The Project Overview
One of the UK’s largest conservation charities needed to replace 634 ageing Windows 10 laptops and, at the same time, move from hybrid-joined devices to cloud-native Microsoft Entra ID-joined devices. Transputec delivered the Windows 11 upgrade through a structured, phased programme using Windows Autopilot, completing the project on time and within budget, halving device build time and giving the charity a simpler, more secure, cloud-first device estate.
The Challenge
The charity’s IT team needed a smooth transition across every laptop without disrupting daily operations. Staff availability for device testing and training was vital to avoid confusion or resistance among users, and the coexistence of around 600 legacy Windows 10 laptops alongside the rollout of new Windows 11 devices called for a carefully coordinated cutover plan to maintain business continuity.
Technically, the project involved extensive testing and configuration of the new Autopilot 2.0 process across multiple laptop models and user scenarios, and pre-provisioning around 600 devices for Microsoft Entra ID join. Regular updates and close coordination with the charity’s internal teams and stakeholders were essential to resolve issues quickly and keep the project on schedule.
Early-life support for the initial pilot devices, combined with comprehensive training for both the charity’s onsite engineers and Transputec’s support teams, was crucial to guarantee a smooth rollout. Together, these demands called for a meticulous, well-managed approach to the Windows 11 upgrade.
What We Did
Transputec delivered the Windows 11 upgrade through a structured, phased approach. In the design phase, we developed a detailed solution design, created device and security groups, assigned new Autopilot deployment profiles, configured the enrolment status page and prepared the environment for a smooth rollout.
The build and test phase involved importing hardware hashes for the new laptops, testing the Autopilot 2.0 process extensively on different models, identifying and fixing gaps, and defining success criteria through user acceptance testing with production users.
For deployment, Transputec provided onsite resources to pre-provision devices, hand over new laptops, collect old ones and work directly with end users to minimise disruption. Early-life support resolved initial issues quickly, and the charity’s engineers were trained to manage the new environment independently.
In the closure phase, we completed sign-off, handed over all documentation and made sure the charity was fully equipped to operate and scale its new Windows 11 and Entra ID environment.
The Impact
The upgrade transitioned all 634 devices to Entra ID-joined Windows 11 laptops, on time and within budget. The move simplified device management and fully embraced the charity’s cloud-first strategy.
Device build time fell from over four hours to approximately two hours per device, a significant gain in operational efficiency. Security posture improved through modern authentication with Windows Hello for Business and cloud-based conditional access policies, and identity and access management was streamlined by relying solely on Microsoft Entra, removing the complexity of a hybrid join environment.
Proactive user engagement, comprehensive training and onsite support kept disruption to a minimum and delivered a smooth user experience. The charity is now positioned to take advantage of evolving cloud technologies with robust, scalable and secure device management.
