By now, you’ve probably seen that there is a huge push for enterprises to embrace a Windows 10 upgrade. Microsoft has phased out Windows 7 and Windows 8 support, there are updated security features that Windows 10 offers (which are very attractive to organizations), and other reasons are making the switch to Windows 10 almost a necessity.
But, anyone who’s been through any type of migration project knows how time-consuming, labour-intensive, or problematic it can become if not tackled properly. However, this process doesn’t need to be as painful as you might be thinking it is.
In this blog, we’ll outline 2 important considerations your enterprise needs to be aware of before undertaking a Windows 10 upgrade, and we’ll discuss why a Windows 10 Compatibility Workshop may be the answer to a smoother, less stressful transition.
Consideration 1: Preparing for the Challenges of a Windows 10 Upgrade
A Windows 10 upgrade, like many other major IT migrations, requires careful preparation before the work begins. So, before any work is done, you should consider what challenges you may face during migration. Here are some questions you might want to think about:
- Do you have processes in place for preparing for increased IT workloads?
- Are you ready to distribute the update files to every PC/device enterprise-wide?
- Are your users currently storing their files on local drives, which could be lost during the migration?
- Do your devices currently support Windows 10 or do you need to upgrade your hardware?
- Are your current apps going to be compatible with Windows 10?
A #Windows10 upgrade requires careful preparation before the work begins. Before any work is done, consider what challenges you may face during your #Migration.
Consideration 2: Preparing Your Infrastructure for a Windows 10 Upgrade
Once you’ve determined the challenges that you might face during your Windows 10 upgrade, it’s time to start preparing your infrastructure to migrate to Windows 10. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- The impact of upgrading large numbers of PCs at the same time could potentially be a problem, so it’s best to undertake your Windows 10 upgrade in smaller batches, during off-peak time periods.
- Also, it’s important to make sure your organization is using devices that are compatible with Windows 10. Generally speaking, most computers that are using Windows 8.1 will be compatible.
- Another part of this preparation to migrate to Windows 10 will be to have your IT department conduct rigorous tests to ensure that your new Windows 10 upgrade won’t break any of your legacy systems.
- Last, make sure you’re using the right migration option. Is a “wipe and load” option the best? Or, should you consider an in-place upgrade to Windows 10 from your previous Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 OS? Or, is Dynamic Provisioning the way to go? Consider the chart below:
| Consider... |
For These Scenarios... |
| "Wipe-and-Load" |
- When you upgrade significant numbers of applications along with the new Windows OS
- When you make significant device or operating system configuration changes
- When you “start clean”. For example, scenarios where it is not necessary to preserve existing apps or data (for example, call centers) or when you move from unmanaged to well-managed PCs
- When you migrate from Windows Vista or other previous operating system versions
|
| In-Place Upgrade |
- When you want to keep all (or at least most) existing applications
- When you do not plan to significantly change the device configuration (for example, BIOS to UEFI) or operating system configuration (for example, x86 to x64, language changes, Administrators to non-Administrators, Active Directory domain consolidations)
- To migrate from Windows 10 to a later Windows 10 release
|
| Dynamic Provisioning |
- For new devices, especially in “choose your own device” scenarios when simple configuration (not reimaging) is all that is required
- When used in combination with a management tool (for example, an MDM service like Microsoft Intune) that enables self-service installation of user-specific or role-specific apps
|
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Windows 10 Compatibility Workshop – A First Step in Planning Windows 10 Enterprise Deployment
Embarking on a Windows 10 upgrade is not a decision to be taken lightly. There are many considerations besides the two we’ve outlined in this blog that need to be discussed before any upgrade or migration takes place. However, you don’t need to undertake this journey alone. By engaging in a Windows 10 Compatibility Workshop, your organization can take your first steps into planning for your Windows 10 Enterprise Deployment.
A #Windows10 Compatibility Workshop can help you take your first steps into planning for a Windows 10 #EnterpriseDeployment. It'll help you review your current environment, determine compatibility, & explore servicing capabilities you should be aware of.
A Windows 10 Compatibility workshop will give you the opportunity to review your current environment, determine compatibility, and explore Windows 10 servicing capabilities that you need to be aware of. At the end of the workshop, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive review of any next steps, and action items to make sure that your Windows 10 deployment is successful. Interested in participating? Contact us today to register for your own Windows 10 Compatibility Workshop!
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