Endpoint Briefing — Windows 11 General Availability
Microsoft began the Windows 11 rollout on October 5, 2021, introducing a redesigned interface, Windows Subsystem for Linux enhancements, and stricter hardware security baselines for managed fleets.
Executive briefing: Microsoft started the global rollout of Windows 11 on . The release adds a modernized UX, updates the application platform, and codifies new hardware security requirements that enterprise endpoint teams must plan for.
Key features
- Secure-core defaults. Windows 11 enforces TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and virtualization-based security to harden credential isolation and kernel integrity.
- Developer tooling upgrades. Windows Subsystem for Linux and Windows Subsystem for Android add GUI app support, GPU acceleration, and Amazon Appstore integration.
- Productivity updates. Snap Layouts, new window management shortcuts, and Teams Chat integration streamline multitasking for distributed teams.
Implementation guidance
- Hardware readiness. Inventory device fleets for CPU generation, TPM support, and firmware updates before approving upgrades.
- Application validation. Test line-of-business apps, virtualization stacks, and security agents using Microsoft Endpoint Manager rings.
- Policy alignment. Update Group Policy and Intune baselines to leverage Windows 11 security configurations such as Smart App Control and Pluton support.
Enablement moves
- Publish migration runbooks covering rollback procedures and autopilot provisioning for Windows 11 images.
- Train support teams on redesigned settings, taskbar behaviors, and deployment status dashboards.
- Coordinate with procurement to align device refresh cycles with Windows 11 certified hardware standards.