How to Orchestrate a Successful Windows 11 Transition

With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, most organizations are at various stages of upgrading to Windows 11. However, realizing this transition is inevitable doesn’t mean they know exactly how to orchestrate the process and optimize the benefits of the new operating system (OS).

A Windows 11 upgrade isn’t just about installing a new OS. Its cutting-edge features will enable organizations to set the stage for lasting business breakthroughs while enhancing the modern workspace experience when supported by a strategic implementation plan and the appropriate IT expertise.

Let’s explore what to consider when orchestrating your Windows 11 upgrade, how to set up Windows 11 to optimize the modern workspace experience, and how to fully leverage the new capabilities to drive growth and innovation.

How To Ensure Successful Windows 11 Deployment

Since Windows 11 has new system requirements, your upgrade strategy must address hardware and software aspects. Here’s what you should cover:

Assess Hardware Compatibility

Careful planning and sufficient lead time are essential for a successful hardware refresh. Perform a hardware compatibility assessment as soon as possible to identify equipment that requires an upgrade, weigh your options, and secure necessary resources.

Refer to Windows 11 specifications or run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to ensure all devices in your fleet are compatible:

• Processors should be 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC).

• RAM should have 4 gigabytes (GB) or more of memory.

• Storage should have 64 GB or more capacity.

• System firmware should be Secure Boot capable and have a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI).

• Devices should have TPM 2.0 enabled.

• Graphics cards should be compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.

• High-definition displays (720p) should be greater than 9” diagonally with 8 bits per color channel.

Evaluate Software Compatibility

Check with vendors of critical applications (e.g., productivity suites, specialized industry software, and communication tools) to confirm they’re compatible with Windows 11. Also, verify their system requirements to ensure compatibility with the new hardware.

These tools can help facilitate compatibility testing:

1. Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM)

   Endpoint Analytics in MEM identifies software and drivers and assesses their compatibility with Windows 11. The readiness report shows if your fleet and applications are Windows 11-ready and alerts you to potential issues.

2.  Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT)

   The Compatibility Administrator applies “shims,” software snippets that adjust application calls to the Windows OS to ensure compatibility with Windows 11.

3. Test Base for Microsoft 365

   This Azure-based service automatically tests applications against pre-release Windows 11 versions and Office updates to show how changes may impact various software before organization-wide deployment.

Consider Licensing Requirements

Review your software licenses for Windows 11 coverage and check for additional licensing requirements. Also, verify whether your volume licensing agreements (e.g., Microsoft Volume Licensing) cover Windows 11 upgrades.

Collaborate with your legal and procurement departments to ensure compliance with software licensing agreements and maintain comprehensive documentation. Address additional licensing costs in your budget forecast to ensure you have adequate resources.

Evaluate Impacts on Security Landscape

Align your security policies with Windows 11’s new security features to maximize protection. Leverage Microsoft’s security baselines, a set of pre-configured group policy settings, to expedite the enforcement of security best practices and compliance standards.

Review and configure user permissions for robust access control. For example, you should implement group policies to manage access privileges for file systems, registries, applications, and other resources.

Develop Deployment Strategies

Your timeline and resource allocation plan should accommodate hardware refresh cycles, software compatibility testing, user training, and other IT and business requirements. Tools like MEM can help facilitate the deployment process.

You may implement a phased deployment plan based on departments, locations, or user groups and start the rollout with non-critical or less complex segments. You may also set up a pilot testing group to identify and address issues before an organization-wide deployment.

Implement Training and Support

Develop a comprehensive change management and staff training plan to ensure technical competence and drive end-user adoption. Your change management strategy should also address challenges like resistance to or anxiety about change.

Offer training to your IT team and establish a helpdesk system. Most organizations will require additional support resources during the first few months of the deployment. Consider partnering with a third-party IT services provider to ensure IT support readiness.

Optimize Windows 11 for the Modern Workspace

Windows 11 is designed to support a modern workspace experience. Here's how to maximize its benefits for a hybrid or distributed workforce.

Optimize Security Settings for Hybrid Work

Enforce Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 across devices and implement a zero-trust approach to security. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to protect remote devices and enable Windows Hello for Business for multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Implement Remote Management and Support Tools

Use Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM) or Windows Autopilot to deploy and manage Windows 11 across hybrid environments. Offer 24/7 helpdesk access via remote assistance tools like Microsoft Remote Desktop and provide employees with self-service guides and knowledge bases.

Address Potential Network and Connectivity Issues

Verify that your infrastructure is compatible with Windows 11 and review how hybrid employees access cloud services to keep your security policies relevant and robust. Update remote workers’ access to internal applications and data repositories to minimize disruptions.

Partner with an IT Service Provider with a National Footprint

Windows 11’s new system requirements mean most organizations should perform a hardware refresh, which can be challenging for those with remote and distributed teams. An IT partner with a nationwide footprint and comprehensive IT field service offerings gives you a “boots on the ground” advantage to ensure a frustration-free transition.

A Windows 11 Transition Checklist

This checklist will help you cover all the bases for a smooth transition:

• Check system requirements. Ensure the device meets Windows 11’s minimum requirements and use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to verify system compatibility.

• Update hardware fleet. Identify devices that don’t meet Windows 11’s system requirements and develop a hardware refresh plan.

• Update firmware and drivers. Update BIOS/UEFI to support TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Install the latest drivers for graphics, network, audio, and peripherals.

• Backup business-critical data. Perform a full system backup or create a restore point. Use cloud storage or external hard drives to back up critical files and settings.

• Assess software compatibility. Check mission-critical software’s compatibility with Windows 11. Test legacy applications and virtualize older ones if needed.

• Review and update security settings. Enable TMP 2.0 and Secure Boot, configure new security features, and update endpoint security, encryption, and backup strategies.

• Check network and connectivity. Ensure network infrastructure and VPNs are compatible with Windows 11 and test network performance and security with the new OS.

• Plan for enterprise rollout. Design a deployment plan to include pilot testing, user training, and license management.

Beyond a New OS: Enhance the Modern Workspace Experience and Drive Lasting Business Impact

Windows 11 offers cutting-edge features to help organizations set the stage for lasting business impact. It enables you to build a sound and robust IT foundation for your next business breakthrough.

However, with everyone using the same OS, how can you maximize its capabilities right out of the gate without the costly and lengthy learning curve?

To reap the most benefits, you should architect your upgrade strategically and combine in-depth knowledge of the OS, from-the-trenches insights, comprehensive field services, and an understanding of your business requirements.

At Compugen Systems, we’re with you every step. We’ll design and implement an IT blueprint that aligns with your long-term objectives, bringing all the pieces together to deliver the experience and breakthroughs you envision. From strategic planning to “boots on the ground” IT field services across North America — we’ve got you covered.

Get in touch to see how we can help you drive innovation and unlock possibilities with Windows 11.