Windows 10 out of support is imminent - and we need to transition to Windows 11

For such a large-scale migration to Windows 11, there are several strategies and tools you can use to streamline the process of moving users' identities, profiles, and data from old PCs to new ones.

1. Leverage User State Migration Tool (USMT)

The User State Migration Tool (USMT) is a powerful tool provided by Microsoft specifically for this purpose. It allows you to capture and restore user profiles, settings, and data during operating system upgrades or PC replacements. USMT can handle:

• User profiles (desktop shortcuts, file associations, display settings, etc.)
• Application settings (for Microsoft Office, browsers, etc.)
• Files and folders (including stray documents on local drives)
• Browser shortcuts and favorites (Internet Explorer, Edge, etc.)
• Cached browser credentials (can be configured for some browsers)

How USMT Works:

• ScanState: Use this command to capture the user data and settings from the old PC.
• LoadState: Use this to restore the captured data on the new PC.

You can configure XML files to customize what data to capture and exclude (for example, to ensure browser shortcuts or specific files are migrated). USMT can be run with scripting or as part of a larger deployment workflow using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).

Resources:

• USMT Documentation
• USMT is typically used in conjunction with MDT or SCCM for automation during deployments.

2. Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune)

If you're using Microsoft Endpoint Manager (formerly Intune) or considering it, you can leverage Windows Autopilot. This enables you to configure devices automatically and deploy policies, applications, and settings to new PCs.

With Endpoint Manager, you can:

• Manage user profiles, including OneDrive for Business, to sync user files.
• Deploy Edge Favorites and browser credentials through policies or extensions.
• Push out application settings and file shortcuts automatically based on group membership or roles.

Key Benefit: Autopilot can significantly reduce the manual configuration time by provisioning PCs directly from the cloud. Users will receive their profiles and data automatically upon logging in.

Resources:

• Windows Autopilot Overview
• Microsoft Endpoint Manager

3. Folder Redirection and OneDrive Sync

Folder Redirection can be set up via Group Policy to redirect user folders such as Desktop, Documents, and Favorites to a network location. This ensures that user data is not stored locally but on the server, making it easy to access the data on a new PC.

OneDrive for Business can be used to automatically sync users' Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to the cloud. This way, any user-specific files are synced and available once they log into the new PC. This eliminates the risk of "stray documents" being left behind.

OneDrive Known Folder Move can be configured to automatically sync and redirect these important folders without user intervention.

Resources:

• Configure Folder Redirection
• OneDrive Known Folder Move

4. Backup and Restore Browser Credentials/Shortcuts

If users rely heavily on browser shortcuts and credentials, a few options exist:

Edge and Chrome: Both browsers support synchronization of bookmarks, favorites, and passwords with a Microsoft or Google account. Encourage users to sign in to their browser so that these settings automatically transfer to their new PC.

For cached credentials that are not synced via the browser, there are third-party tools (such as NirSoft tools) that can export and import saved credentials. However, some credentials may need to be re-entered due to encryption dependencies.

5. Automating the Process via Scripting (PowerShell)

You can create custom PowerShell scripts to automate common setup tasks, such as restoring browser settings, favorites, network drives, and application preferences. For example:

• A script that automatically pulls and restores users' Edge favorites from their profile.
• Shortcut migration from specific folders on the old PC to the new PC.
• Automated checking of locally stored documents.

These scripts can be run after the migration to cut down on manual setup time.

6. Centralized Application Delivery (Microsoft Store, Intune, or SCCM)

Rather than manually reinstalling and configuring applications, you can use Microsoft Store for Business, Intune, or SCCM to push required applications to users based on their role or group membership. This ensures that users get the correct applications without manual intervention.

Plan of Action:

1. Use USMT for migrating user profiles, browser settings, cached credentials, and local documents from old PCs.
2. Implement OneDrive Known Folder Move or Folder Redirection to ensure users' critical files are automatically backed up and available on their new PCs.
3. Leverage Endpoint Manager (Intune) or Windows Autopilot to automate the configuration of new PCs, deploying apps, policies, and settings seamlessly.
4. Automate setup tasks with PowerShell scripts for browser credentials, shortcuts, and profile-specific tasks to reduce manual intervention.
5. Encourage users to sign into browsers to sync their passwords and bookmarks, reducing time spent on manual browser configurations.

This approach will reduce the time spent on each PC, streamline the transition to Windows 11, and provide a better experience for your users.

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hth

Marcin