Seamless Migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11: A Guide for Organizations
The countdown for Windows 10’s end of life has begun. While organizations may consider acquiring Extended Security Updates (ESU), such a solution can often be financially burdensome. In light of this, both enterprise clients and Microsoft stand to gain from a smooth transition to Windows 11. To facilitate this upgrade, the tech giant from Redmond has released a comprehensive guide detailing how enterprises can utilize Intune for the migration process.
Understanding the Upgrade Process
Microsoft’s guidelines are particularly designed for Windows 10 PCs that are domain-joined or co-joined. This approach enables a cloud-native shift to ensure devices operate on Windows 11 while becoming Entra-joined through Intune.
Preparing for Migration
The first critical step for customers is to verify that their hardware aligns with Windows 11’s requirements, notably the mandatory TPM 2.0. This verification can be performed using Microsoft Configuration Manager or Endpoint Analytics within Intune.
Utilizing Essential Tools
To support this migration, organizations should leverage tools such as Windows Autopatch, Configuration Manager, and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).These tools are essential for updating existing Windows 10 devices to the most current supported version, which is 22H2.
Administering the Transition
IT administrators should begin by synchronizing identities from Active Directory (AD) to Entra ID and configuring a hybrid join. This is followed by setting up the necessary licenses and admin roles in the Intune environment, alongside enabling co-management between Intune and Configuration Manager.
Streamlining Policies and Profiles
Next, organizations must rationalize their Group Policy Objects (GPOs) by removing redundant policies. It’s important to initiate setup for Intune configuration profiles and tailor policies to deploy the upgrade in a phased manner. Windows Autopatch should be employed effectively to manage the update rollout and monitor its progress.
Migrating Applications
As part of this extensive migration process, applications should be transitioned from Configuration Manager to Intune for packaging, testing, deployment, and appropriate assignment to device groups. Admins must also ensure the decommissioning of outdated deployments in Configuration Manager while updating relevant documentation to reflect these changes.
Final Steps to Entra ID-Joined Setup
The final phase involves moving from a network-joined domain setup to one that is Entra ID-joined. Microsoft asserts that adopting this cloud-native migration strategy will foster centralized management, bolster security, enhance user experience, and reduce reliance on legacy systems. Additionally, this transition allows IT admins to take full advantage of tools like Copilot in Intune.
Stay Informed: For further details on this transition process, check the official Microsoft guide.
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