How to Accelerate Your Business’ Migration to Windows 11

For rugged device fleets, which often support frontline workers in demanding environments, the migration to Windows 11 is not as simple as a standard desktop upgrade. Hardware complexity, connectivity patterns, device security, and pre-, during-, and post-deployment requirements mean that planning must start early – and be executed with precision.

With new fiscal periods fast approaching – or having already started – I’ve outlined the key priorities for successfully migrating to Windows 11.

As our recent whitepaper revealed, migrating to Windows 11 is a significant undertaking that requires intricate and advanced planning. This is especially important in organisations with large device fleets, and those operating in mission-critical environments, where upgrades cannot be accomplished overnight. Businesses and public sectors that are about to embark on transitioning should follow the below steps:

• Application Compatibility Assessment: The first step is to audit all applications and business functionalities to ensure they are compatible with Windows 11, as differences between Windows 10 and 11 may affect critical operations.

• Hardware Support Evaluation: Managers must verify whether existing hardware supports Windows 11; if not, organisations must consider purchasing new hardware or accept the risks of running unsupported systems.

• Deployment Planning and Methods: Migration can be achieved through various deployment strategies, including over-the-air updates, depot-based upgrades, and staggered rollouts. This highlights the need to account for device connectivity, user schedules, and the logistical challenges of updating large, distributed fleets. Although October 2026 may feel far off, organisations need to start actively planning their migration to Windows 11 now if they haven’t already.

• Image Creation and Customisation: It’s important to create and test different system images for various departments or user groups, ensuring that each configuration meets specific functional requirements and that updates do not disrupt existing applications.

• Post-Deployment Support and Issue Resolution: Proactive, post-deployment monitoring of the functionality of Windows 11 – and the device – will help to identify any issues, and how to resolve them. Unforeseen problems are likely to arise in large-scale migrations.
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Proven Windows 11 Expertise

TOUGHBOOK can help organisations take a proactive approach, removing any fear of the unknown in migrating to Windows 11. 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-transition. 

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; the business applications they need to maximise operational efficiency; and how to support devices in the field – regardless of the environment.