Tips and insights from our Microsoft Solution Consultant: Now is the time to migrate to Windows 11.
October 14, 2025 is getting closer: after that, there will be no more free security updates for Windows 10. This means that you will no longer be able to work safely with devices running Windows 10. Apart from that, you will also miss out on all the benefits that Windows 11 offers, such as working more smoothly and efficiently. In fact, you are already quite late if you still have to plan your migration now, but better to start late than never! In this blog, Thijs Groen, Microsoft Solution Consultant at Bechtle, shares tips and insights about migrating to Windows 11.
Each organisation is unique, And each one requires its own migration plan.
Thijs Groen, Microsoft Solution Consultant Workspace at Bechtle
Thijs Groen is a Microsoft Solution Consultant Workspace at Bechtle. His day is spent urging those businesses, which have not yet begun migrating Windows 10 to 11, to get started. “An average company with 300 IT seats needs about 430 days to migrate. It takes time to devise a strategy and accurately plan in order to leverage today’s deployment, management, and security capabilities, carry out tests and demonstrate to people how they can work more effectively.”
Greater security with Windows 11.
Thijs: “It simply isn’t safe to keep using outdated systems. If you aren’t receiving updates, how can you be sure that your business is compliant with legislation such as GDPR? Windows 11 is secure by default which means that the operating system is built from the ground up to be secure and does not require the administrator or user to take any additional steps. Integrated security includes strong encryption and malware protection while the new OS protects corporate and user data.”
Integrated management and automation tools.
For IT departments, the way Windows 11 integrates management and automation tools is very interesting. Thijs: “We are used to having to use differing management platforms and tools, but by integrating them into Windows 11, Microsoft has make management easier and more secure. Many businesses are seizing the opportunity to leverage the migration to do more with Intune. For example, it’s possible to provide remote support on Windows 11 systems from within Intune without the need to pay for third-party tools. There are so many possibilities!”
From Intune, Microsoft also offers Windows Autopatch as a handy tool. “With Windows Autopatch, you can automate updates and roll them out in phases within your organization. You manage your update policy in ‘rings’, where you first test on a small group of users before rolling out updates more widely,” Thijs explains. This tool means you don’t have to patch as much yourself and takes a lot of work off your IT department’s hands and helps prevent disruptions. “Windows, Microsoft 365 and Edge automatically stay up-to-date, without you having to intervene manually.”
New ways to work and collaborate.
Organisations that think that sticking with Windows 10 is cheaper are mistaken. Research by Forrester shows that the ROI is around 250% when you look at the Total Economic Impact*. Organisations earn back this investment on average within six months after implementation.
Thijs: “I now meet customers who purchased a Windows 11 device because it was cheaper to buy. They ask me if I can install Windows 10 on it. Unfortunately... new devices now come standard with Windows 11. Windows 10 is no longer available as a pre-installed operating system on new hardware.”
Downgrade options are often no longer available and licenses for Windows 10 are no longer available in practice. More and more new systems simply do not work on Windows 10. “Organisations that try to fall back on Windows 10 are running into technical and compliance limitations.”
It will soon no longer be possible to purchase new devices running Windows 10, so you need to make sure you make the switch in good time.
Thijs Groen, Microsoft Solution Consultant Workspace at Bechtle
New devices running Windows 10 are becoming rare.
Businesses that believe sticking with Windows 10 will be cheaper need to think again. Research carried out by Forrester shows that ROI is around 250% when you look at the total economic impact*. On average, companies will recoup this investment within 6 months of roll out.
Thijs: “I now meet customers who bought a Windows 11 device because it was cheaper to buy. They ask me if I can install Windows 10 on it. Unfortunately... new devices are now delivered with Windows 11 as standard. Windows 10 is no longer available as a pre-installed operating system on new hardware.”
Downgrade options are often no longer available and licenses for Windows 10 are no longer available in practice. More and more new systems simply do not work on Windows 10. “Organizations that try to fall back on Windows 10 are running into technical and compliance limitations.”
Extended Security Updates (ESU).
For organizations that cannot make the switch to Windows 11 in the short term, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU). “With ESU, you can continue to receive security updates for Windows 10 for up to three years after October 2025,” Thijs explains. “A small side note: the service is paid, and certainly not a structural solution. See it as a temporary bridge if there really is no other option, not a reason to postpone your migration.”
Tracing hardware and software.
Migration to Windows 11 requires a company's hardware and software to first be tracked and documented. Thijs: “Once you know what you have, you can check compatibility with Windows 11. Bechtle Inventory Services provides a holistic overview of your organisation's IT infrastructure. We’ll show you what’s on your network, the chipsets, OS and firmware you have, what’s compatible with Windows 11, and what needs to be replaced.”
Planning a new environment.
The next step in the migration process is planning the new environment. Our experts can help you modernize your rollout with Intune, management, and security. They will work with you to address the following issues:
- Is it more convenient for your IT management to set Windows Autopilot to Zero Touch or Pre-provisioning?
- Are you going to strengthen the security of your endpoints with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Conditional Access?
- Or are you already using this and do you need to integrate the new tooling?
- Which AI insights are you going to apply to your hardware and apps?
Managing role-based devices.
In the past, everyone had the same laptop, but those days are long behind us. Depending on the job you do, you have different tasks and therefore different requirements when it comes to your IT. Even colleagues working with the same hardware need different apps and settings. With Intune profiles, we can tailor the automatic configuration of a device’s apps, settings, rights and policies to an employee’s specific tasks. That means your staff get a device that best suits their jobs and you keep a firm grip on management.
Well-founded hardware advice.
Bechtle leverages user surveys and workshops to advise on how best to tailor Intune profiles to the roles within your organisation. When it comes to hardware, we don't only think about the budget, but also consider the economic impact and features of a selection of devices. We explain the differences to help you make an informed choice and also provide demo models, so you and your employees can make sure their needs are met before you buy.
Windows 11 auto-deployment.
Modern management and deployment tools make Windows 11 easy to provision, even when working with many different devices. Windows Autopilot plays a key role in this as it means devices can be set up with pre-defined configurations. All employees have to do is turn on the device and it is automatically provisioned with the tools needed to do their jobs.
Saving time through testing.
Thijs: “To ensure the roll out goes as smoothly as possible, thorough testing needs to be carried out in advance so that any tweaks can be made before they land on employees’ desks. If you don’t, you’ll spend a lot of time helping resolve their problems During the planning phase, additional time is set aside for testing to ensure that the new environment will help boost productivity from the get-go.”
An experienced IT partner is essential.
When migrating to Windows 11, you need an experienced IT partner by your side. Thijs: “Every business has an IT infrastructure that is unique to it and each one requires its own migration plan. Microsoft has a broad range of useful tools which are being added to constantly. Our experienced consultants know which tool is best for which task, regularly attend training courses to keep right up-to-date, know migration best practices, and can provide tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your IT.”
Working together to ensure smooth migration.
Migrating to Windows 11 is a complex but necessary process. With security built in from the ground up, you can be sure that your business is protected. Not only that, but new features help you optimise your work processes so you can do more in less time. But the clock is ticking! October 2025 isn’t that far away so it’s time to get the ball rolling. With the right partner by your side, you can be sure migration will be child’s play.
*The Total Economic Impact™ Of Windows 11 Pro Devices (2022)
Want to know more about how Bechtle can help you migrate to Windows 11 in 5 steps?
Download our roadmap, which maps out the five important steps your organization must take to successfully migrate to Windows 11. Discover how we can support you as a trusted IT partner.
