During the COVID-19 pandemic, the at-home workforce has swelled to 40%[1] of Canadians! That’s right- nearly half of the country has managed to transform their house into an office, making the laptop an invaluable tool in employee performance and organizational profitability.
And while the majority1 of these employees report enjoying their new work-from-home lifestyle, admittedly it isn’t without its challenges. Migrating to Windows 10 has caused some concern for a small group of users, disrupting their workflows during this critical time. We see this often in cases where organizations are attempting to leverage older, legacy PCs in order to equip the newly remote workforce with tools they can use from home. In today’s blog, we’re going to share some common fixes to nix the glitches, and get you working at your best again.
Windows 10: Modern Desktop
To achieve a full modern desktop experience, Microsoft Office 365 business is paired with Windows 10. The core of the platform is cloud connectivity, including tools for productivity, cybersecurity and management services. Having all these tools in one place, delivered from a unified platform enables users to simplify IT management, a necessary step in today’s budget-conscious economy.
Some of the benefits of modern desktop include:
- Easily accessible information
- Ease of communication
- Increased mobility
- Enhanced security measures
- KPIs for performance monitoring
Windows 10 releases a new version twice yearly, serviced for a period of 18 months. The program can be delivered as a service, and the releases/updates are performed with minimal interruption to the end user.
Setting the stage
One of the best ways to avoid trouble with a Windows 10 is to prepare early for the migration. At CrucialLogics, we believe that time spent planning is time well spent. A large component of our advisory service involves working towards building the perfect environment within which to make the switch. Gaining an understanding of the current landscape, identifying the organization’s needs, and creating a custom plan for the roll-out tend to mitigate the risk of widespread trouble.
1) Identify Needs
Every organization has a different set of requirements based on the size of the team, geographic disbursement, and the type of business activity they are engaged in. Gaining an understanding of these needs allows CrucialLogics to design the migration with a client-centric approach.
2) Determine the Migration Plan
The migration can be conducted in a number of different fashions depending on the specifics of the organization. Developing a plan up-front for how and when the roll-out will begin enables communication to be sent out throughout the organization, setting expectations and minimizing interruptions.
3) Evaluate Security Needs
One of the most important aspects of the Office 365 business platform is the cybersecurity functionality. To protect against security breach, the modern desktop has an incredible amount of protective ability, including alerts that can be tailored to specific events. The platform has the ability to handle data of every sensitivity level, preventing breaches with ease.
4) Stabilize the Environment
Finding the correct time to conduct the migration involves preparing teams and gaining an understanding of workflow. Understanding how team members are interacting with the current technology, and from which devices enables our team to stabilize the environment prior to the roll-out.
5) Identify Special Considerations
In working with CrucialLogics, our clients gain the benefit of our extensive expertise. Having completed migrations with more than one million objects for clients across multiple industries, we have an in-depth understanding of the factors that dictate success. Identifying any special considerations enables us to see potential issues before they arise.
Windows 10 Common Fixes
If you’re at home and struggling with your own migration, try some of these common fixes:
Update BIOS
This step is a good start for older PCs. Legacy PCs use BIOS to start up and manage connections to essential systems devices, including keyboards and disk controllers. An update to BIOS was released in 2015/16, and sometimes fixing this can solve a failed upgrade.
Basic Troubleshooting
Basic issues like storage, software incompatibilities, and even the setup wizard can cause problems. Try unplugging external devices, uninstalling excess software programs, and skipping the wizard.
Look for the Known
Windows keeps a running list of known issues online. Take a peek and see if anything aligns with your issue.
Use SetupDiag
Microsoft has its own diagnostic tool that can be accessed here. By using this tool, you ensure that you’re leveraging all the expert knowledge Microsoft has at its disposal to diagnose your issue.
Contact the Experts
In working with CrucialLogics, our clients gain access to our team of knowledgeable professionals, available to assist with troubleshooting in the even that a problem should arise. To learn more about what our team has to offer, reach out to us today and start the conversation.
[1] CTV, “Nearly 5 Million More Canadians Are Working From Home, And Many Like It”, https://bc.ctvnews.ca/nearly-5-million-more-canadians-are-working-from-home-and-many-like-it-surveys-1.4903045
