Recommendations for Migrating to Windows 11
We shared the announcement of Microsoft's scheduled End of Life for Windows 10 with our last email. Now, let's look at what your options are to migrate to Windows 11.
What are you Recommended Options?
1. Upgrade to Windows 11 – If you are already a significant Microsoft user (i.e Office, Teams, SharePoint) upgrading to Window 11 is the clearest and most straightforward path. As one might expect a significant migration to Windows 11 comes with significant enhancements and improvements from its earlier generation. The main benefits include:
• Enhanced Security: Windows 11 offers several security improvements, making machines better protected and more resistant to modern cyber threats, leading to better overall data protection.
• Improved User Experience: Windows 11 includes changes to the user interface aimed at improving the end user experience. Focusing on productivity improvements and new interfaces it improves creates a fresh look to align with the current work patterns.
A couple of Points to Consider prior to upgrading to Windows 11:
• Ensure Compatibility of Legacy Applications: While Microsoft has methods to assist in the inter-operability of their software, checking with your other vendors that have Microsoft integrations is crucial to ensure their integrations will still work. Vendors know this end of life is approaching, but they may not have a integration update in place yet. It is important to schedule the upgrades in line with your vendors' ability to maintain integrations to ensure proper systems and process flow.
• Hardware Considerations: Not all current Windows 10 devices are able to be field upgraded to Windows 11. Existing machines must meet specific hardware requirements. An upgrade might require new hardware investments; this might present an opportunity to justify replacing older hardware for newer, more optimal machines.
2. Delay upgrades with Extended Security Updates (ESU)
If your organization is not ready to make an immediate transition, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program may offer a temporary solution if eligible though not a very cost-effective option. Additionally, it has been shared that prices will increase significantly annually. The ESU program does provide a short-term solution if migrating to Windows 11 by October 2025 is too disruptive to your business (i.e.- integration updates to other software will not be available by October). The main benefit of the ESU program is that it will provide critical security updates. There will not be any new feature updates. It is to be considered a maintenance only solution.
3. Implement new hardware with Windows 11
For many businesses, Windows 10 was the optimal operating system when they bought the current PCs or laptops, meaning the current hardware might also be nearing its end of life creating an optimal time and path to migrate the Microsoft software by adding new hardware with Windows 11 as the OS refreshing your infrastructure and upgrading your software at the same time. Doing so creates several advantages including:
• Better Overall Performance: Today's hardware is designed to maximize Windows 11's features set, providing overall improved performance, improved battery life, and improved security. A prime example can be found in storage memory - hard drives have shifted from spinning disks to SSD drives and machines have much more RAM memory to accommodate for better multitasking of multiple applications at once.
• Long-Term Investment: Even though technology is evolving at light speed rates, investing in new hardware should be considered a long-term investment. New hardware purchases come with extended manufacturer support lifecycles, creating an expected lifespan of typically five years. Investment in new hardware can provide tax benefits as well with eligibility of the IRS Section 179 deduction. This also helps your organization to take advantage of future technological software enhancements without the need for further immediate improvements.
• Sustainability: New hardware is designed to be greener and eco-friendlier, creating a path to contribute to your company's sustainability initiatives.
• Competitive Advantage: Implementing and using the most current technology in your business send a clear message to both clients and employees. Clients seeing your team utilizing modern, high-performing devices send a message that you are staying current with technology to maximize your client's experience. Additionally, new hardware demonstrates to your employees that you are committed to providing them with tools to succeed at their jobs, increasing overall employee satisfaction and employee retention.
Want to discuss this further and review your specific environment? Contact your Account Advisor directly or call us and we'll get a team member to work directly with you.
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