The 2026 IT Refresh Checklist

A practical, no-panic guide to starting the year strong

A new year gives businesses something rare: space to think.

No urgent alerts. No surprise outages. Just a chance to step back and ask a better question than “What needs fixing?”

Is our technology actually aligned with where we want to go in 2026?

This IT refresh checklist is designed to help you reset with intention—starting with your business goals, then building the right technology plan to support them.

1. Define Business Goals First (Before Touching the Tech)

Before diving into devices, networks, or software, the most important step happens outside of IT.

Start with the business.

This is why the end of the year—and the beginning of a new one—is the perfect time to reset Strategic Business Reviews (SBRs) and give leadership space to articulate priorities for 2026.

Start by asking:

• What are your top business objectives this year?

• Where do you see technology helping you grow, scale, or simplify?

• What feels like friction in your day-to-day operations?
  

Why it matters:When goals come first, your IT roadmap becomes customer-driven, not just maintenance-driven.

Once priorities are clear, everything else—cybersecurity, infrastructure, device lifecycles, and budgets—can be aligned to support those goals instead of competing with them.

2. Device Audit: Know What You’re Working With

With business goals in mind, it’s time to take inventory.

You can’t plan effectively if you don’t know what’s in play.

What to review:

• Computers, laptops, tablets, and phones

• Device age and performance

• Operating system versions

• Who uses what—and how critical it is to their role
  

Why it matters:Devices that are past their prime slow teams down and quietly increase risk.

Helpful mindset:This isn’t about replacing everything—it’s about planning upgrades intentionally instead of reacting later.

3. Network Cleanup: Fewer Mystery Devices, Better Results

Over time, networks tend to accumulate things no one remembers adding.

Old hardware. Former employees’ access. Guest devices that never left.

What to clean up:

• Unknown or unused devices

• Outdated permissions

• Guest Wi-Fi rules

• Network documentation
  

Why it matters:A clean network is easier to secure, easier to manage, and often performs better without adding new equipment.

Helpful mindset:Clarity beats complexity every time.

4. Start Exploring How AI Can Impact Your Business in 2026

AI is no longer a “someday” conversation—it’s quickly becoming a competitive advantage.

You don’t need to adopt everything at once. You do need to start asking the right questions.

Consider:

• Where could AI improve efficiency or customer experience?

• Are there repetitive tasks that automation could handle?

• Could AI-driven insights help leadership make better decisions?
  

Why it matters:AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about freeing your team to focus on higher-value work.

Helpful mindset:Exploration comes before implementation. Curiosity beats pressure.

5. Security Policy Updates: Keep Them Clear and Human

Security policies should support people—not confuse them.

What to review:

• Password and MFA standards

• Remote work guidelines

• Device usage expectations

• Phishing awareness basics
  

Why it matters:Most security issues happen because expectations weren’t clear, not because someone was careless.

Helpful mindset:Good security fits into daily workflows instead of getting in the way.

6. Budget Planning: Turn IT into a Business Decision

Once goals, devices, and priorities are clear, budgeting becomes easier—and far less stressful.

Plan for:

• Known device replacements

• Software renewals

• Security tools

• Strategic improvements that support business goals
  

Why it matters:Planned IT spending creates confidence and eliminates surprise expenses.

Helpful mindset:You’re not trying to spend more—you’re trying to spend intentionally.

7. Start-of-Year Staff Training: Small Effort, Big Impact

You don’t need a massive training program to make a difference.

A short refresh can cover:

• How to spot suspicious emails

• When to ask for IT help (earlier is always better)

• Any new tools or processes

• Everyday best practices
  

Why it matters:Confident employees reduce risk and feel more supported.

Helpful mindset:Training equips people—it doesn’t police them.

Bringing It All Together

An IT refresh isn’t about perfection or pressure.

It’s about:

• Starting with business goals

• Planning instead of reacting

• Making technology work for your people
  

At Run Business Solutions, our vCIOs help turn conversations into clear roadmaps—aligning IT, security, and strategy so your technology supports where your business is headed in 2026.

If you’re ready for a calmer, more intentional approach to IT this year, we’d love to help.