In order to make deployments around these installations, IT departments need to plan ahead.
Besides incorporating cybersecurity management features, Windows 11 will also change its release cadence. In the second half of each year, the company will release one feature update. A monthly security and bug update will also be released by Microsoft.
IT pros are more likely to be involved in support desk issues that arise from user interface issues as a result of frequent updates, Andrew Hewitt, senior analyst at Forrester, said.
As a result of hybrid work, IT operations have also become more complex.
An IT professional survey conducted by SolarWinds found that the acceleration of hybrid IT has added complexity to their organization's IT management.
As well as technical limitations, businesses may also struggle to implement updates due to devices tied to other equipment, like point-of-sale devices, Eric Grenier, director analyst at Gartner, said.
With more updates, IT must do more planning. In order to keep up with changes in user experience, IT teams spend less time testing and more time tracking update release schedules, according to Hewitt.
As IT teams prepare for Windows 11 updates, Hewitt offered three tips:
Updates related to security should be implemented as soon as possible.
Make larger updates available with device refreshes. Installing Windows 11 on a brand-new PC can often simplify the process and reduce the risk of issues.
The update process should start with the least-risky users, such as IT professionals, and then be expanded as risk increases. This model generally places executives last to avoid disrupting their productivity.
Earlier this year, Microsoft introduced Windows Autopatch, which allows IT admins to postpone non-security updates until annual releases. To make the transition smooth, businesses should plan ahead.
It is still a good idea for businesses to monitor updates as they become available. According to Grenier, some tweaks could boost productivity or usability.
“Eventually all of the updates are going to need to be installed, whether it’s when they are released or through a cumulative update that combines them all in one deployment package,” Grenier said.
Software updates require IT departments to use their time wisely.
Info-Tech Research Group's Mark Tauschek, VP of infrastructure and operations research, said major updates can cause havoc on users if they are not thoroughly tested. Frequently, these types of updates require additional training to ensure that users understand how new features and changes will affect them.