Windows 10 End of Support: Is Your Business Ready for the Upgrade?
I still remember where I was in 2015 installing Windows 10 on a virtual machine for the first time. As a full-time Windows 8 apologist, I was thankful to get back to the standard start menu and excited about how the new Windows servicing upgrades would continually add new features to keep the operating system fresh. I even had the distinct “honor” in 2017, during a Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade for my project team, to report a bug in Windows 10 build 1709 that Microsoft fixed in a cumulative update.
If you haven’t heard, Windows 10 will be at end of support in October 2025 (link). This doesn’t mean all Windows 10 computers will stop working, but Microsoft will no longer supply monthly patches and security fixes. The good news is that the path to upgrading to Windows 11 should be much less intensive than previous updates. In the past, major OS upgrades (e.g., Windows XP to Windows 7) were huge projects that required backing up and restoring user data, as well as packaging and redeploying all installed applications. Fortunately, with years of Windows servicing upgrades, the upgrade process is now streamlined. With many incremental changes already made under the hood to Windows 10, upgrading to Windows 11 will not be as intensive and can be performed with little to no user impact.
Assess Readiness
Microsoft has provided IT administrators with several great tools to assess organizational readiness for Windows 11. There are some new hardware requirements, and not all Windows 10 devices are eligible for Windows 11.
Microsoft Configuration Manager
Good old Microsoft Configuration Manager (commonly referred to by its old acronym, "SCCM"), used by organizations large and small, is a great way to assess if your devices meet the updated hardware and software requirements for Windows 11. If you are on ConfigMgr version 2203 or newer, there is a dashboard under the Software Library node for Windows 11 upgrade readiness. It lists all Windows 10 devices and whether they are eligible for Windows 11, reporting any blockers that might exist.
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft’s cloud-based service is the go-to management tool for all device types and Microsoft’s preferred platform as companies move to the cloud. If your devices are enrolled in Intune with cloud-native or hybrid configurations, the Endpoint Analytics reports can help assess Windows 11 readiness. These reports indicate whether your devices meet the hardware requirements or if there are drivers or software preventing the upgrade.
App Compatibility
Application compatibility between Windows 10 and Windows 11 should not be an issue, and your apps should work with little to no problem. The Windows 11 upgrade is more like an annual feature update and should feel like business as usual. Microsoft has even boasted a 99.7% compatibility rate between Windows 10 and Windows 11 (link).
Upgrade Time!
There are several ways to facilitate the upgrade to Windows 11.
Microsoft Configuration Manager
Configuration Manager is flexible and powerful, offering multiple methods to perform the upgrade:
- Windows Servicing Node: Create a servicing plan and assign it to an upgrade collection. Compatible devices will be presented with the upgrade similar to a Windows update.
- In-Place Upgrade Task Sequence: Perform custom pre- and post-upgrade actions in order, providing flexibility for complex automations.
Microsoft Intune
Using Update Rings and Feature Updates within Intune, you can create a policy to offer the Windows 11 upgrade to managed devices. The update will appear alongside monthly updates, allowing users to install it on their terms, minimizing downtime.
Final Notes and Considerations
The key to a successful project like this is a combination of technical configuration and effective user communication. The best results often come from projects that communicate changes using multiple channels, preparing users and enabling them to complete the update smoothly.
While app compatibility should not be a major concern, a robust pilot with early adopters can help identify potential issues and confirm readiness for broader adoption.
If you need help getting started or want expert assistance, feel free to reach out—we have the experience to make your Windows 11 project successful.