Time to Shift Gears: Windows 10 to 11 Upgrade Made Easy with HexnodeSolved

Hi everyone,

This post walks you through everything you need to know about managing the Windows 10 to 11 upgrade using Hexnode.

Windows 10 has had a great run since its launch in 2015. Between Windows Hello, ATP, Virtual Desktops, and the UWP app model, it really changed how we work. But now it’s time to move on.

As Microsoft officially ends support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, we understand that IT admins are now actively looking for reliable ways to upgrade their Windows 10 devices to Windows 11, ideally without involving end users or performing time-consuming manual upgrades.

First, What Devices Are Eligible for the Upgrade?

Before you begin, make sure your Windows 10 devices meet Microsoft’s minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11:

When eligible, users may see a notification offering the upgrade to Windows 11. However, if you’re managing a fleet and want to remove user involvement, Hexnode offers a better route.

How to Automate the Windows 10 to 11 Upgrade with Hexnode?

Here’s a structured upgrade flow you can implement across your eligible Windows 10 devices using Hexnode:

Step 1: Group Your Devices

• Create a Custom Device Group in Hexnode with all eligible Windows 10 devices.
• This helps target upgrade policies with precision.

Step 2: Configure a Windows Update Preferences Policy

Navigate to Policies > Device Policies > New Policy > Windows > Patches & Updates > Windows Update Preferences and configure the following:

• Target product: Windows 11
• Target version: 24H2 (or latest stable release)
• Update channel: Semi-Annual
• Ensure no deferral settings are enabled in this or any other active policy.

This ensures devices will automatically move toward the defined Windows 11 version when available.

Step 3: Set the Update Experience

Still under the same policy (or a separate one), configure Windows Update Experience:

• Automatic update behavior: Disable user control, auto install and restart at a specified time
• Choose:
  • Install Week
  • Install Day
  • Install Time
• Enable:
  • Skip restart checks
  • Disable pause updates
  • Disallow users to check for updates

This locks down user control and ensures the upgrade proceeds without interruptions.

Step 4: Trigger the Upgrade and Automate It

• Use the Scan for Updates remote action for targeted devices. This detects and surfaces the Windows 11 upgrade in the Patches & Updates tab.
• Go to Automation > Windows Automate > Patches and Updates – Manual
  • Update category: Quality updates
  • Updates to automate: Select the Windows 11 upgrade you just discovered
  • Set a scheduled time to install

Even if any devices miss the initial rollout, this will ensure they eventually upgrade as the update becomes available to them.

Conclusion

• Ensure your licensing agreements are in place for Windows 11, especially for devices managed under volume licensing.
• Microsoft CSP upgrade behavior may vary slightly based on device history and configuration. While this flow adheres to recommended practices, outcomes may vary.

We hope this helps streamline your Windows 10 to 11 upgrade process with Hexnode. If you’ve tried this or have your own tweaks to the flow, feel free to share them with the community!

Best Regards,
George
Hexnode UEM