Windows 10 Migration: what you must do now to prepare

The Windows 10 migration is now upon us, and many global customers have already recognised the urgency and made the transition. Support for computers running Windows 7 has ceased, and any organisations that have not yet switched to Windows 10 must continue to buy extended security updates (ESU) to ensure the security of their computer network.

Despite this lifeline, Microsoft will no longer provide ESUs for purchase from January 2023, and so it’s incredibly important that companies address how they will migrate to Windows 10, and what they need to do right now to make the process a success.

But, do I really need ongoing support?

The short answer is, yes. Without support and security patches, your computer will still function the same, but your infrastructure will be exposed to increasing numbers of vulnerabilities, including viruses, cyber threats, hacking groups, and many other risks. As a business owner and manager, you must consider the value of protecting your company and intellectual property from these security threats. Migrating to Windows 10 may seem a challenging task, but the process likely pales in comparison to what you would need to do if your computer network was compromised and your data lost.

Why is Windows 10 better than Windows 7?

Windows 10 is the current major release of Microsoft’s operating system and successor to 7, 8, and others before them. It operates slightly differently with the introduction of ‘Windows as a Service’ (WaaS), which provides regular bitesize improvements twice a year around March and September rather than the 3-5 year releases that you might be familiar with.

Cumulative quality updates deliver both security and non-security fixes, including security and critical updates, servicing stack updates, and driver updates. Smaller updates mean that IT departments can avoid running extensive change management processes or downloading patches to test services before deployment.

From a software capability, business continuity and security perspective, these features and more offer validation as to why business owners have chosen to make the switch.

Other features of Windows 10 include:

• Better use and control of your data
• Cortana Assistant integration
• Fresh UI – very different from previous
• O/S Microsoft Edge – web browser
• Tablet mode
• Microsoft Support – until October 2025

Can I get help migrating to Windows 10?

It’s often a challenge for companies to scope, build and execute their own migration plan, and there are many factors to consider, including security, infrastructure, hardware and more. By using a trusted IT Managed Services Provider (MSP) to manage the process, companies need not worry about finding the resources, know-how or expertise to migrate such a big piece of technology.

The A&O IT Group team are experts in Win10 migration projects, both domestically and globally, and we’ve deployed over 150,000 upgrades across 52 countries already. Whether you’re a start-up, mid-size, or global enterprise, we can tailor your migration process to suit your specific requirements.

For example, we can help:

1. Build your plan
2. Understand your project scope
3. Identify your internal project stakeholders
4. Scope your target infrastructure & platforms
5. Plan your timelines
6. Plan your scheduling methodology
7. Plan your internal roll-out engagement
8. Plan your deployment
9. Execute
10. Review your project and support you and your people.

Pardeep Ludhra
A&O IT Group Business Development