Softcat navigates its way to improved user experience with Windows 11
Project at a Glance
Softcat upgraded its internal device estate to Windows 11 to ensure employees could work with the latest technology, improve user experience, and streamline the migration journey. By leveraging Intune for a zero touch rollout, Softcat delivered a smooth, efficient transition that enabled staff to become confident early adopters and better support customer conversations.
customers supported across commercial and public sectors
Challenge
Softcat needed to migrate employees to Windows 11 ahead of a scheduled device refresh while maintaining productivity and user experience. As a leading reseller, it was essential for teams to gain hands on experience early so they could confidently advise customers based on real world usage.
Critical Success Factors:
1
Seamless Windows 11 Migration
Ensure a smooth transition to Windows 11 while maintaining productivity and user experience.
2
Automated Upgrade Through Intune
Utilise Intune for a zero-touch upgrade process.
3
Upgrading Ahead of Device Refresh
Upgrade to Windows 11 before a scheduled device upgrade.
Solution
Softcat used Microsoft Intune to deliver a seamless, zero touch upgrade, avoiding manual, office-by-office updates. Employees simply restarted their devices to complete installation. The move provided an intuitive Windows 11 interface, faster performance, and smoother integration with Microsoft Teams to enhance daily workflows.
- Leveraging Intune for a zero-touch upgrade process.
- Timing the upgrade with a laptop refresh to ensure devices come with Windows 11 pre-installed.
- Improved user experience with Windows 11's intuitive interface and enhanced features.
Results
The organisation achieved a fast, efficient rollout that required no onsite intervention while improving overall user experience. Employees gained earlier familiarity with Windows 11, enabling smoother working, quicker updates, better search functionality, and a polished modern interface that supports productivity.
- Improved user experience and productivity with Windows 11.
- Enhanced integrations with Microsoft Teams and the office suite.
- Facilitates more effective knowledge and information sharing across the business.
Using Intune saved so much time compared to the old school way of visiting all of our offices with USB drives upgrading everybody manually! It allowed us to deliver a zero touch rollout, and when I say zero touch we really didn’t have to do anything - all the user had to do was restart when prompted and the update was installed.
Megan Leadbetter
Head of IT Operations, Softcat