The Download on Microsoft Windows 11

The Download on Microsoft Windows 11The Download on Microsoft Windows 11

The computer support industry (MSPs) should expect to see an increase in support calls around Oct. 5th now that Microsoft has let it be known this week that it plans to start making Windows 11 available in October 2021 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11. Given JNS is a Microsoft Partner not only are we advised of up and coming software before the end-user community, we take that advisory to be able to make sure we are prepared for customer calls.

While it’s unlikely there will be any mass migration to Windows 11 overnight, it is inevitable that some end users will either download it because, in many respects its an update to Windows 10, while others will acquire new PCs that come pre-loaded with Windows 11 and other can’t wait to get their hands on new software for good and unfortunately malicious reasons.

Removing headaches for Users

Most of the changes provided in Windows 11 are less programmatic and mostly cosmetic, but these changes that are being made are likely to confuse many people. Microsoft is attempting to improve the overall user experience in anticipation of the fact that many more people will be working both from home and in the office on a more regular basis. This means that Windows 10 will need to be updated with new capabilities and some capabilities.

Microsoft promises that Windows 10 features like Microsoft Endpoint Manager and cloud configuration, Windows Update for Business and Autopilot, will be available to MSPs. Microsoft also stated that Windows 11 Home and Pro Editions will receive an annual update with 24 months support. Enterprise and Education editions support will continue for 36 months.

Microsoft will continue to offer App Assure, which is a free service that assists customers with 150 users or more in fixing any app problems they may encounter. Test Base for Microsoft 365 is an automated application testing tool currently in preview.

Microsoft has made further security improvements. Windows 11 is marketed as zero trust ready and secure by design. It features new security technologies like hardware-based isolation, encryption and malware prevention that are automatically turned on. Microsoft will also make it easier for users to change their passwords via Windows Hello for Business. Secure-core PCs will be more popular, as they leverage firmware to make them more resistant to malware.

Multi-Manage Windows 10 and Windows 11

Microsoft is however not abandoning Windows 10 right away. Microsoft Endpoint Manager can manage both Windows 10 devices and Windows 11 devices, and a Windows 10 version 21H2 is on the horizon.

Upgrading to Windows 11 seems less stressful than other major Windows operating system upgrades. JNS faces the challenge with multiple Windows versions that are running at different customer sites.

Although Windows11 promises to be less stressful than previous upgrades, we have planned ahead to be able to successfully manage multiple versions of Windows at all customer sites.

Nearly everyone has experienced at least one PoS system running Windows XP, regardless of the level of support. Even more challenging is the fact that many clients have multiple Apple platforms and devices, which need to be supported along with Android phones and occasionally Linux workstations.

The more endpoints an organization has, the more likely they are to seek out an MSP to help. MSPs may encourage Windows 11 experimentation by organizations that can maintain a standard operating environment. Equally they can help with testing legacy and existing other applications with the new OS for compatibility.

This may lead to higher IT support costs for us here in Miami in the short-term. Windows 11 will be a long-term endpoint, but it is still a good option for businesses or our customers.

 

Joint Network Systems
1100 Brickell Bay Drive
Miami Florida 33231
Tel: 866-JNS-NETS
www.jointnetworks.com

The Download on Microsoft Windows 11

The Download on Microsoft Windows 11The Download on Microsoft Windows 11

The computer support industry (MSPs) should expect to see an increase in support calls around Oct. 5th now that Microsoft has let it be known this week that it plans to start making Windows 11 available in October 2021 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11. Given JNS is a Microsoft Partner not only are we advised of up and coming software before the end-user community, we take that advisory to be able to make sure we are prepared for customer calls.

While it’s unlikely there will be any mass migration to Windows 11 overnight, it is inevitable that some end users will either download it because, in many respects its an update to Windows 10, while others will acquire new PCs that come pre-loaded with Windows 11 and other can’t wait to get their hands on new software for good and unfortunately malicious reasons.

Removing headaches for Users

Most of the changes provided in Windows 11 are less programmatic and mostly cosmetic, but these changes that are being made are likely to confuse many people. Microsoft is attempting to improve the overall user experience in anticipation of the fact that many more people will be working both from home and in the office on a more regular basis. This means that Windows 10 will need to be updated with new capabilities and some capabilities.

Microsoft promises that Windows 10 features like Microsoft Endpoint Manager and cloud configuration, Windows Update for Business and Autopilot, will be available to MSPs. Microsoft also stated that Windows 11 Home and Pro Editions will receive an annual update with 24 months support. Enterprise and Education editions support will continue for 36 months.

Microsoft will continue to offer App Assure, which is a free service that assists customers with 150 users or more in fixing any app problems they may encounter. Test Base for Microsoft 365 is an automated application testing tool currently in preview.

Microsoft has made further security improvements. Windows 11 is marketed as zero trust ready and secure by design. It features new security technologies like hardware-based isolation, encryption and malware prevention that are automatically turned on. Microsoft will also make it easier for users to change their passwords via Windows Hello for Business. Secure-core PCs will be more popular, as they leverage firmware to make them more resistant to malware.

Multi-Manage Windows 10 and Windows 11

Microsoft is however not abandoning Windows 10 right away. Microsoft Endpoint Manager can manage both Windows 10 devices and Windows 11 devices, and a Windows 10 version 21H2 is on the horizon.

Upgrading to Windows 11 seems less stressful than other major Windows operating system upgrades. JNS faces the challenge with multiple Windows versions that are running at different customer sites.

Although Windows11 promises to be less stressful than previous upgrades, we have planned ahead to be able to successfully manage multiple versions of Windows at all customer sites.

Nearly everyone has experienced at least one PoS system running Windows XP, regardless of the level of support. Even more challenging is the fact that many clients have multiple Apple platforms and devices, which need to be supported along with Android phones and occasionally Linux workstations.

The more endpoints an organization has, the more likely they are to seek out an MSP to help. MSPs may encourage Windows 11 experimentation by organizations that can maintain a standard operating environment. Equally they can help with testing legacy and existing other applications with the new OS for compatibility.

This may lead to higher IT support costs for us here in Miami in the short-term. Windows 11 will be a long-term endpoint, but it is still a good option for businesses or our customers.

 

Joint Network Systems
1100 Brickell Bay Drive
Miami Florida 33231
Tel: 866-JNS-NETS
www.jointnetworks.com