Kelly Calver
Head of Workspace
Kelly Calver Linked In
As the sun starts to set on Windows 10, it’s time to look forward to the dawn of a new era with Windows 11. The transition is not just a mere upgrade; it’s a leap into a future where security, productivity, and innovation take centre stage.
Why migrate to Windows 11?
Mitigate risks, reduce unwanted costs and drive more productivity
Enhanced security
Following End Of Support, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive security patches and updates, and this presents a real-world risk to many of our customers. Windows 11 is designed with security at its core, offering features like hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection that are more robust than ever. With cyber threats evolving daily, staying updated with the latest security measures is not just an option, it’s a necessity.
Those customers not migrating to Windows 11 by October 2025, will incur additional extended support fees of up to $60 per Windows 10 device, rising to $120 in year two and increasing year on year - a sunken cost we'd all rather avoid.
Upgrade your productivity
With a user-friendly interface and improved performance features, Windows 11 is built to enhance productivity. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, harnessing the power of AI to bring you a more intuitive and efficient working experience.
Sustainability
Migrating to Windows 11 aligns with modern sustainability goals. By optimising the software to run efficiently on newer hardware, you contribute to reducing the carbon footprint, making a positive impact on the environment. We've seen this play out in reduced boot times, longer battery life, efficient power consumption and more.
Accessibility for all
Accessibility is at the heart of Windows 11, with features designed to empower everyone to use technology in the way that works best for them. It’s about creating an inclusive digital world where everyone has access to the tools they need.
Migration map
While customers could simply hit update to migrate to Windows 11, there are a number of factors to consider to avoid taking any of the current start time, performance or systems issues in your current environment into your new build, thus decreasing the return on investment.
So how do we get the most benefit?
- Data driven decisions - use a Digital Experience Monitoring tool and/or Asset Management tool to identify the devices that are fit to upgrade from a hardware or performance perspective, or those that require some upgrade or need to be replaced. This will help your organisation prioritise the deployment of Windows 11 and truly assess the cost. You could also use performance data from a DEX tool to prioritise users with the worst experiences to maximise impact or determine critical customer facing departments.
- Plan and build - is your current device deployment process meeting your standards or preventing you from gaining access to better productivity? Consider modern management implementation, which leverages the power on Intune & Autopilot for faster and more predictable deployment. Also, consider your application compatibility and packaging needs - while Microsoft is reporting more than 98% compatibility, add-ins, version control and packages continue to present unplanned issues for IT folk.
- Migration strain - so you're all set for a smooth technical roll out, but how do you scale in the remaining 12 months to get upgrades in place in the most sustainable way without increasing engineering costs? Leveraging partners like Softcat to manage your hardware deployments enables you to scale up and down deployment projects without increasing internal costs and the time and cost to implement these projects.
- User adoption - do you have a comms plan in place for user adoption? How will you ensure you get your return on investment? Ensuring your users are fully prepared and equipped to make the most of their new experience, consider training videos, quick start guides and a communications plan to ensure users make the most of new performance tools. Make sure to also optime screen estate and update any AI or security policies in line.
The time is now
The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 2025. While it may seem like there’s plenty of time, preparing now ensures a smooth transition without the rush and pressure as the deadline approaches. Speak to your Softcat Account Manager about how we can help you asses your Windows 11 journey and map a course to a seamless migration, or contact our Sales team.