Microsoft’s latest client operating system combines the familiar Windows 7 look, including the popular Start Menu, with the Live Tiles and touchscreen features of Windows 8’s modern interface. Other headline features of Windows 10 include enterprise-class security, the new Edge browser with HTML5 support, the Cortana voice-based personal digital assistant, tight Cloud integration, the ability to work with virtually any class of desktop or mobile device, and a suite of tools for streamlining and centralizing the management of all Windows devices. Windows also offers a host of benefits such as faster boot and resume, faster Wi-Fi reconnect, enhanced multi-monitor support, expanded Snap capabilities, and an improved task manager.

Before Windows 10, Microsoft would release a new version of the Windows OS every five years recommending a Build, Capture and Deploy approach for organisations wanting to roll out to their device estate. The OS would come with a 10-year support window and updates would be released a couple of times per month (with Security updates being released on “Patch Tuesday”).

With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft has changed; and is still improving its approach on the above. Starting with the release of Windows 11, Microsoft releases a single version of Windows per year, around September/October timeframe. Microsoft will support the Enterprise version for 36 months and Pro will be supported for 24 months. With release of Windows Updates to the OS are now cumulative, which means that every month the update package released by Microsoft will get bigger and bigger.

Based on the above, it is recommended to test each new version as soon as possible to maximise the number of months to have a supported version in production. Having a short support cycle also means a quicker evaluation, deployment, and production cycle.

Is your company and support stuff ready to take this extra workload? Are you still managing the Windows devices like Windows 7 and not take the full opportunity it brings to your company?