At the end of last month, we revealed the new Windows 10 strategy and how it will affect everyone’s business. Few managed service providers have any public statement about Windows 10 for customers, other than fear and uncertainty. Whether apathy or incompetence, fewer still have deployed Windows 10 internally which is why we wanted to provide you an early glimpse.
Microsoft provided Partners access to download free internal use licenses for Windows 10 Enterprise on July 29, 2015. Although we could have waited and had the Windows App download our free Windows 10 Pro upgrade like all other customers, it was a no-brainer to take advantage of new security features in the enterprise version. [Note: To be clear, registered customers will receive Windows 10 as a software update and should not download free evaluation copies of Windows 10 versions because you’ll then be expected to purchase the software like a new customer.]
We upgraded all workstations, notebooks, and Surface tablets over the next few days. Our stance is not to run Beta or Preview software, as we are introduced to those builds in advanced training ahead of the channel in on-going Experience the Possible qualification.
The sample size is fairly small of under 100 devices deployed so far. However, the following bullet points will likely be standard occurrences:
- It’s highly recommended to upgrade the computer BIOS before upgrading.
- The upgrade takes approximately 1 – 1.5 hours depending upon the speed of the machine.
- Video drivers should be updated after the upgrade, as video problems seem to be the major cause of any blue screens.
- Edge is extremely fast, but import of Favorites from Internet Explorer is broken and Edge is often mistakenly identified as Chrome.
- Because most security or advanced web features don’t yet recognize Edge, Internet Explorer is still recommended for business outside of general surfing the web.
- In print server environments, printer drivers must also upgraded for Windows 10.
While some pundits rail that Windows should always be freshly installed, we see that approach as simply costly and time-consuming, unless a device has previous software issues or is brand new. Surprisingly, we’ve found no application issues – yet. There is a definite difference in look and feel for things like the start menu, but generally the Windows 10 aftermath has been business as usual.
Matrixforce derives less than 1% of revenues from the sale of Windows 10 and this post has simply been provided as a business advisory.
