Windows 11 and Hardware Lifecycles: Why the Debate is Bigger Than Microsoft

The current discussion around Windows 11 and its hardware requirements often misses the bigger picture. This isn't about a "malicious update" from Microsoft—it's about a fundamental question that many companies are ignoring: How do we plan our IT infrastructure for the future?

1. The AI Revolution: Why Old Hardware Is No Longer Enough

This is the point many overlook: the future of productivity is local. Not in the cloud, but on the device itself. Microsoft and Apple are investing heavily in local AI processing, and this requires hardware that didn't exist five years ago.

Copilot+ PCs require a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with at least 40+ TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second). This isn't just a marketing gimmick—these are specialized chips that can run AI models locally on the device. Why does this matter? Because companies that don't leverage these features will be at a competitive disadvantage.

It's a similar story on the Apple side: Apple Intelligence only works on Macs with Apple Silicon (M-series chips). A 2015 MacBook Pro? Not compatible. A 2018 MacBook Air? Also not compatible. The hardware requirements aren't arbitrary; they are a direct consequence of software evolution.

In concrete terms, a company still working on 5-7 year-old devices today won't just be "outdated" in 2-3 years—it will be cut off from modern productivity tools. This isn't a technical problem; it's an economic problem.

2. The Lifecycle Isn't Optional—Hardware Modernization is a Business Necessity

Here comes the uncomfortable truth: a regular hardware lifecycle isn't something you can just "optimize." It's a necessity.

Many companies confuse two different things:

Software Updates (can run on old hardware for a long time)
Hardware Modernization (is a separate, necessary investment)

The depreciation tables (AfA) in Germany aren't just tax tricks—they are based on the reality that hardware reaches its optimal lifespan after 3-5 years. This isn't arbitrary. It's based on:

Wear and Tear: Batteries degrade, hard drives age, components slow down.
Security Vulnerabilities: Older hardware cannot support modern security features.
Compatibility: New software requires new hardware features.
Energy Efficiency: Older devices consume significantly more power.

A company that says, "Our 7-year-old PCs are still running," is ignoring several problems at once:

These devices are a security risk.
They are energetically inefficient (higher electricity costs).
They cannot support modern features.
Productivity is impaired (slow devices = slow employees).

The fault doesn't lie with Microsoft or Apple. The fault lies in the assumption that hardware can run "forever" as long as the software is kept up to date.

3. TPM 2.0: Why Security Isn't Optional for SMBs Either

This is where it gets serious: SMBs are no less a target for hackers than large corporations. On the contrary, they are often a preferred target because they have fewer security measures in place.

TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) is not a Microsoft invention to sell hardware. It is a hardware security module that:

Securely stores encryption keys—not in RAM, but in isolated hardware.
Prevents firmware attacks—malware cannot manipulate the operating system at a low level.
Provides credential protection—Windows Hello and other biometric authentication methods only work with TPM 2.0.
Enables BitLocker encryption—disk encryption with hardware support.

Why is this important for SMBs? Because 80% of cyberattacks on SMBs target credential theft and ransomware. A TPM 2.0 chip makes both significantly more difficult.

For example, an employee opens a phishing email, and a trojan is installed. With TPM 2.0, this trojan cannot simply extract the Windows login credentials—they are stored in a hardware-encrypted format. Without TPM 2.0? It's much easier.

This isn't "profiteering" by Microsoft. This is necessary security infrastructure for today's threat landscape.

4. macOS as an Alternative—But with Realistic Limits

Here's an honest answer: Yes, macOS could be an option for certain companies. And yes, the hardware lifecycle is longer than with Windows.

The facts about macOS:

Apple typically supports hardware for 6-7 years with operating system updates.
After that, there are another 2-3 years of security updates.
This is significantly longer than Windows (typically 3-5 years).

For whom is macOS an option?

Design Agencies (Adobe Suite, Final Cut Pro)
Software Development (Unix-based, better developer tools)
Creative Industries (video, graphics, music)
Certain Office-focused industries (with M.Office for Mac)

But here's the reality: a 7-year-old Mac is no longer "current." And this is where it becomes problematic:

Apple Intelligence only works on M-series chips (2020+).
New security features are often not available on older Macs.
Performance degradation is real—a 2017 MacBook Pro is noticeably slower today.
Compatibility with new software becomes an issue.

A company that says, "We buy Macs because they last longer," is making a mistake. They last longer, but not forever. And after 5-7 years, a Mac is just as "obsolete" as a Windows PC—just with a longer transition period.

5. Why Linux Isn't the Simple Solution—The Uncomfortable Truth

In the comments on the Windows 11 debate, the same suggestion always comes up: "Just switch to Linux!" It's tempting, but it's also unrealistic for most SMBs.

The reality of Linux in business:

User Experience & Learning Curve

Linux is not Windows. That sounds obvious, but it's the core problem. An employee who has used Windows for 20 years can't just switch to Linux and have it "just work." The operation is different, the workflows are different, and the troubleshooting processes are different.

Studies show that the switch to Linux for non-technical users involves a 3-6 month learning curve. This isn't just training time—it's reduced productivity during the transition.

Change Management is Underestimated

Companies massively underestimate how difficult it is to migrate 50+ employees from Windows to Linux. This isn't just an OS update—it's a cultural change.

Employees want their familiar tools (Outlook, Teams, Excel—which work differently on Linux).
IT support needs to be retrained.
Business processes need to be reviewed.
Compatibility with legacy software becomes a problem.

Software Compatibility

Yes, LibreOffice is free. But it's not Microsoft Office. Yes, Thunderbird works. But it's not Outlook. And yes, there are Linux alternatives for almost everything—but they are not identical.

For a company that uses Microsoft 365, switching to Linux is also a switch from native applications to web versions. It works, but it's not the same experience.

Support & Expertise

An SMB with 2 IT employees probably has Windows expertise. Linux expertise is more expensive and harder to find. This is a real business risk.

Conclusion on Linux: It's a great solution for specific use cases (servers, development, specialized workstations). But for the standard office workstation in an SMB, it's not the answer to the Windows 11 question. The switch costs more, takes longer, and creates new problems.

6. What to Do with Old Hardware—Practical Solutions

Okay, so old hardware doesn't have to go in the trash. There are sensible alternatives.

Sustainable Hardware Recycling visualization

Refurbishing & Second-Life Programs

There are specialized companies that professionally refurbish old IT hardware and bring it back to the market. This means:

Professional data destruction (GDPR-compliant).
Hardware testing and repair.
Resale to companies that need affordable hardware.
Certification for quality and security.

This isn't just "selling old devices"—it's a structured process that recovers value and reduces electronic waste.

Donations to Schools & Nonprofits

Many schools and non-profit organizations need hardware. A 5-year-old laptop is still valuable to a school. There are programs that organize these donations and make them tax-deductible.

Internal Reuse

An old laptop can be:

A test device for new software deployments.
A backup workstation for emergencies.
Used for a specialized function (e.g., as a kiosk system).
Training material for new IT staff.

Upcycling for Specific Tasks

A 7-year-old PC is too slow for office work. But it could be perfect for:

A print server (doesn't need much power).
A backup system (runs in the background).
A monitoring workstation (displays dashboards).
A network appliance (with Linux as a lightweight OS).

Sustainable Disposal

If hardware is truly no longer usable, there are certified e-waste recyclers that recycle hardware in an environmentally friendly way and recover valuable materials.

The important thing: Simply storing old hardware and hoping it still works is not a strategy. But there are structured, sustainable ways to deal with it.

The Real Question: Who is Responsible?

The Windows 11 debate distracts from the real question: Why don't German companies have a structured hardware lifecycle?

This isn't Microsoft's fault. It's not Apple's fault. It's a management decision.

A company that:

✅ Regularly renews hardware (3-5 year cycle)
✅ Takes security seriously (TPM 2.0, encryption, MFA)
✅ Invests in modern infrastructure
✅ Prioritizes employee productivity

...has no problem with Windows 11. And it benefits from AI features, better security, and higher productivity.

A company that:

❌ Uses hardware until it fails
❌ Sees security as a "later problem"
❌ Invests in old infrastructure
❌ Frustrates employees with slow devices

...will always have a problem with the next OS update. And it will be more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

The Way Forward: Strategic, Not Emotional

The answer to the Windows 11 question is not "We're switching to Linux" or "We're ignoring it." The answer is:

Establish a hardware lifecycle—3-5 years for Windows, 5-7 years for macOS (depending on the use case).
Understand security as a business requirement—not a cost factor.
Use modern features—AI, security, and productivity are not optional.
Sustainably manage old hardware—refurbishing, donations, upcycling.
Regularly review—What's working? What's not? Where are the security risks?

This isn't revolutionary. This is standard practice in modern companies. And it's exactly what the AfA tables suggest.

The Windows 11 debate is less of a tech scandal and more of a wake-up call for companies to take their IT strategy seriously.

👇 What does your hardware lifecycle look like? Planned—or based on the principle of "it'll probably be fine"?

♻️ Share & Follow for honest insights into digitalization beyond the buzzwords.

Complex IT? I make it simple—with M365 that protects, scales, and brings clarity. For SMBs that rely on smart solutions.

Learn more: https://easym365.de