Digital Workplace Management Blog

Windows 11 Migration Plan: 14 Steps for Enterprise Success

Written by Barry Angell | Jul 31, 2023 11:05:59 AM

Upgrading to Windows 11 is more than a technical update—it’s a strategic opportunity to modernize your digital workplace. Many enterprises fell behind during Windows 10 due to the complexity of frequent updates, leaving legacy versions unsupported. It's the same story this year, with support for Win 10 ending in October 2025.

With Windows 11, planning your migration the right way can prevent those issues from recurring.

In this blog, we walk you through a 14-step Windows 11 migration plan designed specifically for enterprise IT teams managing large-scale environments.

📥 Download the Windows 11 Project Plan Template to kick-start your migration today.

Why Planning for Windows 11 Migration Matters

Without clear structure and ownership, even the most well-intentioned IT migrations can lead to timeline delays, cost overruns, or poor end-user experiences. Windows 11 introduces new hardware requirements, updated security standards, and the opportunity to streamline legacy application estates. Whether you're running Windows 1809 or preparing for a more proactive upgrade, this plan outlines a framework to help you succeed.

Table of Contents:

 

Step-by-step Windows 11 migration guide

1. Plan the plan

Start by aligning stakeholders, defining objectives, and identifying potential risks. Set expectations early and use a planning template to ensure your leadership team is aligned.

2. Define the project scope

Establish what the end state looks like—including infrastructure, user groups, and compatibility targets. This prevents scope creep and keeps the project within time and budget.

3. Build the project team & structure

Form a core migration team that includes BAU representatives. Focus your internal resources on decision-making and supplement execution with external specialists or automation tools.

4. Choose your target infrastructure and platforms

Your platform needs to support secure, scalable OS delivery. Utilize our Windows 11 Assessment Service to assess your current readiness, identify potential blockers, and validate target environments.

5. Design, build, test & manage your gold OS standard

Design a streamlined, secure "gold standard" with all required applications, drivers, and security policies. Testing this image against multiple deployment scenarios is key to project stability.

6. Rationalize your application estate

Reduce sprawl by identifying redundant or outdated apps. Tools like Juriba App Readiness help automate application normalization and categorization.

7. Application testing & readiness

Run smoke tests on your in-scope apps using Juriba App Readiness. Automate testing and packaging to handle volume efficiently, especially for enterprises managing 1,000+ applications.

8. Define your T-minus timeline

Map dependencies, automate workflows, and factor in readiness criteria. Prioritize quality and velocity, not just dates.

9. Plan your scheduling methodology

Define deployment rings, daily capacity, and resource allocation. Assign scheduling ownership and document fallback options.

10. Agree end-user engagement plans

Your migration success depends on the user experience. Use automated comms, feedback loops, and self-service portals to minimize resistance and maximize participation.

11. Select the right tooling

Integrate tools for inventory, workflow, packaging, deployment, and analytics. Consider building a central data warehouse for unified project visibility.

12. Plan deployment logistics

Align physical or virtual resources with scheduling and support capacity. For large or hybrid environments, define clear logistics ownership, especially if you’re engaging a service provider.

13. Reporting & dashboarding

Automate dashboards that track migration velocity, app readiness, and user sentiment. This saves time and ensures visibility for leadership and project teams alike.

14. BAU handover & project closure

Plan your handoff carefully. Involve BAU teams early, share documentation, and use tooling that supports future Windows 11 servicing updates.


⚠️ Support for Windows 10 ends October 2025.

Download the Windows 11 Project Plan Template and move forward with confidence.

Discuss your Windows 11 migration. Request a callback.