Windows 11 migration: complete guide for Alpes-Maritimes businesses

On 14 October 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10. This means no more security patches, no more updates, and growing exposure to unpatched vulnerabilities. Yet at the start of 2026, many SMEs in the 06 continue running Windows 10 fleets with no migration plan. This guide gives you the keys to moving to Windows 11 smoothly and without business disruption.

Windows 11 hardware requirements: what you need to know

Windows 11 is more demanding than its predecessors, notably because of the requirement for a recent 64-bit processor (Intel 8th generation or AMD Ryzen Zen 2 minimum), a TPM 2.0 chip and Secure Boot enabled. These requirements aim to strengthen system security, but mean that part of your hardware fleet may need replacing.

Requirements summary

• Processor 1 GHz or more, 2 or more cores (Intel 8th gen / AMD Zen 2+)
• 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended for business use)
• 64 Go d’espace disque disponible
• TPM version 2.0 chip
• DirectX 12 compatible graphics card
• HD (720p) display minimum, 9 inches minimum
• Secure Boot compatible (BIOS/UEFI setting)

Our 3-phase migration methodology

After dozens of migrations carried out for Côte d'Azur businesses, we have refined a three-phase approach that minimises risks and disruptions.

Phase 1 : l’audit du parc informatique

This is the most critical and often most neglected phase. We use automatic inventory tools to map every workstation: model, processor, RAM, storage, TPM 2.0 presence. We also check your business software list and Windows 11 compatibility confirmed by publishers. For an SME in Sophia Antipolis using a specific ERP, this step can reveal hidden dependencies.

Phase 2: preparation and testing

Before touching the first production workstation, we perform a full backup of the entire fleet. We then select a representative pilot workstation to test the full migration in real conditions. This test includes validating all business applications, printers, network access and VPNs. Our managed IT service includes this systematic test step.

Phase 3: staged deployment

Rather than migrating the entire fleet overnight (a risky approach), we proceed in waves of 5 to 10 workstations, department by department. This allows problems to be detected and corrected before they affect the whole business. For Cannes hotels or medical practices where continuity is critical, migrations are carried out outside opening hours.

What to do with ineligible workstations?

This is often the most delicate question. Several options are available:

• Hardware replacement: professional PCs from €600–800 (without screen). We can source suitable equipment via our IT equipment service.
• Virtualisation : pour les postes avec des applications incompatibles Windows 11, la virtualisation sous Windows 11 peut permettre de faire tourner Windows 10 en machine virtuelle.
• Extended Security Updates (ESU): Microsoft offers a paid extended security update programme for Windows 10 (approximately €30/device/year). A transitional solution, not a long-term one.

Finally, use the migration as an opportunity to update your backup strategy and strengthen your IT security. Windows 11 brings significant security improvements (application isolation, Secure Boot, Windows Hello for Business) that deserve proper configuration from the outset.