Embrace Windows 11 with Microsoft Surface

Surface IT Pro Blog:

The digital landscape is ever evolving and staying current with the latest technology is paramount for both individual and enterprise success. As we approach the End of Support (EOS) date for Windows 10, now is the time to plan your transition to Windows 11. Combining the advanced features of Windows 11 with the robust capabilities of Microsoft Surface devices provides an unparalleled user experience along with advanced security to help you succeed in this AI era. Here’s why upgrading to Windows 11, particularly on Microsoft Surface, can drive efficiency, security and innovation for your business.

Window 10 End of Support is less than a year away

With support ending for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 2025, devices will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, feature improvements, or security issue resolutions. Running an unsupported operating system can expose your business to risks, potential compliance issues and decreased productivity due to outdated features. Planning a timely upgrade is crucial to maintain a secure and efficient IT environment—and provides added benefits.

Why upgrade to Windows 11 now?

Designed for fast, easy deployment and compatibility with mission-critical business apps, Windows 11 Pro is your foundation for innovation.

Updating to Windows 11 lets you harness the latest technology to save time and money, protect your business, and empower employees - all with the same familiar tools and processes you’ve been using to manage Windows 10.

Stay protected against evolving threats: Shield your business now with the latest security updates and layers of powerful hardware-backed protection enabled by default, for a reported 62% drop in security incidents.1
Make the move to supercharged efficiency now: You can't save time with outdated devices. Windows 11 Pro PCs can enhance every workstyle with business AI and features to get organized in a snap, speeding workflows 50% faster on average.2
Easy to deploy, compatible with existing tech: Designed to work with your existing management and deployment technology, Windows 11 Pro enables a reported 25% faster deployment,3 automated updates, and granular control across apps, data, and AI.
Set the pace with faster performance on the latest Surface Pro and Surface Laptop: Achieve greater impact with faster performance, all day battery life3 and optional NPUs, including Copilot+ PCs with more than twice the NPU TOPS than MacBook Air with M3.4

Accelerate your adoption of Windows 11 with Microsoft Surface

Surface exists to bring together the best of Microsoft in one device. Windows 11 Surface PCs with NPUs accelerate AI processing enabling powerful productivity features like real-time translation, enhanced search and intelligent camera effects.5 It’s easier than ever to get relevant answers, ideas and inspiration with access to Microsoft Copilot using the Copilot key.6 Together, Windows 11 Pro and Surface help employees achieve more.

Security features enabled out of the box: Surface Secured-core PCs deliver the highest level of Windows 11 protection by default. Advanced firmware security includes Dynamic Root of Trust Measurement (DRTM) on ARM devices and Firmware Attack Surface Reduction (FASR) on Intel devices. Secure Boot defends against attacks during startup. Memory integrity, a virtualization-based security (VBS) feature, protects against kernel-based malware. Microsoft Defender Antivirus delivers up-to-date threat protection. And Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption works with TPM 2.0 to help prevent theft or unauthorized viewing of data.
Smoother deployment, simpler management: Get employees started on Surface devices with a zero-touch deployment that is 25% faster with Windows Autopilot.7 Manage firmware, disable hardware components for security purposes, and view device health–all within Microsoft Intune.8 Monitor devices and manage warranties and support requests more easily with Surface Management Portal built into Microsoft Intune.
Natural, intuitive workflows: Windows 11 adapts seamlessly to employee needs, with natural inking, touch-first experiences and intuitive transitions between tablet and mouse modes. AI-enhanced video conferencing on Surface Pro and Surface Laptop gives distributed teams better online meeting experiences for easier collaboration.

Deploy Windows 11 with confidence

Transitioning to Windows 11 on Surface devices can be seamless with the right approach and tools:

1. Plan

Use familiar tools and processes to empower everyone in your organization.

Windows 11 Pro Migration Readiness assessment: Evaluate your organization’s readiness for Windows 11 Pro through a series of questions that will provide you with the resources you need to take the next step.
Surface Management Portal: Use the Insights blade to quickly see all Intune-enrolled Surface devices eligible for the Windows 11 update.

Quickly see all Intune-enrolled Surface devices eligible for the Windows 11 update

Flexible OS options: Devices like Surface Pro 10 for Business and Surface Laptop 6 for Business offer Windows 10 images for organizations that need time to assess readiness. Moving forward, all new Surface devices will come equipped with Windows 11 to ensure the best possible experience with the latest features and security updates. As a result, Windows 10 recovery images will not be available for these devices.

2. Prepare

To streamline deployment, your Windows 10 apps will be compatible, backed by FastTrack App Assure program.

App Assure program: Microsoft is committed to helping you ensure your apps work on the latest versions of our software.
ARM compatibility: Looking to include Arm devices like Surface Pro 11th edition and Surface Laptop 7th edition as an option in your journey towards Windows 11? App Assure supports app compatibility for Arm64 as well.

99.7% app compatibility, with programs in place to help resolve issues at no additional cost.9

3. Deploy

Implement both pilot and broad deployments using your existing tools. Get employees up and running quickly with easy remote onboarding and automated updates and deployment.

Windows Autopilot: Accelerate deployment with zero-touch provisioning using Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft Intune.10
Surface for Business devices: The latest Surface devices, like Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, come with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, simplifying deployment from the factory.
Optimized cloud deployment: Surface commercial devices are optimized for fast Windows Autopilot deployment with Microsoft 365 apps pre-installed and a clean Windows image.
Comprehensive control with DFCI: Surface and Windows Autopilot offer firmware-level control with Device Firmware Configuration Interface (DFCI) in Intune, allowing configuration of UEFI and other components to meet specific organizational requirements without UEFI passwords.
Surface IT Toolkit: Self-updating tool provides IT professionals with a consolidated desktop application to configure, manage, and recover devices.
Extended Security Updates (ESU): If your organization needs to use Windows 10 on part of your device estate after support ends, consider the paid ESU program. Learn more in When to use Windows 10 Extended Security Updates.

Migrate to Windows 11 today

As the countdown to Windows 10 End of Support progresses, it’s time to evaluate your IT infrastructure and plan for the future. Upgrading to Windows 11 on Microsoft Surface brings multiple benefits, including enhanced security, productivity and ease of deployment. By taking advantage of the latest tools and resources, you’ll ensure a smooth, efficient transition that positions your organization for continued success in the digital age.

For more information on upgrading to Windows 11 with Microsoft Surface, explore these resources:

Incorporating the latest technology is key to maintaining competitive advantage and operational efficiency. Transition to Windows 11 with Microsoft Surface and unlock the full potential of your business today.

References

Windows 11 Survey Report, Techaisle, September 2024. Windows 11 results are in comparison with Windows 10 devices.
Compared to Windows 10 devices. Improve your day-to-day experience with Windows 11 Pro laptops , Principled Technologies, February 2023.
Battery life varies based on settings, usage, device and other factors.
Based on comparison to M3 Neural Engine performance data available as of October 30, 2023 at Apple.com.
Capabilities vary by device. License required for some features.
Copilot for Microsoft 365 sold separately. Use Copilot key with supported Windows 11 devices; feature availability varies by device and market, see aka.ms/KeySupport.
Microsoft commissioned study delivered by Forrester Consulting “The Total Economic Impact™ of Windows 11 Pro Devices”, December 2022. Note, quantified benefits reflect results over three years combined into a single composite organization that generates $1 billion in annual revenue, has 2,000 employees, refreshes hardware on a four-year cycle, and migrates the entirety of its workforce to Windows 11 devices.
Software license required for some features. Sold separately.
App Assure program data.
Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft Intune sold separately.

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