As Windows 10 approaches its end of life, it’s essential to begin planning your upgrade to Windows 11. The transition to this newer version comes with a range of changes, from system requirements to new functionalities that you’ll need to account for. These adjustments could affect everything from your hardware capabilities to your virtualized environments, especially when integrating platforms like Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop.

Hardware Requirements for Windows 11

One of the most significant differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 is the change in hardware requirements. Unlike Windows 10, Windows 11 requires a 64-bit processor with at least two cores. If your devices are still running a 32-bit version of Windows 10, they won’t be able to upgrade to Windows 11. Additionally, the RAM requirements have doubled—Windows 11 needs more memory to run the OS efficiently. If you’re planning to upgrade existing devices, ensure they meet these higher specifications.

Windows 11 also mandates a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. This security feature is designed to protect your devices from security threats, especially from a pre-boot level. Without TPM, upgrading to Windows 11 could be problematic, and you may have to refresh your hardware. The graphics card and monitor resolution requirements have also increased, which means that even your visual experience could be impacted by the upgrade.

Planning for Windows 11 in Virtualized Environments

If your organization relies on virtualized environments such as Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, the hardware upgrades don’t stop with physical machines. You’ll need to make sure your virtualization platform supports virtual TPM and can provide the necessary functionality for running Windows 11. This may require upgrades to your virtual machines to maintain performance and ensure compliance.

One key consideration is that Windows 11 uses hardware graphics acceleration for RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) sessions by default. If you have a virtualized setup, the hardware acceleration could affect the density of user sessions. It’s possible to disable this feature, but you would need to modify the registry settings, which might not be suitable for every organization. Additionally, with increased OS requirements, you may need to expand your physical infrastructure to accommodate the added resource load, especially if you were running many sessions per host under Windows 10.

Software and App Management

With Windows 11, managing applications also becomes more streamlined, especially with tools like Microsoft Intune. This modern endpoint management product integrates well with Windows 10 and Windows 11, allowing you to deploy and manage apps and updates effectively across your organization. One of the standout features of Intune is the ability to push updates in real-time, which can be invaluable if your team is working from various locations and devices.

For hardware refreshes, Intune’s Autopilot feature can onboard new devices automatically. As soon as a new device is powered on, it will reach out to Intune, check for compliance, and begin the process of app and software deployment. This can save significant time and effort when rolling out new hardware.

Windows 11 in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

Another aspect to consider when planning for Windows 11 is how it integrates with Azure Virtual Desktop. AVD allows you to run multi-session environments, which can be a key strategy if certain endpoint devices are not capable of running Windows 11. In Azure, you can create a multi-session Windows 11 environment, which can serve as a bridge between older devices and the newer operating system. This setup can be particularly helpful for organizations that want to transition smoothly without upgrading every device right away.

Preparing for the End of Windows 10

As the Windows 10 End of Life date draws nearer, it’s vital to assess which devices in your organization will need an upgrade. Microsoft has set the EOL for Windows 10 24 H2 versions, and if your company is still using an older version of Windows 10, you could already be out of support. The transition to Windows 11 is not just about upgrading; it’s about planning for the future with virtual solutions like Windows 365 or AVD and modern device management tools like Microsoft Intune.

Moving Forward with Windows 11

The switch to Windows 11 from Windows 10 requires more than just a software update. The shift involves new hardware requirements, changes in your virtualized environments, and more robust device management strategies. If you’re still using Windows 10, it’s time to start thinking about how your organization will adapt to these new challenges. Whether you are upgrading your devices or leveraging Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), this transition is more about readiness than just getting a new OS. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation.