At Lineal, we always recommend updating and upgrading to the latest hardware where possible. For businesses relying on older hardware, the reason for this is simple: staying current with the latest operating systems, such as upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 or replacing legacy Windows Servers, is essential for security, performance, and long-term efficiency.

Enhanced Security
Microsoft has significantly improved the security features in Windows 11. With advanced encryption protocols, secure boot mechanisms, and better protection against modern cyber threats, Windows 11 is designed to shield your business from vulnerabilities that older systems, including Windows 10, can no longer defend against effectively. The same applies to Windows Servers—unsupported versions lack critical updates, leaving networks exposed to potential attacks.

Peak Performance and Productivity
Upgrading your hardware for compatibility with the latest operating systems unlocks better performance and productivity features. Windows 11 is optimised for multitasking, boasts faster boot times, and is better equipped to handle modern workloads. On the server side, upgrading to current Windows Server editions means faster response times, higher efficiency, and compatibility with the latest enterprise software.

Avoiding End-of-Life Pitfalls
Microsoft has announced the end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Unsupported systems no longer receive updates, leaving them vulnerable to security breaches. Similarly, outdated Windows Server versions can lead to compliance issues and operational risks. By upgrading now, you avoid future downtime and the growing costs of maintaining legacy systems.

Future-Proofing Your IT Environment
Keeping your hardware and software current is a cornerstone of any robust IT strategy. Windows 11 and modern server systems are designed to support emerging technologies such as AI, advanced cloud integrations, and remote collaboration tools. Upgrading ensures your business can adapt to future innovations seamlessly.

At Lineal, we understand that upgrading hardware and operating systems can feel daunting. That’s why our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your operations.

Ready to future-proof your business? Get in touch with us today to discuss upgrading to Windows 11 and modern Windows Server solutions.

With its latest update, Windows 11 is evolving to meet the needs of today’s users—whether you’re working from home, in the office, or gaming after hours. By updating to the latest version (version 24H2), you can enjoy a smoother, faster, and more secure operating system. 

Originally launched back in 2021, Windows 11 offers a refreshed design, faster performance, and improved security. It includes many notable upgrades from Windows 10, most importantly with stronger security, built-in protection against malware, encryption, and hardware-based isolation. 

It also includes helpful features like  Snap Layouts  for easier multitasking and enhanced gaming performance with DirectStorage. 

See here Snap Layouts in action, W11 

What’s New in the Latest Windows 11 Update? 

The new update, version 24H2, brings a range of features to improve productivity, enhance user experience, and tighten security. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional, here’s what you can expect from this latest update: 

1. Enhanced AI Capabilities with Microsoft Copilot 

Windows 11 now integrates with Copilot, an AI-powered assistant designed to help users accomplish tasks faster and more efficiently. From summarising documents to generating responses and managing your calendar, Copilot is embedded across apps, giving you an intuitive, AI-enhanced work experience. 

Interested in learning more about Copilot? To book a call with us today contact us via our Client Portal, 01271 375999 or Web enquiry.

2. Streamlined Design and Widgets 

Microsoft has continued to refine the look and feel of Windows 11. The latest update introduces more customisation options for the Start Menu and Taskbar, with improved widget support. Now, you can easily drag and drop widgets and enjoy a smoother interface that feels more personalised to your workflow. 

3. Native Support for RAR and 7-Zip 

Good news for users handling compressed files: Windows 11 now natively supports RAR and 7-Zip files. No need for third-party apps—this makes it easier to open and extract a wider range of compressed file formats directly in File Explorer. 

4. Improved File Explorer 

File Explorer has received a significant upgrade, with a modernised design and better organisation tools. It now supports a Gallery View for easier photo management and offers a more intuitive way to manage and navigate files. The update also brings enhanced cloud integration, making it seamless to access files stored in OneDrive. 

5. Better Accessibility Features 

With inclusivity in mind, Windows 11 has introduced new accessibility options, including enhanced voice access features and better live captions for media. These updates ensure that Windows 11 is usable by people of all abilities, further reinforcing Microsoft’s commitment to making technology accessible to everyone. 

6. Expanded Gaming Features 

Gamers are in for a treat as Windows 11 continues to focus on delivering a premium gaming experience. The update optimises DirectStorage, reducing game load times and enhancing performance while also supporting a growing list of Auto HDR titles for richer, more immersive gameplay. 

7. Tighter Security 

Security remains a top priority in this update. Enhanced multi-factor authentication, better encryption protocols, and advanced malware protection ensure that users’ data is safer than ever. The update also brings Pluton Security Processor integration, providing an additional hardware-level security feature for supported devices. 

Windows 11 version 24H2 is currently being actioned as a staged rollout, but Windows users can prioritise their access to the update by adjusting Windows ‘update’ settings. 

Windows 10 Support is Ending Soon – Time to Upgrade to Windows 11 

The end of support for Windows 10 is just around the corner, with Microsoft officially stopping updates on 14 October 2025. This means no more security updates or support, leaving your devices vulnerable to attacks. If your organisation is still using Windows 10 devices, now is the time to think about upgrading to Windows 11. At Lineal, we strongly recommend businesses plan for this change. As Windows 10 reaches its end, systems will become much more vulnerable without security updates, putting your business and data at serious risk. Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures you stay secure and get access to new features that help your team work smarter. 

Need help with the upgrade?  

Lineal is here to support businesses through the transition, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum security. Get in touch with us today to make sure your business is ready for the future! 

Microsoft have announced a raft of new security features for Windows 11 – aimed squarely at the new trend of hybrid working.

With millions of users working remotely post-Covid, the enhancements largely focus on hardware security and identity protection, as end-user devices access ever more cloud-resources from a broader range of working environments.

 

Microsoft Pluton

‘Microsoft Pluton’ is the name of a new security processor integrated into CPUs on devices shipping with the new operating system – an App Control feature designed to prevent untrusted apps from running, block the theft of user credentials, and counter dangers from outdated drivers.

As we’ve noted before, Pluton (like Windows 11 itself) also relies upon Trusted Platform Module (TPM) technology to fire up a PC securely – but some TPM chips remain vulnerable to encryption keys being intercepted between components. Pluton devices are expected to close off that weakness, preventing this kind of hardware attack.

 

Smart App Control

As many predicted, Application Management begins taking centre-stage in 2022, as bigger organisations seek to prevent users introducing rogue software into their IT infrastructure (or worse, introducing it back into the company network themselves.)

Smart App Control blocks unsigned or suspicious apps at the OS level, and will receive regular updates daily.

However – it’s worth noting this core feature only applies to newly shipped devices – so even those who adopted Windows 11 early would have to complete a full operating system reinstall to ensure Smart App is live.

 

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen

SmartScreen helps protect identity by alerting the user if they’ve begun interacting with a known malicious application, fake or hacked website – with the added advantage that the safeguard is pre-installed for all users.

Microsoft are keen to demonstrate SmartScreen’s record of success elsewhere – blocking nearly 26 billion brute force attacks on Microsoft Azure Active Directory, and nearly 36 billion phishing emails that were intercepted by Microsoft 365, last year alone.

 

Credential Guard

Another ‘by default’ upgrade – Credential Guard isolates really important system secrets in a way that is designed to stop ‘pass the hash’ style attacks where a hacker is able to use the encrypted version of a password to gain entry, and (Microsoft claim) can even prevent malicious applications that have somehow obtained Admin-user privileges on their device from accessing those secrets.

 

You can discover the full list of the security enhancements coming to Windows 11 here.

Windows’ latest operating system offering was unveiled today at their virtual event, boasting the arrival of the “next generation of Windows”.

The announcement comes somewhat of a shock to the tech world who were told that Windows 10 would be the final version of the Windows OS with over 1.3 billion user devices.

However due to the rapidly changing, hybrid working environment emerging from the pandemic and the announcement that Windows 10 would no longer receive extended support past 2025, it appears that Microsoft are updating the OS platform to incorporate the working from home demands from its users.

Microsoft CEO Natya Sadella agreed saying “We need to be empowered to choose the applications we run, the content we consume, the people we connect to, and even how we allocate our own attention”. He further stated that “operating systems and devices should mould to our needs, not the other way around.”

These demands are being met with features such as tighter integration with Microsoft Teams directly into the centralised task bar (a significant shift away from the attachments to Skype) and the blending of the Xbox Series X’s Auto HDR graphical enhancements along with Xbox Games Pass; both come pre-installed.

The focus of Windows 11 revolves around the simplification of the standard Windows user interface whilst increasing performance and multitasking functionality. Microsoft executive, Panos Panay revealed that Windows 11 Updates are 40% smaller that its OS predecessors and gone are the days of work being interrupted by Windows Updates as they now are downloaded and installed without the need for system shutdown.

Additionally, the new ‘Snap Layouts’ promote easier movement of apps to defined compartments of the screen for easier multitasking and the OS will remember collections of apps open on external monitors when the PC/Laptop is unplugged thanks to ‘Snap Groups’ – mirroring certain characteristics of the cancelled, dual screen Windows 10X project.

A further major change comes as part of the Microsoft Store which, through Microsoft’s partnership with Intel and Amazon, now allows developers to distribute their apps through the Microsoft Store without sharing revenue and Windows systems will be able to support Android apps using the Amazon AppStore. Developers can even use their own payment systems within the Microsoft Store.

Before today’s virtual launch, a first build of the OS was leaked allowing for a quick glimpse of the evolved ‘Sun Valley’ interface – with a Start Menu in the centre of the main task bar with a return of Windows Widgets in the form of an AI-powered personalised feed. Widget types include a news feed, maps and weather. This evolution of Widgets signals the quiet removal of the controversial Live Tiles introduced with Windows 8.

Windows 11 will be available as a free update to existing Windows 10 users requiring 64 GBs of storage and 4GBs of RAM, but only for ‘eligible PCs’ – those with two or more cores and a clock speed of 1GHz or higher.

A preview early test version of the new system will be released for app developers as part of the Windows Insider beta testing programme in the beginning of July 2021. A public access version is expected to be made available in October 2021 without new hardware speculated to be released alongside.