Channel Partners and Windows 11 Migration: A Golden Opportunity

The impending migration to Windows 11 presents a significant opportunity for solution providers and channel partners. Rather than viewing this transition as a challenge, savvy channel partners recognize the potential to offer value-added consultancy services that can guide organizations through this complex process in addition to ongoing, recurring managed services. Here’s what channel partners need to know to seize this opportunity and support their customers effectively.

Opportunity Knocks: The Role of Channel Partners in Windows 11 Migration

The transition to Windows 11 is a pivotal moment for many organizations, providing channel partners with a prime opportunity to step in as trusted advisors. The size and complexity of the migration process are precisely where solution providers can make a significant impact, offering their expertise at every stage — pre-migration, during the migration, and post-migration.

Pre-Migration: Strategic Assessment and Planning. Before the migration begins, organizations are keen to adopt best practices and seek assessment services. They need to evaluate their current IT environment, explore available options, and develop a cost-effective and comprehensive migration plan. This is where channel partners can shine by offering assessment tools and services that ensure organizations have a clear understanding of their existing setup and the steps needed for a smooth transition. By providing these services, partners can help their clients mitigate risks and prepare for a successful migration.

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Partners should be focused on helping organizations understand which devices can move to Windows 11, what alternative options are available (aka DaaS), and look to help reduce the operational cost of management and the cost of existing IT tools and software in use.

During Migration: Execution and Optimization. The actual migration process is where the technical expertise of channel partners truly comes into play. Many partners carry a suite of tools and technologies designed to facilitate Windows migration. These tools can manage the deployment process, and help with challenges around application and profile compatibility. Additionally, partners can offer solutions that not only track the performance and experience of the migration but also gather user feedback in real-time. This feedback is invaluable for assessing the success of the deployment and making necessary adjustments on the fly.

Post-Migration: Long-Term Support and Managed Services. Post-migration, there is a growing opportunity for channel partners to expand their relationship with clients through managed services. As organizations re-evaluate their IT strategies, many consider outsourcing the management of their Windows endpoints or even adopting a virtualized managed desktop environment, (VDI or DaaS). Partners can step in to provide ongoing support, helping organizations optimize their new Windows 11 environment and maintain peak performance. This not only solidifies the partner’s role as a trusted advisor but also creates a steady revenue stream through managed services.

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Digital Employee Experience (DEX) solutions can play an important and transformative role in optimizing the digital workplace across each phase mentioned above. Effective DEX tools empower IT teams with real-time assessment, proactive troubleshooting capabilities and user sentiment surveys, leading to improved and efficient migration. Post migration, DEX platforms also transform how the estate, be it Windows 11 laptops or VDI/DaaS, is managed moving forward. Replacing remote management tools and ensuring a seamless, secure and cost-effective working environment, DEX tools can be utilized by the customer but also utilized by the partner as part of the managed service.

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Customer Feedback: What Are Organizations Saying?

Channel partners are hearing varied feedback from their customers about Windows 11 and the migration process. Pre-migration, many organizations are focused on understanding their options, evaluating their current environment, and planning their migration strategy carefully. There is a clear demand for assessment services that help organizations make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Post-migration, feedback often revolves around the execution of the migration and the ongoing optimization of the new environment. Customers appreciate partners who offer continuous support, helping them navigate any issues that arise and ensuring that their IT infrastructure remains secure and efficient.

The Impact of Windows 11 Adoption Rates on Channel Partners

The rate of Windows 11 adoption is a critical factor for channel partners. Even if adoption remains slow, the migration is inevitable, as Microsoft’s support for Windows 10 will end on Oct. 14, 2025. Organizations that delay their migration will still require support to maintain their existing systems, including purchasing extended support and developing a long-term strategy for their IT infrastructure.

For those who move forward with Windows 11, the need for new hardware and software, coupled with the potential for integrating advanced features like Microsoft Copilot and AI, opens up further opportunities for channel partners. These organizations will rely on partners to help them choose the right hardware and software options and to implement these new technologies effectively.

Maximizing Value for Organizations Staying on Windows 10

For customers who choose to stay on Windows 10 longer, channel partners can still play a vital role. Partners can offer services that maximize the security and effectiveness of their existing operating system, such as selling extended support packages and helping organizations define their longer-term IT strategy. Time is ticking, and organizations that delay the migration will still need to plan for the future — a process where channel partners can provide invaluable guidance.

DaaS and Cloud PC: Guiding the Consideration of Modern Endpoint Alternatives

As mentioned above, an alternative approach to a traditional migration might include moving to a VDI or DaaS offering. Channel partners can be of great value in guiding customers as they adopt modern, cloud-delivered endpoint alternatives including desktop as a service (DaaS) and cloud PC solutions. These cloud-based options offer a way to bypass the constant cycle of endpoint upgrades and migrations.

With DaaS and cloud PC, all the heavy lifting of desktop management is moved to the cloud, allowing users to access their applications and data from any device, anywhere. This shift not only simplifies IT operations but also enhances security and scalability, making it an attractive option for companies looking to modernize their IT infrastructure efficiently. Many channel partners also now offer these virtualized desktops as a service, which completely removes any complexity from the customer and allows partners to offer 12, 24 or 36 month services.

Seize the Opportunity

Windows 11 migration is more than just an OS upgrade; it’s a significant business opportunity for channel partners. By offering comprehensive support throughout the migration process and beyond, including the integration of DEX technology, partners can help their clients navigate this transition smoothly while securing their own position as essential players in the digital transformation landscape. As the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches, the time for channel partners to act is now — ensuring they are the go-to resource for organizations looking to make the leap to Windows 11 or to begin their journey to modern cloud-delivered endpoint options.