Local Authorities are Moving to Windows 11. Are You Ready?

Local governments employ nearly 2 million people, deliver critical services to millions, and operate with an annual budget of £ 127.1 billion. However, they face growing challenges, from increasing financial pressures to rising demands on services and managing remote or dispersed teams. 

Now, imagine a world where technology empowers rather than hinders these efforts. Picture faster systems, secure infrastructure and streamlined workflows helping local authorities deliver improved services more efficiently. This is the promise of Windows 11.

Windows 11 offers a significant AI compatibility advantage, setting the stage for the next phase of public service excellence. From predictive analytics in social care to optimising waste collection routes, AI holds enormous potential to modernise government processes. Designed specifically for the demands of AI workloads, Windows 11 transforms how data is processed, analysed and secured, enabling organisations to move from reactive operations to proactive solutions. Adopting Windows 11, therefore, lays the groundwork to revolutionise service delivery and optimise resources. 

As a very visible front-line provider of vital services, local government faces high expectations. The UK’s AI Opportunities Plan emphasises the widespread adoption of AI to enhance growth and efficiency. Legacy technologies like Windows 10 will hinder any councils’ ability to deliver. In short, a Windows 11 upgrade is a vital step in local government’s digital transformation. 

Challenges in Migrating to Windows 11

Transitioning to Windows 11 comes with hurdles, especially for those managing large, diverse estates. Here are some of the key challenges and insights on navigating them effectively.

1. Complexity and Scale

Many public sector organisations, from councils to NHS Trusts, underestimate the scope of transitioning to a new operating system. Migrating an entire organization to a new operating system is a complex endeavour, particularly when managing thousands of users, devices and applications. Local governments must account for scale and unforeseen issues. For example, the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), on track to migrate ahead of the deadline, built a “tolerance for delays” into their timeline. By anticipating setbacks – from staff absences to unexpected testing of a pharmacy application – the team avoided small delays derailing progress. 

The key lesson? Conduct a thorough audit to uncover “unknowns” and mitigate risks.

2. Legacy Hardware

A significant portion of public sector hardware acquired during the pandemic or prior now fails to meet the requirements of Windows 11. While some devices may manage with limited functionality, others will need replacing. Identifying which devices to keep, upgrade, or discard can significantly streamline migration.

3. Budget Constraints

Upgrading thousands of devices on limited budgets is daunting. However, delaying migration is often more costly. Extended support fees for Windows 10, rising IT management costs and inefficiencies from outdated systems add up quickly. For instance, NSFT calculated potential costs of £ 300,000 for just one year of extended Windows 10 support across its estate. The team recognised that with the right planning, they could avoid such a large, unnecessary hit to the public purse. Ultimately, proactive investment can save councils from higher long-term expenses.

The Cost of Delays

Remaining on Windows 10 beyond its October 2025 end-of-support date introduces escalating costs and risks. Extended support fees alone could reach £ 364 per device annually by 2028, not including increased spending on maintenance and IT overheads. 

For government teams already stretched thin, operational inefficiencies and increased demands on IT support could paralyse progress further. Delays and disruptions in areas such as healthcare, benefits processing or housing could directly impact individuals and communities who depend on timely, reliable services.

Even more critically, unsupported systems pose severe security risks. Sensitive data, from citizen records to healthcare files, becomes vulnerable to ransomware, hacking and malware. Noncompliance with Government Cyber and NCSC standards could result in serious CAF (Cyber Assessment Framework) risks, potentially leading to regulatory scrutiny and increased liability for local authorities. Transitioning to Windows 11 reduces these risks, protecting public data and services.

Five Steps for a Seamless Transition

A smooth migration is achievable through careful planning and actionable steps. Public sector organisations that act now can avoid disruptions and unlock the full potential of Windows 11.

1. Assess Your Infrastructure

Start by conducting a detailed inventory of all devices, applications and workflows to identify which systems can support Windows 11 and which you will need to upgrade or replace. Identify any gaps in budget, knowledge or skills. Consult with key stakeholders, including those in the field, to ensure that you consider all operational workflows and requirements.

2. Develop a Roadmap

Break the migration into clear phases, starting with smaller pilot projects in noncritical areas before scaling up. A detailed roadmap should outline timelines, resources and contingency plans for delays to ensure steady progress.

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust planned their deployment site by site, mapping out the number of devices and the resources they needed down to the day. Being so methodical meant that they could set their own pace and still hit their targets. 

3. Future-Proof Your Upgrade

Prioritise hardware that integrates with Windows 11 while offering scalability and security. Features like Zero-Touch enrollment can significantly reduce manual setup costs and speed up the process.

4. Train Your Teams

Technology alone doesn’t improve performance. Equip teams, administrators and end-users with the knowledge to harness Windows 11’s full potential. Free workshops and proof-of-concept (POC) programmes can help IT teams feel confident about a seamless migration.

5. Explore Financing Options

Budgetary constraints shouldn’t stall migration. Solutions like PC-as-a-Service (PCaaS) or flexible deferral programs allow organizations to spread costs over time. Flexible financing options may help local councils to transition at their own pace, and lifecycle management tools and trade-in programs can offset initial expenses.

Building Tomorrow’s Resilient Services Today

For local authorities, adopting Windows 11 reflects a commitment to building resilient, future-ready systems. Every delay increases costs, security vulnerabilities and demands on resources. By acting now, governments can optimize services, strengthen communities, and focus on what matters most: delivering for people.