IT teams are facing a pivotal moment: the next major laptop refresh. Two things drive this pivotal moment. First, the rapid advancements in hardware technology to enable AI devices. Second, the upcoming end of life of Windows 10. This also means that team members across organizations are about to find themselves impacted by the update. From driver compatibility to power delivery and port availability, every detail matters when it comes to ensuring a smooth transition without impacting end users' productivity. Here are four critical strategies to help you lead a successful refresh cycle: 1. Validate and Update Drivers for Windows 11 Compatibility The shift to Windows 11 isn’t just about new hardware—it’s a software evolution too. Many drivers that keep your team connected every day will also be impacted, and what worked for Windows 10 won’t always be true for Windows 11. Ensuring driver compatibility is essential to avoid connectivity issues and performance bottlenecks. Our tip: It’s critical you ensure that the drivers you deploy have been regression tested for Windows 11 compatibility. The Technical Specifications and Drivers & Downloads sections on our product pages are always up to date and provide the information you need to find and deploy tested and trusted Windows 11-optimized drivers. Why it matters: Drivers built for Windows 11 ensure stability, security, and full hardware functionality—key to a successful refresh. 2. Ensure Port Availability with the Right Accessories Modern laptops are getting thinner—and with that, ports are disappearing. USB-A, Ethernet, HDMI, and SD card slots are often sacrificed for portability, leaving users without ports that can be critical to their role. Our tip: Docking stations and adapters can enhance any devices deployed in your network. Our recent blog on accessories critical to a laptop refresh recommends multiple docks and ports that can ensure your users have all of the ports and functionality they need to stay productive. Why it matters: Loss of port access can disrupt workflows and often users won’t notice what they need until they’ve lost it. 3. Plan for High-Wattage Power Delivery New high-performance laptops—especially those with AI-enabled CPUs—demand more power. Compounding the issue, many devices such as the new Surface Pro are being shipped without chargers in an effort to lower the amount of electronic waste. Our tip: Deploy docking stations that support 100W+ power delivery, such as StarTech.com’s USB4 Dock (155NA-USB4-DOCK). For mobile users, consider 140W GaN chargers that are compact, efficient, and travel-ready. Why it matters: Underpowered devices lead to throttling and user frustration. Reliable power delivery is foundational to performance. 4. Maximize Performance with Compatible Infrastructure AI-powered laptops featuring Apple M4, Intel Core Ultra 200, and AMD Ryzen Pro AI chips are redefining performance expectations. But without the right infrastructure, their potential is wasted. Our tip: Equip your high-performance end users with docking stations, cables, and hubs compatible with next-gen devices. Look for accessories that support high data throughput, dual 4K displays, and backward compatibility for hybrid environments. Why it matters: High-performance devices require high-performance accessories. Ensure your infrastructure can keep up with these users or be prepared to offer them personalized set-ups. Final Thoughts A successful laptop refresh isn’t just about replacing old hardware—it’s about future-proofing your environment. By proactively addressing driver compatibility, port availability, power delivery, and performance optimization, you can deliver a seamless, scalable refresh that empowers users and minimizes downtime. Need help planning your refresh? Explore StarTech.com’s full range of IT friendly accessories and deployment tools on our website.