A Guide for Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 by Tech Arena.

This guide will walk you through the steps required to use Autopatch from Microsoft Intune for upgrading an organization’s devices from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The guide covers hardware and software requirements, along with a detailed, step-by-step process to ensure a smooth upgrade.

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1. Hardware Requirements

Before beginning the upgrade to Windows 11, it’s essential to confirm that the devices in your organization meet the minimum hardware specifications. These include:

Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
RAM: 4 GB or more
Storage: 64 GB or more available storage
System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p)
Internet: Internet connectivity is required to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features.

2. Software Requirements

Ensure that the devices and software environment are configured to handle the upgrade process:

Operating System: Devices must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later.
Licenses: Windows 11 requires valid licenses for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education.
Intune Enrollment: Devices must be enrolled in Microsoft Intune for Autopatch management.
Windows Autopatch Eligibility: Devices must be registered with Windows Autopatch and meet its requirements.

Additionally, make sure to check:

Group Policy Configurations: Review and adjust any group policies that might block the upgrade.
Third-Party Applications: Confirm compatibility for critical third-party applications with Windows 11.

3. Step-by-Step Upgrade Process Using Windows Autopatch

Step 1: Verify Device Readiness in Intune

Log in to Microsoft Intune Admin Center:
- Navigate to https://endpoint.microsoft.com.
- Use your admin credentials to log in.
Go to Windows 11 Readiness Report:
- In the left-hand menu, go to Devices > Windows > Windows 11 Readiness Report.
- Review the report to check if devices in your organization are ready for Windows 11.
- Identify any devices that may need hardware upgrades or further configuration.

Step 2: Prepare Devices for Windows 11 in Autopatch

Ensure Devices are Enrolled in Windows Autopatch:
- In Intune, navigate to Tenant Administration > Windows Autopatch.
- Review the list of devices currently managed by Windows Autopatch.
Update Device Policies (if necessary):
- Ensure that your devices have the appropriate update rings for Windows 11 configured.
- Navigate to Devices > Update Rings for Windows 10 and later.
- Create a new update ring for Windows 11 upgrades, setting deferrals and timing appropriate for your environment.

Step 3: Create Deployment Profile for Windows 11

Create a Feature Update Policy:
- In Intune, navigate to Devices > Feature Updates for Windows 10 and later.
- Click on + Create profile.
- Under Feature update to deploy, select Windows 11.
Assign the Feature Update Policy:
- Choose the devices or groups that should receive the Windows 11 feature update.
- Use filters based on readiness or specific device models.
- Assign the policy to the appropriate user or device groups within the organization.
Monitor Deployment:
- Once the policy is assigned, deployment begins based on your configurations (such as time of day or maintenance windows).
- Navigate to Monitor in the left menu to view update status and troubleshoot any issues during deployment.

Step 4: Perform the Windows 11 Upgrade

Allow Autopatch to Manage Updates:
- Autopatch will download and install the Windows 11 upgrade in the background.
- Ensure devices have sufficient time and resources to complete the download and installation.
Schedule Reboots:
- For seamless user experience, Autopatch manages reboots based on your set schedule or user deferrals.
- Ensure users are aware of reboot schedules to prevent data loss.
Confirm Upgrade Completion:
- Once the installation is complete, devices will automatically reboot and finalize the installation of Windows 11.
- Use Intune to confirm that devices are now running Windows 11 by checking the device details in Devices > All devices.

Step 5: Post-Upgrade Monitoring

Review Upgrade Reports:
- Navigate to Reports > Software Updates in Intune to verify that the upgrade was successful on all devices.
- Investigate any failures and troubleshoot using available logs and reports.
User Feedback and Testing:
- Collect feedback from users on the performance and experience of Windows 11 to identify any issues.
- Address compatibility concerns with applications and workflows as necessary.

4. Best Practices and Recommendations

Test on a Pilot Group: Always perform a trial run with a small group of devices before deploying company-wide.
Communicate with Users: Inform end users about the upcoming changes and downtime, if any, to avoid interruptions.
Backup Important Data: Ensure all critical data is backed up before starting the upgrade process.
Review Compliance Policies: Post-upgrade, ensure that devices comply with any existing security and compliance policies.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Hardware Incompatibility: If devices fail the upgrade due to hardware issues, consult your OEM or consider replacing older hardware.
Software Compatibility: Some legacy applications may not be fully compatible with Windows 11. Ensure you have alternatives or solutions in place.
Update Failures: Use Intune logs and troubleshooting tools to identify the root cause of any upgrade failures and remediate them.

By following this guide, your organization can smoothly transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 using Windows Autopatch through Microsoft Intune. Be sure to follow the best practices, communicate effectively with users, and monitor the upgrade process closely for a successful deployment.

If you’re interested in more co-pilot feel free to read our post on co-pilot here

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