BTEX 2025: Windows 11 Tips and Tricks for a Successful Transition

The session kicked off with Phil Vokins, Channels Lead at Intel Canada, explaining that since many organizations are in the process of migrating their devices from Windows 10 to Windows 11, it is natural to consider adopting AI PCs as well. Vokins laid out three core reasons to consider the transition: architecture, environment and data governance.

Regarding the architecture, he highlighted how AI PCs include a neural processing unit (NPU), which is purpose-built to handle AI tasks efficiently. “Traditionally, systems relied on a CPU and a GPU. But with the rise of AI workloads, a new element has entered the equation: the NPU,” Volkins explained.  

The architectural changes enable a smoother user experience, but performance isn’t the only gain – running AI tasks locally on AI PCs can massively reduce environmental impact, noted Volkins. “An image generated in generative AI infrastructure in the traditional cloud has 20 to 30 times the carbon footprint of task-specific AI.”  

Vokins also emphasized data control. “If you upload a document for a generative AI query…and you don’t do that locally, you are training someone else’s model,” he warned.

He wrapped up his part of the presentation by reminding the audience that hardware alone isn’t enough: “If your software isn’t coded to take advantage of these features, then it’s going to be redundant hardware.”

Taking over the stage, Mandeep Goraya, Microsoft Solution Specialist at CDW Canada, started off with a reminder of the official end-of-life date of Windows 10: October 14, 2025.

Goraya urged the audience to think beyond the deadline. “If an unsupported device is vulnerable and happens to suffer a ransomware attack…there’s no support and no one would take care of that security issue,” he warned. “It could cost your organization millions and millions of dollars.”

Goraya’s recommendation? Move early to Windows 11, which is easier than many people think.

Goraya addressed the benefits of combining Windows 11 with fresh AI-ready devices. It goes beyond performance; organizations also risk falling behind in talent attraction if they hold on to their older devices. “The younger generations coming into the corporate world… they need cool laptops.” If you are using outdated technology, you might have a harder time finding new employees.

Goraya used some of his time to tackle misconceptions about Windows 11 deployment. One common myth is that you need to go full cloud-native to adopt it. “Is it compulsory? No,” he stated firmly.

However, embracing cloud-native practices can dramatically simplify deployment. “You only need to put your settings, policies and security settings in place. You don't even need to bring those to your office, they can be delivered right to your employees.”

He also challenged the idea that moving from Windows 10 to 11 is a massive leap. “All the hard work you did from Windows 7 to 10? That’s already done. The platform remains the same.”

Goraya noted that 99.7% of applications from Windows 10 work seamlessly on Windows 11. And for the rare 0.3%? “At CDW, we can help you in getting those apps migrated,” he assured.

Goraya concluded with a simple but powerful message: treat the Windows 11 transition like any routine update. “Those who have treated Windows 11 as just an update to Windows 10 are able to deploy Windows 11 quickly,” he said.

For anyone still hesitant, Goraya had one last nudge: “Put your belief into it, and your migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will be seamless.”