Microsoft’s Push for Windows 11 and Microsoft 365: What You Need to Know
Microsoft has consistently adopted strategies aimed at encouraging users of Windows 10 to transition to Windows 11. Recently, the company recommended performing a clean installation of Windows 11 to access its new Smart App Control security feature, further intensifying its push for upgrades.
However, Microsoft’s approach has not been particularly user-friendly. The company recently blocked the widely-used BYPASSNRO script, which enables users to navigate internet and Microsoft Account requirements during Windows 11 installations. Interestingly, there is an official method sanctioned by Microsoft to achieve similar results.
The Shift from Office to Microsoft 365
In tandem with promoting Windows 11, Microsoft is also urging businesses and individual users to transition from traditional Office applications to Microsoft 365. The company points out several challenges related to using Office offline and emphasizes the advantages of cloud-based solutions. Microsoft states:
As a leader of a small or medium-sized business, you may have invested in Microsoft Office years ago through a perpetual license or “on-premises” version to equip your team with essential productivity apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Over the years, these familiar tools have become ingrained in your daily operations—so much so that you can’t imagine working without them.
Yet, you may have started noticing limitations. Your apps are stuck on your desktop, limiting productivity anytime you’re away from your office. You can’t easily access your files or collaborate when working remotely or traveling, creating unnecessary friction for your team. Perhaps you’ve seen your company’s IT expenses creep upwards as you’ve added separate solutions for email, file storage, and virtual meetings.
Microsoft argues that this is an ideal moment to consider adopting Microsoft 365, especially as support for Office 2016 and 2019, as well as Windows 10, is set to end later this year.
Substantiating the Case for Microsoft 365
The company has commissioned a study from Forrester Consulting, which focused on the economic benefits businesses can gain from Microsoft 365. The research, titled The Total Economic Impact™ Of Microsoft 365 For Business, showcases a promising projected return on investment (ROI) of 223% over three years. It reveals a payback period of less than six months, indicating that the initial investment in Microsoft 365 can be quickly recouped. Key outcomes from the study include:
- Collaboration Efficiency: Users save an impressive 1.5 hours weekly thanks to enhanced communication tools and business process automation.
- IT Specialist Productivity: A significant 686 hours can be saved annually as a result of reduced help desk tickets and decreased time spent on system updates.
- Cost Reductions: Organizations can expect savings exceeding $297, 000 from discontinuing outdated hardware and software, which also translates to lower IT maintenance expenses.
Now is the perfect time to move to Microsoft 365—and we’ve got the numbers to prove it
For more insights, you can read Microsoft’s comprehensive blog post about transitioning from Microsoft Office to Microsoft 365 here.
It’s worth noting that Microsoft has employed similar commissioned studies in the past, such as its October 2024 comparison of Windows 11 to Windows 10, where it emphasized the advantages of Windows 11 using various devices.
Despite some mixed perceptions, there are indeed performance improvements on the horizon. Users still on Windows 10 are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 before November to avoid losing access to Microsoft 365 updates.
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