A Roadmap to a Seamless Windows 11 Integration

Microsoft reports that there are currently 1.4 billion computers running a Windows operating system – most running on Windows 10. These will have to be updated to the newest version, Windows 11, because Windows 10 will no longer be supported after October 14, 2025.

Windows 11 was built during the first two years of the pandemic (released in October 2021) when remote/hybrid work became a top priority. The features are designed to increase productivity while improving security against threats to the hybrid work environment.

Outdated systems can cause disruptions and affect the workflow of your organization. The past few years have shown us that having up-to-date technology helps to ensure productivity across all industries in uncertain times.

Companies now must begin transitioning their operating systems to accommodate for the impending loss of Windows 10 support. Transitioning to a new operating system is often a lengthy process and giving yourself enough runway to plan your migration is crucial. 

Formulating a migration strategy can be made easy when you work with a trusted third party such as CDW. Our organization has the capabilities and expertise to guide you through a complex migration like this. CDW offers the following six services to help make your migration as seamless as possible.

1. Readiness assessment: Begin your planning with a deep dive assessment of your company’s infrastructure. Taking a hard look at your organization’s technology environment will help build a migration strategy and determine your system’s compatibility. The assessment can provide you with a report of your company’s migration readiness and the next steps that are necessary to take before you update to Windows 11. Having a clear picture of your current state helps to create a migration plan that is perfectly suited to your organization’s needs.
2. Pilot deployment: A pilot deployment gives you an opportunity to see compatibility issues, helps you develop a deployment plan and manages your migration process.
3. IT asset disposition (ITAD): An organization will not be able to update to Windows 11 on a device that is more than four years old. Having a plan to manage the end of life for these devices is essential, as they will need to be disposed of in a secure, environmentally friendly and cost-effective way. CDW can help you recycle and/or resell old devices that can no longer be used in your organization.
4. Technology support: Are you equipped to handle the issues that will arise during the migration? There will be troubleshooting issues and service requests when a migration occurs. A plan needs to be in place for who will handle these issues and how they will be resolved. CDW can handle all your troubleshooting issues and can onboard users during the migration.
5. Windows autopilot remote configuration: In a hybrid work world, it is not always possible to have everyone in office when deploying a new update. Some devices will need to be sent out to remote workers or different office locations. In situations like these, it is essential to have devices that have been prepared with your necessary applications and security policies. For any new devices that are being bought with Windows 11, CDW can help to configure, image and install any applications or security policies with zero-touch for IT. 
6. Configuration services and technology deployment: After the new device is properly configured, CDW tests the devices to work out any technical problems so they are ready to go when they arrive to you.

Every organization has a unique migration journey. At CDW, we know that where you are in your migration process and what you need to move forward is a guiding factor for your migration budget.

For example, if your environment is ready to deploy Windows 11 devices, you won’t need to budget for things like readiness assessments or proof of concepts. If you have a mix of Windows 11 eligible and Windows 11 ineligible devices — often determined through the readiness assessment — the cost of upgrading devices is lower. Work with a trusted partner such as CDW to determine what (if any) services your organization might need. Once that is determined, you can create a smart budget for your migration.