Microsoft’s release of Windows 11 on October 5, 2021 is the newest version of the Windows NT operating system, an upgrade from the previous Windows 10 released in 2015. An advantage for Windows 10 device users is that the upgrade is available for free, as long as the device meets Windows 11 system requirements.
Why should we upgrade from Windows 10?
More generally, benefits of Windows 11 include newer designs and a better user experience through a range of new features, including a new taskbar, start menu, and allowing third party apps on Windows Store. Another included feature, Microsoft Co-pilot, has also garnered attention as an AI-enhanced tool leveraging the generative algorithms of OpenAI, with the potential to enable company-wide transformation.
Another key difference between Windows 10 and 11 is that Windows 11 has support for 36 months after launch in comparison to Windows 10, where different versions can be supported between 18 to 30 months.
Considerations when Upgrading to Windows 11
The upgrade to Windows 11 would be of up to 80-90% less effort than migrating to Windows 10 if done correctly, with the process being more of an evolution than a revolution. To get the upgrade right, below are 6 practical considerations for the upgrade process.
Ensure that the continuous delivery process works; if the hardware is compatible, the same process can be used to migrate. However, certain Windows 11 hardware requirements may pose upgrade challenges for PCs purchased before 2018, and Microsoft recommends against upgrading older machines that do not meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11.
Key hardware requirement considerations include system firmware, Trusted Platform Module, and CPU requirements. Windows includes tools which can confirm readiness for the upgrade, including PC Health Check for hardware and AppAssure for applications.
Consider whether renewing the hardware is necessary. From a sustainability perspective, there is no rush to replace hardware that is missing some of the requirements since Windows 10 will be supported until October 2025. Trying to use hardware devices as long as their natural lifecycle allows for a reduced impact on the environment.
Maximise the utility of the upgrade by considering the functionalities that are needed, as not all of them may be needed or even desirable. Some may be restricted, for example Microsoft Store apps might be restricted in Windows Store or an internal store, or some services may be removed completely, such as Connected User Experiences and Telemetry, to prevent Microsoft from tracking app usage and web searching.
In this process, it is important to start with a review of the tools and processes already utilised in Windows 10 to discover the target state, and consider other functionalities that could be added, such as multiple Notepad tabs.
These actions aim to help users adapt to the upgrade which involve two key steps: prepping the helpdesk and framing user expectations.
The helpdesk should be prepared with scripts and manuals, including screenshots, to reflect the new user interface. The guide will ideally cover a variety of situations, including the upgrade experience and the initial experience for new devices. User expectations need to be addressed – everyone across the organisation should be aware of the rollout and where training and readiness materials can be found ahead of time so that they can be prepared for the changes to come.
For Windows 11, this upgrade should be much less difficult in comparison to moving from Windows 7 to Windows 10 since there is greater app compatibility, but a great focus on testing is still needed to ensure the upgrade will be user-friendly and will not cause issues down the line. The full migration process should be tested to verify its feasibility and hence sufficient time should be allocated to fix any issues before the full roll-out.
Consideration here falls on the timing of the roll-out, as it needs to be completed before October 2025 to avoid the cost of extended support, which also has a maximum limit of 5 years after Microsoft stops free support for Windows 10. If Windows 10 is going to continue to be used after 2025, a heightened focus on security will be critical because of lack of security updates, which could lead to potential security breaches.
Is the upgrade worth it?
As upgrading to Windows 11 will likely be needed to mitigate security risks and has many functional updates relative to Windows 10, the transition is likely worth the effort, which can be minimised through the considerations mentioned.
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