The Myths and Realities of Migrating to Windows 10

After years of security issues and a succession of new Windows operating systems, extended support for Windows 7 ended January 14, 2020. Mainstream support ended back in January 2015. In its place, Microsoft is positioning Windows 10 as the key to enhanced security, broad device choices, higher user productivity and lower cost of ownership with improved management capabilities.

However, the initial Windows 10 migration wave was rocky. The corporations and government agencies that made the jump to Windows 10 often lacked the internal resources, tools or expertise to facilitate a fast, cost-effective migration. This left IT departments scrambling to find ways to seamlessly transfer all user profiles, data and applications, while having to test the new OS for legacy compatibility and deployment.

Challenges with the initial rush, combined with the bad taste users already had with previous operating systems, have created many concerns around Windows 10, even though it represents the very best in a modern operating system.

Let's take a look at three myths and realities surrounding Windows 10 migration.

Myth: Organizations can't control the timing of OS downloads and installations.

Reality: Organizations can control when PCs receive updates.

Microsoft services Windows 10 in two ways: quality and feature updates. The quality update is a single, all-encompassing update that overwrites previous updates with security fixes. Feature updates occur twice per year to deploy new capabilities and built-in rollback capabilities.

There is a misconception that organizations cannot control which feature updates are pushed out and when. In reality, organizations do have a say as to when their PCs receive updates. To avoid the headache of unplanned end-user downtime, IT admins can choose Windows 10 update times that work best for their end users by using Group Policy.

This doesn't mean updates should be indefinitely delayed. Just like you wouldn't go weeks ignoring the brake light on your dashboard, Windows 10 updates should be addressed in a prompt manner.

Myth: Every PC make/model and application must be tested for compatibility. 

Reality: If a device or application is fully supported on Windows 7, there's a very strong chance it will run on Windows 10.

Another common myth is that every PC make/model and application must be tested for compatibility (like Windows 7 required of Windows XP users). This myth has raised red flags in the IT community, with pundits saying IT organizations don't have the time or resources to support software compatibility tests.

In reality, Microsoft worked to ensure backwards compatibility with both Windows 7 and 8/8.1. While there are new features in Windows 10 that require updated hardware, organizations can rest assured that if an application, tablet, laptop or desktop is fully supported on Windows 7, there's a very strong chance it will run on Windows 10. Any cases of incompatibility are most likely due to antiquated hardware or software. Many organizations are delaying upgrading to Windows 10 because they think they must replace legacy applications before migrating — but that is simply not the case across the board.

Myth: Windows 10 migration will disrupt business.

Reality: With the right partner, migration can be seamless.

Another misconception in IT circles is that migrating operating systems is a disruptive transition and Microsoft hasn't made the process easier. However — just like building anything — having the right partner for the job makes a big difference. In the case of a major Windows 10 migration, WWT's vast, proven experience can help accelerate the process and increase adoption of modern Windows operating systems and devices.

We've performed more than one million migrations across multiple management platforms, including Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) and Workspace ONE, using our internally developed tools and solutions. 

We start by getting to know your organization inside and out to develop a custom-tailored approach that will ensure a smooth transition to Windows 10 with minimal to no business disruption. But our work doesn't stop there. We think beyond the initial migration to form a holistic strategy that helps you achieve your high-level business outcomes, whether that's enhancing the employee experience, modernizing IT infrastructure or accelerating digital transformation. 

To make this happen, we leverage several resources and services available to our customers.

• Our  Advanced Technology Center (ATC) allows us to design, build, educate, demonstrate and deploy new technologies, like Windows 10, in a safe and controlled environment for our customers. The ATC provides hands-on access to engineering experts who can architect and validate a complex solution before implementing it into your environment.
• Our Integration Centers provide a production-class environment for imaging, configuring, asset tagging, staging and kitting PCs on a mass and global scale.
• As a Microsoft Gold Partner in Windows, Devices and Data Center, we provide end-to-end Windows 10 deployment services that include discovery, architecture, readiness, engineering and deployment, along with PC lifecycle and workplace transformation services.

Our work with a mayoral agency is a perfect example of our team executing a seamless migration. With the Windows 7 end-of-life (EOL) deadline nearing, the agency needed to migrate eight government entities to Windows 10 quickly to avoid costly support fees. However, due to a lack of internal bandwidth and its complex environment, they realized it would take years for them to complete on their own so they turned to WWT to migrate its 10,000 Windows 7 accounts. We migrated the devices in six months before the EOL deadline.

With the end of Windows 7 support, it's important for organizations to understand the facts surrounding Windows 10 migration and know there are partners and solutions available to get them to the promised land of Windows 10.