Migrating to Windows 11 at Scale – The TOUGHBOOK Difference

With official Microsoft support for its Windows 10 operating system ending on 14^th October 2025, how should organisations, especially those managing large fleets of devices in the field, best tackle the transition to Windows 11?

written by: Dirk Weigelt, Senior Product & Solutions Manager, Panasonic TOUGHBOOK

Organisations that are predominantly running their devices on Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system are currently in one of two positions. Either their migration programme is in full-flow, and they are primed to take advantage of all that Windows 11 can offer well before October 2024; or, they are watching the clock tick, and don’t know where to start with transitioning to the new software before it’s too late.

Thankfully, Panasonic TOUGHBOOK has it covered as a strategic partner to the industry.

The Best of Microsoft with TOUGHBOOK

For users who are utilising previous iterations of TOUGHBOOK devices launched before 2019 – which may soon be up for renewal given average device lifecycles and warranty periods – it couldn’t be easier to get the latest TOUGHBOOK rugged device on Windows 11 Pro.

With many end-of-life devices not compatible with Windows 11, this is by far the easiest and safest way to seamlessly continue operations. Additionally, users can take advantage of superior performance provided by the latest Intel^®processors, edge AI capabilities, enhanced connectivity, and extended battery life – all optimised on Windows 11 – that Panasonic has incorporated into its entire range of TOUGHBOOK devices in the last 12 months.

Panasonic users can take advantage of its extended and sustainable ecosystem of peripherals and products, compatible with current and previous generations of TOUGHBOOK devices. Newer TOUGHBOOK devices, such as the 33mk4 and G2mk3, also share the same form factor as predecessor models dating back to the early 2010s, reducing the need for additional hardware customisation, such as in-vehicle integration, when replacing devices – especially those in large fleets.

This helps to maximise ROI for existing estates, reducing total cost of ownership, whilst minimising valuable downtime and operational disruption when swapping out devices. It also future-proofs organisations’ investments, providing peace of mind that devices will receive the latest Windows updates that improves efficiency, and keeps data secure.

Data has never been so valuable

Panasonic’s strong relationship with Microsoft means it can support customer projects using the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise Long-Term Service Channel (LTSC). This provides a stable and secure operating system for businesses to utilise for up to 10 years, providing the latest security patches for field service workers, without continuous upgrades to software or the Windows 11 operating system.

Picture the scene. In a busy retail warehouse during the Christmas shopping season; or when organising tactical operations on the frontline, users do not want to be confronted with a request to update their operating system. This could lead to long periods of unplanned downtime, and negatively impact mission-critical operations. At the same time, robust data security can make the difference between a crippled organisation being held to ransom; or one that is using this information to deliver cutting-edge insights.

With hundreds of thousands of viruses and malware released every month, it’s a matter of when – not if – devices will be compromised without upgrading. Upgrading to Windows 11 sooner rather than later will reassure users and their organisations that their data is as secure as it can be. This is why TOUGHBOOK supports Microsoft’s Windows 11 Secured-Core PC program offering out-of-the-box protection.

Whilst many organisations may feel that that the size and complexity of their deployments means that their planned transition to Windows 11 will take them beyond October 2025, this can risk the security of mission-critical data. Users that want to take advantage of Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program, to help elongate the transition period, will be billed on a per-device basis. This could prove prohibitively expensive, and prevent users from utilising the latest software and business applications.

Furthermore, as cyber threats proliferate, so does the sophistication of business applications and technology; as detailed in another of my recent blogs, the design of TOUGHBOOK rugged devices moves at the same relentless pace. Using technology that is not fit-for-purpose will ultimately have a detrimental effect on productivity and efficiency.

The Art of the Possible with a Strategic Partner

TOUGHBOOK can help organisations take a proactive approach, removing any fear of the unknown in migrating to Windows’ latest operating system. This is achieved through its customised, end-to-end Mobile IT-as-a-Service (MaaS) offering, tailored to each organisation’s specific requirements.

This can help with every aspect of designing, deploying, running, and servicing devices in the field for the duration of the devices’ lifecycle, including pre, during, and post the transition to Windows 11.

Panasonic has spent decades understanding its customers’ business drivers and priorities. As a result, it knows what businesses large and small require from design and deployment (for example, utilising its extensive Autopilot expertise in image creation); the business applications they need to maximise operational efficiency; and how to support TOUGHBOOK devices in the field – regardless of the environment or conditions.

No two businesses are the same, which is why Panasonic’s role as a true mobility partner is invaluable to organisations that want to continue to harness the power of TOUGHBOOK and Windows 11 long after next October.

Learn more about Panasonic’s Mobile IT-as-a-Service offering for TOUGHBOOK here

Migrating to Windows 11 at Scale – The TOUGHBOOK Difference

The Best of Microsoft with TOUGHBOOK

Data has never been so valuable

The Art of the Possible with a Strategic Partner

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