Often Involved

BitLocker, a built in Windows tool that encrypts a device’s data to protect it if lost or stolen, has featured prominently in many reported update issues, not because encryption itself is malfunctioning, but because of how closely it is now integrated into the Windows boot process.

For example, many Windows 11 devices ship with BitLocker or device encryption enabled by default, especially where users sign in using Microsoft or Entra ID accounts during setup. While this improves baseline data protection, it also means that updates interact directly with encrypted boot components.

In mid November, Microsoft confirmed that certain Windows 11 security updates could trigger BitLocker recovery prompts after installation, even when no obvious configuration changes had been made. Users were presented with requests for 48 digit recovery keys, leading to a noticeable increase in support calls where keys were not immediately available.

In some reported cases, recovery environments were also affected, with peripherals such as USB keyboards and mice not responding at the recovery prompt. Microsoft subsequently issued emergency fixes to restore recovery environment functionality, underlining the seriousness of the issue.

Windows 11 Upgrades and the End of Windows 10 Support

These update problems are occurring against the backdrop of a wider transition to Windows 11. Windows 10 reached the end of mainstream support in late 2025, prompting many organisations to accelerate upgrade plans. While extended security updates remain available in limited scenarios, Microsoft has positioned Windows 11 as the primary supported desktop platform going forward.

As a result, businesses that delayed upgrading are now moving in larger numbers, often across device fleets that include both new and older hardware. This has increased the volume of feature updates being deployed and exposed edge cases that may not have appeared as frequently during earlier, more gradual upgrade cycles.

Windows 11 itself has also followed a faster cadence of servicing updates, particularly during the rollout of later builds in 2025. While this approach enables quicker responses to security issues, it also increases the likelihood that update related problems will surface in real world environments before they are fully resolved.

Why These Issues Are Becoming More Common

These problems are becoming more common due to a combination of increased platform complexity, faster update cycles and stronger default security settings within Windows 11. For example:

– Growing platform complexity. Windows 11 is required to operate securely across a broad range of hardware, firmware versions and security configurations. Each update must account for UEFI behaviour (how the system firmware controls the boot process), TPM states (the status of the security chip that stores encryption keys), Secure Boot, encryption, device drivers and third party security software, all interacting simultaneously. As default security settings have been strengthened, the tolerance for inconsistency has narrowed. Relatively small changes in update handling can have disproportionately large effects once deployed at scale.

– Faster update cycles. Microsoft now releases updates more frequently than in previous Windows generations. While this improves responsiveness to vulnerabilities, it reduces the amount of time updates spend being exercised across the full range of business configurations before wide deployment. MSPs often encounter these edge cases early because they support diverse environments rather than uniform device fleets.

– Encryption as a default state. With encryption now widely enabled by default, the consequences of update failures have changed. When issues occur during boot related updates, devices may refuse to start without recovery credentials rather than reverting automatically. This has raised the operational impact of update failures, even where the underlying issue is relatively contained.

What Has Helped Reduce the Impact

Across wider industry reporting and real world experience, several patterns have now emerged around which measures have helped limit disruption when Windows 11 update issues occur.

For example, testing feature updates and major security patches on a small number of representative devices has helped surface issues early. Staged deployment, rather than immediate broad rollout, has allowed problems to be identified before they affect larger user groups.

Centralised storage of BitLocker recovery keys has also proven critical where recovery prompts occur, reducing downtime and support escalation. In environments where EFI partition limitations are known, addressing these during rebuilds or hardware refresh cycles has reduced repeated update failures.

Alongside these technical measures, clearer explanations of how modern Windows updates interact with security features and boot environments have become more important as businesses try to understand whether issues are isolated incidents or part of wider platform behaviour.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

It seems that recently reported Windows 11 update problems are not just the result of a single fault or a sudden drop in quality, but the outcome of a more complex platform colliding with faster release cycles and a large, overdue upgrade push away from Windows 10. For MSPs, this has changed the nature of updates from something that could largely run in the background into an operational risk that needs closer attention, clearer communication and better preparation. For Microsoft and hardware vendors, it highlights how small changes at the boot or recovery level can have wide consequences once deployed at scale.

For UK businesses, the practical takeaway is that disruption linked to updates does not automatically indicate neglect or mismanagement. For example, many of the issues now being seen are tied to how modern Windows versions handle encryption, recovery environments and legacy device layouts during upgrades. Understanding that context matters, particularly as more organisations complete their move to Windows 11 and rely on it as their primary supported platform.

When update problems do arise, speaking to your IT support provider is often the safest and most effective first step. This is because they are best placed to confirm whether an issue is local or part of a wider pattern, to recover access without risking data, and to put measures in place that reduce the chance of repeat disruption. As Windows continues to evolve, that relationship between businesses, their IT support companies, and the platform itself is becoming more important, not less.

Tech Tip – Turbocharge Windows Search

Posted on 22 October 2025 by Paul Stradling

Want to find your files in seconds? Get instant access to your Windows files, documents, and apps by enabling Enhanced Search Indexing. Here’s how:

For Windows 11:

– Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows.
– Select the “Enhanced” option under “Find my files”.

For Windows 10:

– Go to Settings > Search > Searching Windows.
– Click on “Classic” and select “Enhanced” to enable Enhanced indexing.

Customising Search Locations:

To refine your search results and focus on the files and folders that matter most to you:

– Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows (Windows 11) or Settings > Search > Searching Windows (Windows 10).
– Click on “Customise search locations” or “Advanced indexer settings”.
– Click “Modify” to add or remove indexed folders.

Tech Insight : Over Half Of Windows Users Yet To Upgrade To Version 11

Posted on 25 June 202525 June 2025 by Paul Stradling

A new survey has revealed that a majority of Windows users still haven’t moved to Windows 11, despite Microsoft’s looming deadline and growing security concerns.

Windows 11 Promised a Leap Forward

When Windows 11 launched in October 2021, Microsoft described it as a fresh start for the world’s most widely used desktop operating system. The company pitched it as more than just a visual refresh, i.e. it was billed as faster, smarter, more secure, and better integrated with new hardware and cloud-powered AI features. Yet nearly four years later, new research by TechRadar has found that only 43 per cent of users say they’ve made the switch.

Most Still on Windows 10 or Older – 14 October Date Looming

This means that the remaining 57 per cent are still on Windows 10 or even older versions, despite the clock ticking down to 14 October 2025, when Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. After that date, no more security patches or updates will be issued unless users pay for costly extended support contracts through the new ESU (Extended Security Updates) programme.

What’s Stopping Users From Upgrading?

According to the TechRadar survey, part of the issue is confusion. For example, while 55 per cent of users said they knew “exactly” which version of Windows they were running, the remaining 45 per cent were uncertain to some degree. Also, it seems that over 12 per cent had no idea at all. This uncertainty makes it harder for users to feel urgency around upgrading, particularly when their systems still appear to function normally.

Even more concerning, the results appear to show that a significant number of people don’t understand what their devices are capable of. For example, although 53 per cent of users claimed their PCs or laptops met the minimum requirements for Windows 11, only 40 per cent could say how much RAM they actually had. Of those, around one in four gave wildly inaccurate answers, with some naming specs that don’t exist in consumer devices.

This gap between perception and reality is, therefore, one of the key barriers. To install Windows 11, devices must meet stringent requirements, including Secure Boot, TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), and at least 4GB of RAM. Older devices (even those still performing well) often fail to meet these specifications. For example, according to a Lansweeper study from 2022, around 42 per cent of business devices tested did not pass Windows 11’s CPU compatibility checks, and 15 per cent lacked TPM 2.0.

Users Say They’re Willing, But Don’t Act

Interestingly, TechRadar’s research also found that many users are optimistic about upgrading. More than half of respondents said they’d be confident doing the upgrade themselves, yet those same respondents often lacked basic knowledge about their systems’ specs. This suggests a large proportion of users are either unaware of what’s actually involved or overestimate their readiness.

The survey also found that 28 per cent of users explicitly stated their devices didn’t meet the system requirements in some way. Another 14 per cent didn’t know what Windows 11 required at all, and 4 per cent didn’t know what specs their devices had.

This echoes a broader trend identified by other studies. For example, a Canalys report from late 2023 showed that enterprises were “reluctant to refresh hardware” unless absolutely necessary, with many still clinging to fleets of Windows 10 devices because of cost constraints, particularly in the public sector and small business environments.

How Users Can Check If Their Device Is Ready for Windows 11

As noted earlier, one of the reasons why users may not be upgrading to Windows 11 is that they simply don’t know whether their current device meets the system requirements for Windows 11. Fortunately, Microsoft has provided tools to help users check their eligibility and plan accordingly.

The most straightforward option is the PC Health Check app, a free utility from Microsoft that runs a full compatibility check. Once downloaded and installed, the app scans the device’s hardware to confirm whether it meets Windows 11’s key requirements, including CPU model, RAM, storage space, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0 support. If the user’s device is compatible, the tool will confirm this clearly. If not, it will list which components fall short.

For those managing multiple devices, particularly in a business setting, more advanced tools are available. Microsoft’s Endpoint Analytics within Intune allows IT teams to assess upgrade readiness across their estate, while other third-party platforms such as Lansweeper and PDQ Inventory offer detailed Windows 11 compatibility reporting.

As mentioned earlier, the minimum requirements for Windows 11 include a 64-bit processor with at least 1GHz clock speed and 2 or more cores, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, alongside UEFI firmware with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Microsoft maintains a full list of compatible processors and guidance on how to check for TPM using the Windows Security settings or command prompt.

If users are unsure about their device’s hardware, they can access system information by typing “System Information” in the Start menu or using “dxdiag” via the Run command. These tools reveal processor type, memory size, and other key details. Alternatively, third-party tools like Speccy or CPU-Z can offer a clearer breakdown.

Crucially, checking compatibility now gives users time to prepare whether that means freeing up space, enabling TPM in the BIOS, or budgeting for new equipment. For businesses, it provides the insight needed to build a phased upgrade plan, avoiding the cost and disruption of last-minute decisions.

The Business Risk Is Growing

For business users, the stakes are actually high. For example, once Windows 10 support ends in October this year, organisations that haven’t upgraded will be exposed to security vulnerabilities, compliance risks, and potential loss of functionality. Cybercriminals often target unsupported systems because they’re easier to exploit.

As Chris Morrissey, a senior analyst at Forrester recently pointed out in a webinar, “Windows 10 reaching end-of-support in 2025 is not just a technical milestone—it’s a business continuity issue,” and that “We’re already seeing a rise in ransomware attacks on legacy systems, and unpatched endpoints are a key vector.”

Pay for Windows 10 Security Updates for 3 Years After 2025

The upcoming Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, aimed at organisations that need more time, will, however, offer security updates for up to three years after 2025, but at a significant cost. For businesses with hundreds or thousands of endpoints, this could quickly become expensive.

Features Alone Aren’t Driving Migration

Despite Microsoft’s emphasis on new features, e.g. integrated Copilot AI tools, improved virtual desktops, enhanced gaming performance, and faster boot times, these haven’t been enough to convince the majority of users to make the leap.

Critics have pointed out that many of Windows 11’s enhancements feel incremental, not essential. Also, some power users and IT administrators have raised concerns about changes to the Start menu and taskbar, which have removed or restructured functionality found in Windows 10. For example, in a widely shared Reddit thread among sysadmins, one commenter described the Windows 11 interface as “a step forward in looks but a step backwards in control.”

Even Microsoft has acknowledged that uptake has been slower than expected. In a blog post from April 2024, the company said it was “continuing to invest in helping users transition” and hinted at further incentives, including possible discount offers for Windows 11-compatible hardware bundles.

Larger Devices, Longer Lifecycles

There also appears to be a practical reason why many users are waiting, i.e. PC lifecycles have lengthened. Where once businesses refreshed desktops every three to four years, it’s now common to extend that to six or more. The pandemic’s remote work boom saw a spike in PC sales in 2020–2021, meaning many organisations feel they’ve only recently upgraded, even if those machines aren’t compatible with Windows 11.

This mismatch is a challenge for Microsoft, which relies on regular upgrade cycles to keep its ecosystem secure and standardised. But for IT departments already stretched for budget and time, replacing functioning machines purely for compliance is a hard sell.

What Happens Next?

Microsoft is expected to step up its messaging later this year, particularly as the October 2025 deadline approaches. Experts believe we’ll see more nudges built into Windows 10 itself, with system tray notifications and update prompts likely to become more persistent.

The pressure is also likely to increase on IT providers, MSPs and corporate procurement teams. As the deadline nears, demand for Windows 11-compatible hardware will rise, and possibly outstrip supply, particularly in niche sectors. Businesses that wait until 2025 to start planning may face disruption, higher costs, or difficulty securing replacement devices in time.

For now, the message from Microsoft is to check compatibility, and don’t assume your device is ready just because it runs smoothly. It could, therefore, be said that for both individuals and organisations, the real risk is waiting too long to begin, rather than the upgrade itself.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

The message from all the available evidence is that time is running out, and the level of readiness among users, particularly within SMEs and the public sector, is not where it needs to be. While many may believe they are prepared to make the switch to Windows 11, a large proportion either misunderstand the system requirements or are using devices that are simply not capable of upgrading. Optimism alone will not prevent a security breach once Windows 10 support ends.

For UK businesses, the stakes are especially high. For example, operating unsupported systems after October 2025 introduces real risks such as those from cyberattacks, regulatory penalties, and operational downtime. Even for those considering Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates, the cost of delay could add up quickly. Replacing hardware on short notice, under pressure, and potentially amid supply chain constraints could impact budgets and business continuity plans. Those with critical dependencies on specific Windows-based applications will also need time to test, validate, and train staff on new systems.

This could be regarded, therefore, as not so much a technical migration, but more of a strategic operational shift with implications for cybersecurity, procurement, compliance, and long-term planning. If the research is anything to go by, it seems that many stakeholders across IT, finance, and leadership teams need to coordinate now, rather than waiting until the upgrade becomes unavoidable. Otherwise, organisations risk finding themselves caught between rising security threats, stretched resources, and avoidable costs.

For Microsoft, the slow uptake also presents challenges. For example, delays in user migration hold back the rollout of its AI-led desktop vision and extend the support burden for legacy systems. Unless adoption improves, the company may have to offer new incentives, extend transition periods, or risk reputational damage if a large number of users are left behind.

The choice for users and organisations is, therefore, becoming clearer, i.e., start planning for Windows 11 or prepare to pay a premium to stay where you are. The longer the delay, the fewer options will remain.

Tech Insight : Microsoft Highlights 7 Boosts For Windows 11

Posted on 15 April 2025 by Paul Stradling

In this Tech Insight, we look at Microsoft’s newly promoted set of seven Windows 11 tips—designed to help users get more from the operating system ahead of Windows 10’s looming end-of-life deadline.

Hoping To Smooth The Upgrade Path

With support for Windows 10 set to end on 14 October 2025, Microsoft is stepping up efforts to showcase the benefits of its newer Windows 11 OS. The latest push is all about encouraging users to explore Windows 11’s built-in features, from multitasking tools to biometric login, in the hope of smoothing the upgrade path and unlocking better everyday experiences.

For businesses, these seven tips may seem minor at first glance but, taken together, they may be seen to reflect a growing emphasis on usability, focus, and personalisation. These are traits that can support productivity and security across both office and remote work environments.

So, what exactly are the tips, and what value do they offer?

1. Make the Start Menu Your Own

Microsoft’s first tip focuses on the Start Menu, which has shifted from its traditional left-hand corner to a sleek, centralised layout in Windows 11. The company recommends personalising it by pinning frequently used apps, rearranging shortcuts, and resizing tiles to suit individual workflows.

For organisations standardising device setups across teams, this functionality allows for cleaner, more consistent interfaces, thereby helping users find what they need faster.

Adopting this tip could improve navigation efficiency and can be customised to match common app usage per role or department.

2. Master Snap Layouts for Multitasking

Snap Layouts allow users to arrange multiple apps and windows on-screen with ease. Hovering over the maximise button reveals several layout options, such as side-by-side or grid views.

This is particularly useful for professionals working across several platforms simultaneously, e.g. spreadsheets, emails, browsers, and collaboration tools.

This tip could have value in reducing screen clutter and enhancing productivity for multi-tasking roles, even on single-display setups.

3. Create a Desktop for Every Project

Windows 11 supports multiple desktops, allowing users to group open apps and documents by task or project. For example, one desktop can house a user’s day-to-day admin work, while another holds presentations or creative tools.

Switching between desktops is as simple as pressing Windows + Tab, offering a smooth way to stay organised, especially in project-based roles or client-facing work.

This tip could help users maintain context and stay focused across varied workstreams without overwhelming a single workspace.

4. Use Widgets to Stay Updated

Widgets provide a snapshot of useful updates like weather, news, calendar appointments, and task lists, all accessible via a swipe or the Windows + W shortcut.

Microsoft pitches this as a way to streamline day-to-day information needs without opening multiple apps. Users can customise what they see and remove any widgets they don’t need.

Making more use of widgets could be ideal for quick, on-the-go updates, particularly for team members juggling schedules, appointments, or news-based roles.

5. Use Focus Sessions to Minimise Distraction

Focus Sessions, found within the Clock app, allow users to set structured time blocks for concentrated work. They sync with Microsoft To Do and reduce notifications during each timed session.

This tip supports better time management, encouraging workers to break large tasks into manageable chunks and avoid common distractions.

Using Focus Sessions could encourage better concentration habits and support mental well-being, particularly in hybrid or home-based settings.

6. Log In with Windows Hello

Windows Hello replaces passwords with biometric authentication e.g., facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, provided the device supports it.

Microsoft highlights this as a faster, more secure login method that also cuts down on password fatigue and reduces the risk of compromised credentials.

Using Windows Hello could strengthen endpoint security, simplify login workflows, and reduce password-related support issues, all of which could be of real value to businesses.

7. Enable Dark Mode for Comfort

Although it may sound like it, Dark Mode isn’t just a design choice, but is actually a feature designed to reduce eye strain, especially in low-light settings or during extended screen use. Windows 11 offers a system-wide toggle under Personalisation settings.

Users working late or on portable devices may find Dark Mode more comfortable, helping to reduce visual fatigue.

Using Dark Mode could actually improve long-term comfort for screen-heavy roles and can reduce energy consumption on OLED displays.

Why These Tips Matter

Together, these seven tips could be seen to demonstrate how Windows 11 is evolving beyond just a visual upgrade. They highlight Microsoft’s efforts to align the OS with modern working needs, prioritising comfort, personalisation, and smarter workflows.

For IT managers and business leaders, they also present an opportunity to:

– Improve the onboarding experience for new Windows 11 users.

– Drive better day-to-day productivity through built-in tools.

– Strengthen device-level security with passwordless login.

– Encourage healthier digital habits across teams.

The key here is raising awareness, i.e. while these tips are all native to the operating system, few are actively promoted during setup, and many users still don’t explore them fully without guidance.

Not Without Challenges

Despite Microsoft’s efforts, for many people the road to better Windows 11 adoption isn’t entirely smooth.

For example, while some features, like Snap Layouts and Focus Sessions, are underused simply because users don’t know they exist, others (such as Windows Hello) require compatible hardware that may not be standard across all fleets. Also, while personalisation is encouraged, a lack of training or policy guidance could lead to inconsistent user experiences.

There’s also the broader challenge of change management. Businesses still on Windows 10 may face staff resistance to visual shifts like the central Start Menu or the introduction of widgets. Without clear benefits being communicated, users may default to old habits or disable new tools entirely.

For organisations managing hybrid or remote teams, this could mean greater emphasis on setup guides, onboarding materials, and hands-on support during the transition.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

Microsoft’s seven tips serve as a reminder that Windows 11 isn’t just about aesthetics, but is also about functionality, productivity, and preparing users for a more flexible, digital-first way of working. The operating system is already packed with features designed to make daily tasks easier and more secure, but these benefits only actually materialise when users know where to find them and feel confident using them.

For UK businesses in particular, the timing matters. With the Windows 10 support deadline fast approaching, organisations are under pressure to modernise their desktop environments without causing unnecessary disruption. If applied well, Microsoft’s tips could ease that transition, helping teams get to grips with new interfaces and routines more quickly. In hybrid and remote contexts, where consistency and self-sufficiency are key, small gains in usability and performance can translate into real operational value.

That said, the success of this guidance will depend heavily on how well it’s communicated, not just by Microsoft, but by IT teams, MSPs, and internal champions. Raising awareness is one thing but embedding new habits across diverse user groups is another. Businesses that invest in upfront user education, clear setup protocols, and device standardisation will be better placed to unlock the full value of Windows 11’s toolset.

For Microsoft, this latest push is both practical and strategic. By encouraging users to make the most of what’s already under the hood, it positions Windows 11 as a platform that’s ready for the future, not just a necessary upgrade, but a smarter way to work. Whether that message sticks will depend on how well the tech is backed by real-world support, and whether users can see clear advantages in making the switch. For now, the tools are there – it’s just a question of how many take the time to use them.

Security Stop-Press: Controversial ‘Recall’ Feature in Windows 11 Preview

Posted on 15 April 2025 by Paul Stradling

Microsoft has quietly reintroduced its controversial Recall feature in the Windows 11 Release Preview channel for Copilot+ PCs, ahead of a broader launch in 2025.

Recall uses AI to take automatic screenshots every few seconds, storing them locally so users can search their screen history using natural language. It’s pitched as a time-saving tool, but one that effectively logs everything viewed on a PC.

The feature was shelved in 2024 after strong backlash from security experts and privacy advocates. Critics warned that Recall could capture sensitive data, like passwords or private messages, that may be exposed if a device is compromised.

Microsoft now says Recall is opt-in, requires Windows Hello authentication, and stores data locally without sharing it with Microsoft or third parties. Users can pause, delete, or switch it off at any time.

Despite these safeguards, experts say the feature still poses risks, including data leaks and privacy issues affecting others whose information is captured without consent.

To stay secure, businesses should disable Recall unless essential, enforce strong authentication, and train staff on privacy risks, especially when deploying Copilot+ devices.

Windows Wizardry : Maximise Laptop Battery with Windows 11 Energy Saver

Posted on 22 January 2025 by Paul Stradling

Discover how to use Windows 11 Energy Saver to extend your laptop’s battery life and reduce energy consumption, with straightforward steps to customise it to your needs.

What Is The Energy Saver Feature?

Windows 11 includes a robust Energy Saver feature designed to help laptops run longer on battery power by optimising system settings. This tool adjusts background processes, screen brightness, and other power-intensive tasks to strike the right balance between performance and energy efficiency. So, whether you’re working remotely, travelling, or just trying to reduce electricity costs, here’s how to make the most of this feature.

Step 1: Ensure Your System is Compatible

To use the Energy Saver feature, your laptop must be running Windows 11 version 24H2 or later. To confirm your version:

– Press the Windows key and click Settings.

– Navigate to System and select About at the bottom of the sidebar.

– Under “Windows specifications,” check the version number listed next to Version. If it reads “24H2” or higher, you’re ready to proceed.

– If your version is older, click Windows Update in the same menu and then select Check for updates. Install any available updates to ensure you’re running the latest version.

Step 2: Enable Energy Saver Mode

Once you’ve confirmed compatibility:

– Open Settings and go to System, then click Power & battery.

– Scroll down to the Battery section and expand the Energy saver menu.

– Enable the Always use Energy Saver option to have it active at all times, or choose to activate it automatically when your battery reaches a specified level. For example, setting this to 20 per cent ensures Energy Saver kicks in when the battery is running low.

Step 3: Adjust Screen Brightness Settings

The laptop screen is one of the largest power drains. Energy Saver can reduce the screen’s brightness automatically:

– In the Power & battery menu, enable Lower screen brightness when using Energy Saver. This dims the screen slightly whenever Energy Saver is active, helping conserve battery power.

– If you find the dimmed brightness too low for your needs (e.g. in bright environments), you can turn this setting off or manually adjust the screen brightness using the slider in the system tray.

Step 4: Optimise Sleep and Screen Time-Outs

To minimise energy waste when your laptop is idle:

In the Power & battery menu, click Screen, sleep, & hibernate time-outs.

– Set shorter intervals for Turn my screen off after and Make my device sleep after. For example, choosing 3 minutes for screen off and 10 minutes for sleep ensures your laptop conserves power when inactive.

Step 5: Configure Power Modes

Customise how your laptop balances performance and efficiency:

– In Power & battery, scroll up to Power Mode and select your preferred setting:

– Best power efficiency: Minimises energy consumption, ideal when running on battery.

– Balanced: Offers a mix of energy savings and performance, dynamically adjusting settings.

– Best performance: Prioritises speed over energy savings, more suitable when plugged in.

– Selecting Best Power Efficiency ensures maximum battery longevity.

Step 6: Explore Energy Recommendations

Windows 11 provides tailored recommendations to further optimise energy usage:

– At the top of the Power & battery page, click Energy recommendations.

– Work through the suggestions listed, which may include enabling dark mode or fine-tuning other settings. Green ticks indicate recommendations already applied.

Step 7: Manage Background Apps

Some applications running in the background can unnecessarily drain battery power. To control this:

– In Settings, go to Apps, then Installed apps.

– Locate any app you wish to manage, click the three dots next to it, and select Advanced options.

– Under Background app permissions, set the app to Power optimised (recommended) or Never to prevent it from running when not in use.

– By limiting unnecessary background activity, your laptop will conserve power more effectively.

Enjoy Longer Battery Life

Using the Energy Saver feature and additional power management tools in Windows 11, you can significantly extend your laptop’s battery life without compromising functionality. Whether you’re conserving energy at home or ensuring your laptop lasts through a long workday, these steps provide a straightforward way to optimise your device for efficiency. Try these adjustments today to experience the difference.