IT organizations are finding much to like from a technical perspective in Windows 10. The most important of these Windows 10 benefits is superior security. In working with our customers, we've found that IT leaders also have success making the business case for Windows 10 by illustrating how upgrading can improve productivity for end users.
In our experience working with clients, we've found that Windows 10 improves end user efficiency five ways:
1. Better Performance on the Same Hardware
Windows 10 runs better on the same hardware than Windows 7. Boot-up times, transitions between applications, and system performance are all faster. So if you need to make your older hardware last a few years longer and users are complaining about sluggish systems, upgrading to Windows 10 will give users better performance.
2. Less User Disruption During Upgrades
With earlier versions of Windows, users often came into the office, only to find a notification that a Windows upgrade was available. They would then find themselves unexpectedly twiddling their thumbs while waiting for their PCs to install the updates and reboot. With the new Windows 10 Servicing model, updates are more convenient. IT has the option to put upgrades and patches on a schedule that won't negatively impact users.
3. More Convenient End User Security
The price of strong security is often inconvenience for users. Traditionally, users have had to remember multiple complex passwords to access their corporate applications and data. Windows 10 is more secure and convenient for end users.
Windows 10 introduces Windows Hello enables three methods of biometric authentication. Users access corporate systems and data simply by presenting their face, iris or finger print and entering a simple pin, rather than typing in complex passwords. The new Windows Passport single-sign on capability allows users to log onto multiple applications with a single set of credentials.
4. New Productivity Capabilities
Windows 10 incorporates a broad set of new productivity features for end users. Among the most notable, Universal Search allows users to search all folders on their device or machine as well as the Web in a single search. Using the new Cortana personal digital assistant, users can speak, rather than type, commands and find information. Virtual Desktops enable users to keep separate desktops open at the same time for different purposes. Users can go to the Action Center to get one central view of all notifications about system or app events that users can peruse or dismiss at their leisure. The Start Menu includes the familiar menu column as well as tiles that make it easy for users to quickly access apps, documents, pictures, settings and utilities.
Microsoft's newest browser, the Edge Browser, includes a wide range of productivity enhancements as well. These include access to Cortana, Webnotes that allow users to take notes directly on web pages, a reading list that saves content for users to read later, and a reading view that lets users view content without distractions.
5. Users Work the Way They Want to
With Windows 10, users have lots of options for how they want to work. They can interact with their system in their preferred modality, using voice with Cortana, drawing on their screen with a virtual pen with Windows Ink, or using a keyboard, mouse or touchscreen through the Start Menu.
Users can also take advantage of the device of their choice while benefitting from a single, consistent user interface. Users of any PC, Windows device, or mobile devices automatically join Azure Active Directory the first time they access the corporate network. Azure registers the device in the directory and enrolls it in the mobile device management (MDM) solution and Microsoft Intune. This makes it easier for users to access corporate resources and for IT to maintain control over corporate data on the device. If users employ multiple devices, the Enterprise State Roaming capabilities available through Azure lets them maintain the same device settings and app data on all of them, reducing the time necessary to configure devices.
Making a business case is easy with Windows 10. Hardware performs better. The upgrade process is less disruptive. Security is stronger and more convenient. New productivity capabilities are plentiful. And users can work on the device and in the modality of their choice.
Contact us today to find out if your organization qualifies for a Microsoft-funded Windows 10 Enterprise Compatibility Workshop or a Microsoft 365 powered device Proof of Concept. We'll partner with you to unlock the value of Windows 10 and Office 365 through workshops around security, deployment and compatibility.