Deploying Windows 11 Across Your Campus with Intune

With Windows 10 nearing its End of Support (EoS) on October 14, 2025, upgrading to Windows 11 is essential for educational institutions to maintain security, compliance, and access to modern features. Windows 11 brings enhanced security, better performance, and tools suited for hybrid learning, which are key priorities for protecting student data and supporting today’s classrooms.

This technical guide for deploying Windows 11 in bulk across your campus using Microsoft Intune includes step-by-step instructions, best practices, and solutions to common challenges, ensuring a smooth and efficient rollout.

What You'll Learn

In this article you will learn about:

Prerequisites for deploying Windows 11

How to deploy Windows 11 with Intune

Best practices for EDU administrators

Common challenges and solutions for deployment

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure your environment is ready for deployment:

Intune

• Licensing: Verify your institution has Microsoft 365 or Intune licenses for device management.
• Azure AD: Devices must be Azure AD Joined or Hybrid AD Joined.
• Windows Autopilot: Optional but recommended for zero-touch deployment; requires setup in advance.
• Policies: Establish baseline compliance and security policies in Intune.

Deploying Windows 11 with Intune: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Set Up Windows Autopilot (Optional but Recommended)

Autopilot streamlines device setup for new or reset devices, ideal for bulk deployments in education.

1. Register Devices:
   • Collect hardware hashes (manually or via OEM). 
   • Upload them in the Microsoft Intune admin center under Devices > Enrollment > Devices.
2. Create an Autopilot Profile:
   • Go to Devices > Enrollment > Deployment profiles.
   • Click Create profile and select Windows PC.
   • Configure settings (e.g., skip AD connectivity check, enable user-driven mode).

Step 2: Create a Windows 11 Upgrade Policy 

1. In the Microsoft Intune admin center, go to Devices > Windows > Windows Updates > Feature Updates.
2. Select Create profile and create a new profile.
3. Target Windows 11 as the OS version and assign it to device groups.

Step 3: Configure Compliance and Security Policies

1. Navigate to Devices > Compliance policies.
2. Create a new policy with Windows 11 requirements (e.g., minimum OS version, encryption).
3. Assign it to student and staff device groups.

Step 4: Monitor Deployment

1. Track progress in the Devices tab of the admin center.
2. Use compliance reports to verify adherence to policies.
3. Address non-compliant devices with targeted fixes or user instructions.

Best Practices for EDU IT Administrators

• Pilot Testing: Test deployments on a small scale before campus-wide rollout.
• Phased Deployment: Upgrade in stages (e.g., by building or grade) to reduce disruption.
• Stakeholder Communication: Notify staff and students of timelines and expectations.
• Automation: Intune Autopilot for efficiency.
• Bandwidth Management: Schedule deployments off-hours; use SCCM’s BranchCache or Intune’s Delivery Optimization. 
• Legacy Hardware: Plan for devices incompatible with Windows 11 (check with PC Health Check).

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge	Solution
Incompatible Hardware	Identify unsupported devices with PC Health Check and budget for replacements.
Software Issues	Test critical apps on Windows 11; use compatibility mode or update software.
Downtime Concerns	Deploy during breaks or use Autopilot for minimal user interaction.
Network Overload	Leverage BranchCache or Delivery Optimization to distribute the load.