With Windows 10 gone, it's time to get serious about Windows 11

Well, it's official: Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 22H2 will be the last released version of Windows 10. Because Windows 10 will be officially supported until October 2025, businesses will have to make a lot of budget decisions from time to time. Windows 11 hardware mandates mean that many companies will get every last minute of support out of their investment in Windows 10. Current estimates are that nearly 70% of Windows users are still deploying Windows 10, and I know many will bet (and hope) that Microsoft provides some sort of lifeline to extend our use of Windows 10, just as the company did with Windows 7...

While many argue that hardware purchased in recent years can easily support Windows 11, the reality is that part of it is simply not enough. With just over two years to go, many users may want to review their needs, deployment methods, and even whether we're going to continue using traditional desktops.

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There are other issues with Windows 11, one brought on by Microsoft when it changed the menu and control systems, the other coming from the gaming communities and IT professionals.

When you implement Windows 11 For someone, invariably the first thing they ask is, “Where did cut and paste go?” The biggest change to the Windows 10 user interface involved the right mouse button options. Cut and paste is still there, at a glance, if you're used to seeing icons that mean cut and paste. Once users realize where these commands are located, they migrate accordingly. The change was intentional on Microsoft's part. But there was clearly no complete break with legacy menu systems and control panels. Microsoft, after all, realizes that many tools still connect to the control panel. So while one camp wants Microsoft to remove all traces of the old UI and go modern, the reality is that Microsoft knows it has to go slow with any transition; many of us rely on those legacy tools.

Another issue with Windows 11 is its impact on gaming performance. Many gamers have reported lower frame rates and stuttering issues when playing games on Windows 11 compared to Windows 10. Some have even gone back to Windows 10 to avoid these issues. Microsoft acknowledged the issue and promised to fix it in future updates, but for now, gamers may want to stick with Windows 10 if they're concerned about optimal performance.

The same goes for IT professionals using virtual machines or dual boot systems. Windows 11 introduces a new security feature called Secure Boot, which prevents unauthorized software from loading during the boot process. This feature can interfere with some virtual machines or dual-boot setups, making them unusable or inaccessible in Windows 11. There are ways to disable or fix Secure Boot, but they involve changing BIOS settings or changing partitions, which can be risky. and complicated

So what does this mean for Windows 10 users? Should we rush to upgrade to Windows 11 or stick with Windows 10? The answer depends on your situation and preferences. If you have a compatible device and you like the new look of Windows 11, you might want to give it a try. It has a few advantages over Windows 10, such as a more streamlined Settings app, a redesigned Start menu and taskbar, a new Snap Layouts feature for multitasking, and improved integration with Microsoft Teams and Android apps.

But if you have an older device or are relying on certain features or apps that might not work well in Windows 11, you might want to wait until Microsoft fixes the issues or expands support for Windows 10. You still have plenty of time to decide, as that Windows 10 will receive security updates until October 2025. And who knows, maybe by then Microsoft will have another surprise for us.

The disruptive nature of Windows 11, including its mandatory hardware requirements and changes to the user interface, has understandably raised some questions and slower adoption among IT professionals and businesses. Upgrading to a new operating system can involve significant considerations and investments, especially for larger organizations.

The announcement that Windows 10 22H2 will be the last feature release provides an opportunity for enterprises to assess their deployment strategies and long-term plans. Here are some points to consider:

1. Implementation methodologies: Evaluate your current implementation methodologies and determine if they align with your business needs and goals. This might mean considering alternative approaches, such as cloud-based deployments, virtualization, or hybrid solutions.

2. Management tools: Evaluate your management tools and determine if they are compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft Internet, a cloud-based management solution, can offer benefits such as centralized management, security features, and simplified deployment processes. Assess whether Intune adoption aligns with your organization's requirements.

3. Server infrastructure: When considering your next server purchase, consider whether a physical server or a cloud-based solution would be a better fit for your organization. Cloud deployments can offer scalability, flexibility, and potentially reduced maintenance costs. Evaluate your specific needs and the benefits of each option.

4. Deployment automation: Explore the use of deployment automation tools like Microsoft Autopilot. Autopilot streamlines the deployment process by enabling IT administrators to provision devices with pre-configured applications and configurations, reducing the time and effort required to configure individual devices.

Ultimately, the decision-making process should involve a thorough assessment of your organization's specific requirements, resources, and long-term goals. Consulting with IT professionals, participating in pilot projects, and testing different deployment scenarios can help you make informed decisions about the best approach for your business.