Windows 11 Support

With the upcoming End of Service for Windows 10, businesses face a critical crossroads. With an estimated 40% of devices (240 Million) unable to support Windows 11, the urgency of a strategic transition plan has never been more important.

This moment presents a unique opportunity to guide customers through these changes with expertise and balanced solutions.

Understanding the Challenge

Due to processor limitations, many existing devices fall short of meeting the new requirements for Windows 11. The processors linked below represent the processor models that meet the minimum floor for the supported processor generations and up through the latest processors at the time of publication. (March 20th 2024)

The Specs

Requirement	Windows 11	IGEL OS 12	IGEL OS 11
Processor-	1 GHz or faster with 2+ cores on a compatible 64-bit processor.	1.5 GHz or faster - 64-bit with 2+ cores	1 GHz or faster - 64 bit
Minimum Processor	See Processor Checker
Memory	4 GB +	4 GB +	2 GB +
Graphics Card	Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver	Graphics chip, Intel, ATI/AMD, or Nvidia	Graphics chip, Intel, ATI/AMD, or Nvidia
Storage	64BG or greater	8GB	4GB
System Firmware	UEFI, Secure Boot	UEFI, Secure Boot	UEFI, Secure Boot
TPM	2.0	NA	NA
Client Hyper-V support	A processor with SLAT capabilities	Built-in	Built-in

Processor Compatibility Checker:

The Processor Compatibility Checker is a tool for you as a seller designed to quickly assess Windows 11 compatibility across your customers' or prospects' desktop fleets. (The customer can run an in-depth analysis using Intune)

By entering the quantity of each processor type within a fleet, the app calculates the percentage of devices compatible with Windows 11 and will give you a percentage of devices that have reached the end of their Windows journey.

These numbers can be used with an in-depth Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis that we can perform jointly.

The authoritative source for determining if a processor will work with Win 11 is here:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/windows-processor-requirements

The last time the approved Processor list was added was (March 20th 2024) so use this as a rough guidance and always refer to official sources.

What are some of our options?

Option 1:

Sell them new devices, capable of running Windows 11

Option 2:

Move Windows to the cloud or datacenter throw IGEL on the Endpoint

Option 3:

A hybrid approach, attaching the right solution for the right job.

The key to navigating the Windows 10 End of Service challenge is understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether recommending a transition to IGEL OS for cloud compatibility or a hardware refresh with Windows 11-ready devices, the goal is to align with the customer's strategic objectives, budgetary constraints, and long-term IT vision.

The upcoming End of Service for Windows 10 is not just a challenge but an opportunity for you to demonstrate value through consultative selling.

By providing a balanced perspective on available options, you enhance your credibility and position yourselves as pivotal partners and ally.

There are a number of account strategies and sales plays that we could implement to determine the best possible outcome for the end customer:

Mapping the Device Fleet:

Compatibility Assessment: The customer should run an Intune report for an in-depth device analysis, this will identify which devices are Windows 11 ready and which are not, offering a clear starting point for the consultation.

Strategic Consultation Sessions:

Needs Discovery Workshops: Organize sessions to understand the client’s business objectives, user profiles, and application usage. This helps in crafting personalized recommendations for new devices or repurposing strategies.

Use DEX solutions where possible:

ControlUp
LDI+
etc

Cost Savings Analysis / Value Assessment: Leverage the IGEL Value proposal within in these workshops to compare the cost implications of upgrading to Windows 11-capable devices versus repurposing existing ones with cloud solutions where appropriate. (Organizations often find they can save 75% - 90% per endpoint)

Customized Solution Proposals:

Hybrid Approach: Suggest a mix based on these findings.

Purchase new Windows 11-ready devices for power users and where appropriate.
Repurposing everything else and deliver Windows 11 in the cloud.

This balances performance needs with budget constraints and sustainability requirements.

Demonstrating Long-term Value:

Sustainability Highlight: Emphasize the environmental benefits of repurposing devices, appealing to the client’s CSR goals.
Customer for Life: Differentiate yourself from the competition. Taking this approach, and finding the right solution based on this collaboration will establish trust that will extend past this Windows 11 opportunity and create new business opportunities.

Adapt

Move Windows to the cloud or datacenter throw IGEL on the Endpoint

SOLUTION BRIEF: https://www.igel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Solution_Brief_IGEL_Microsoft.pdf

Here’s why transitioning Windows to the cloud or data center and adopting IGEL OS is strategic:

Embrace the evolution of workspace technology by transitioning Windows environments to the cloud or data center and adopting IGEL OS for local operations.

This strategic move not only simplifies the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 but also aligns with modern digital workspace requirements, offering a host of advantages for organizations and IT teams alike.

Advantages for Organizations:

Cost Optimization: By repurposing existing hardware where appropriate, your customers can avoid the financial burden of new purchases. Your customers also remove the requirement for many third party applications, reducing cost and complexity demonstrating fiscal responsibility and resourcefulness.
Sustainable IT: Lenovo designs desktops to last, and IGEL OS's energy-efficient design significantly reduces the environmental impact of your IT operations, by lowering endpoint device energy consumption and electronic waste, improving your CO2 footprint.
Operational Efficiency: Achieve considerable savings across hardware, deployment, maintenance, and energy consumption, reinforcing your organization’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Benefits for IT Teams:

Unmatched Security: Built on a preventative security model with a minimal attack surface, IGEL OS enhances endpoint security, incorporating features like read-only access and a trusted chain of trust to protect digital workspaces.
Streamlined Management: Dramatically simplify the patching and updating process, reducing the complexity and workload associated with maintaining a secure and efficient IT infrastructure.
Reduced Support Tickets: Experience a significant decrease in endpoint-related support incidents, enabling the IT team to focus on strategic initiatives and improve service delivery.
Empowered Remote Work: IGEL offers secure and flexible remote work capabilities without the complexity of VPNs, maintaining comprehensive IT control and user satisfaction.

Update

Sell them new devices, capable of running Windows 11

This option is ideal for power users within organizations prioritizing cutting-edge technology and those whose device fleets are at the natural end of their lifecycle. By recommending a hardware refresh, you can provide a solution that not only addresses the immediate challenge of the Windows 10 End of Service but also sets businesses up for future success with the latest technology.