Chapter 1: Windows 11 Rollout Overview

Microsoft recently shared insights into its deployment of Windows 11, which was executed on 190,000 PCs globally. This impressive rollout was completed in just five weeks, commencing on October 7, 2021.

Interestingly, not all of Microsoft's own computers met the stringent hardware prerequisites for the upgrade, particularly the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 requirement. Many older devices lacked this feature and, as a result, cannot transition to Windows 11.

In a blog entry by Lukas Velush, it was noted, "Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements, and a percentage of our devices were not upgraded. Employees with these devices will continue to run Windows 10 until their next device refresh."

Moreover, Velush remarked that, "Microsoft's upgrade to Windows 11 is largely regarded as the smoothest we’ve ever experienced." Given that Microsoft created Windows 11 and possesses vast technical resources and tools for managing such a large-scale deployment, this outcome was perhaps to be expected.

The company utilized Update Compliance and Endpoint analytics from Microsoft Endpoint Manager to assess their device landscape. Ultimately, 190,000 devices qualified for the upgrade, achieving a remarkable 99 percent success rate.

While this achievement is noteworthy, it’s essential to remember that it comes from Microsoft, which naturally raises expectations for their success. The more pressing concern lies in how smaller and medium-sized enterprises will handle their Windows 11 deployments.

For many smaller organizations that lack extensive resources, upgrading dozens or hundreds of PCs may seem daunting, both in terms of workforce and potential expenses.

Section 1.1: Challenges for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Many organizations do not have a structured hardware refresh cycle; they typically continue using their PCs until they either fail or can no longer run necessary applications.

The financial burden of replacing machines that can't support Windows 11 can be significant, and businesses are often hesitant to replace functioning hardware unnecessarily.

Had Microsoft opted for less stringent hardware requirements, many of these issues could have been avoided. For instance, PCs with a 7th generation Intel i7 processor are ineligible for the upgrade, despite being perfectly functional for everyday tasks. Unfortunately, Microsoft does not share this perspective.

Subsection 1.1.1: Support for Windows 10

Fortunately, Windows 10 will continue to receive support from Microsoft until 2025, allowing businesses to use their existing hardware with a supported OS for several more years.

While the strict hardware limitations may hinder the uptake of Windows 11, it appears that Microsoft remains indifferent to these constraints. They have not adjusted their requirements and are unlikely to do so in the future.

Chapter 2: Future of Windows 11

The first video explores the challenges IT departments face due to unexpected pop-up notifications following the Windows 11 upgrade, emphasizing the discontent within some sectors.

The second video shares insights on essential information to know prior to upgrading to Windows 11, highlighting common pitfalls and helpful tips.

As discussed in previous articles, Windows 11 is still evolving. By restricting its installation to select hardware, Microsoft may have more time to refine the operating system.

What are your thoughts on Windows 11 and the stringent hardware criteria imposed? I would genuinely like to hear your views.

Until next time…

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