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Windows Tips and Features: Upgrade Essentials – Tech Tip for October 22, 2024

In this week’s Tech Tip, we focus on the essentials for a Windows 11 in-place upgrade and common troubleshooting steps you can take to ensure a smooth process. With Windows 10 reaching the end of support in 2025, it’s crucial to plan and execute upgrades effectively to avoid any disruptions. Ensure that your upgrade to Windows 11 is a successful one—reach out to TechWise Group to put an upgrade plan in place!

Upgrade Preparation

Before beginning any upgrade process, it’s essential to prepare your organization’s systems and environment. This includes backing up important data, checking system requirements, and ensuring that you have the necessary permissions set for an upgrade.

Getting Ready:

  • Verify or work with your external IT team to ensure that system(s) hardware meets the minimum requirements for any upgrade.
  • Consider your deployment strategy and discuss with your organization’s IT or reach out to TechWise Group to discuss a plan for deployment.
  • Evaluate if deployment will be a small or medium group, or if system upgrades will be broader across your organization or teams.
  • Ensure that all software and drivers are up to date, or, if customized updates will be necessary pre- or post-upgrade.
  • Inform all users about the planned upgrade and expected downtimes.
  • Review any upgrade documentation provided by your IT or software vendors.
  • Allocate sufficient time for the upgrade process to avoid rushing.

TIP: Always create full backups of your system(s) prior to starting any system upgrades to prevent data loss in case something goes wrong. Work with your IT team to put a plan in place.

Running the Upgrade

Once the systems have been prepared, it’s time to proceed with running upgrade processes. Follow any plans or instructions provided by your IT or software vendor carefully, and make sure to monitor upgrade processes for any errors or warnings. 

Implementing the Steps:

  • Disable any non-essential services and applications (including disabling or uninstalling antivirus programs) before starting an upgrade.
  • Use a test environment to perform initial upgrade before applying to production systems.
  • Keep an eye on the upgrade progress and make note of any error messages.
  • Ensure that you have a stable internet connection if the upgrade requires downloading files.
  • Document each step of the upgrade process for future reference.

TIP: Keep a log of any error messages or issues that occur during an upgrade process to help with troubleshooting later.

Post-Upgrade Verification

After an upgrade is complete, it’s crucial to verify that everything is working correctly. This includes checking that all applications and services are running as expected and that there are no compatibility issues.

Verifying the Results:

  • Test all critical applications to ensure they function properly.
  • Plug back in peripherals, installing any necessary driver or software updates.
  • Verify that all user accounts and permissions are intact.
  • Check for any missing or corrupted files.
  • Ensure that all network connections are stable and functioning.
  • Review system logs for any unusual activity or errors.
  • Plan for collecting feedback from your team on the results of an upgrade.

TIP: Perform a thorough test of your system(s) after an upgrade to ensure that all functionalities are working as intended.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any issues during or after the upgrade, it’s important to troubleshoot them promptly. Common issues may include software conflicts, missing drivers, and configuration errors. Use error logs and documentation to identify and resolve these problems. 

Resolving Unexpected Issues:

  • Identify and note any specific error messages and search for solutions online or work with your IT team.
  • Check for any software updates or patches that may resolve the issue.
  • Reinstall any applications that are not functioning correctly.
  • Verify that all drivers and licenses are compatible with the new software version(s).

TIP: If you are unable to resolve an issue, consider reaching out to the software vendor’s support team or to TechWise Group for assistance.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smoother upgrade process and minimize the risk of encountering issues within your organization.

Reach Out to TechWise Group

Interested in learning more about transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11? Reach out to TechWise Group. We’ll help you put a plan in place and make the most of your Microsoft tools.

Important Microsoft Announcements:

  • Maximize your organization’s Security with Secure Score and MFA:
    • Get to know your Secure Score—your essential tool for proactive threat management.
    • Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is the best way to prevent cyberthreats.
  • Give your business a productivity boost with Microsoft Copilot:
    • Take advantage of a 15% discount on Copilot licensing now through Dec 31, 2024 (terms and conditions apply).
    • Get started with Copilot consulting services to organize and secure your data, while also training you and your team.
  • Keep your infrastructure up to date:
    • SQL Server 2014 reaches End of Support (EOS) on July 9, 2024.
    • Windows 10 reaches End of Support (EOS) on October 14, 2025.
    • Windows 11 feature update 23H2 is now available (September 2024).
    • Windows 11 version 22H2 Home and Pro editions will reach end of service (October 8, 2024) and will be required to upgrade to version 23H2 to continue receiving security updates.
    • Windows 11 Enterprise and Education editions with 22H2 will continue to be supported after October 8, 2024.
  • Contact TechWise Group to get started or to put a plan in place.