Microsoft introduces FastTrack for Windows 10

Microsoft has introduced a new service aimed at helping businesses migrating from Windows 7 ahead of the end-of-life date of the operating system to fast-track their transition to Windows 10.

The FastTrack for Windows 10 deployment guidance service will be made available at no additional cost for organisations purchasing at least 150 Windows 10 licenses with eligible services or plans.

Experts will work with organisations to develop a technical plan for the migration process and address any major issues as they arise.

The FastTrack Desktop Assure service will also make specialists available to provide advice if organisations encounter app compatibility issues.

In a blog post, Microsoft 365 Corporate Vice President Bob Davis said the new service has been designed to address the challenging task of upgrading and updating complex technology environments.

“Sometimes you have a complex scenario and aren’t even sure where to start, or you’ve encountered a problem that has your migration stalled. There are times when you need to talk to an expert to get guidance on where to go next,” he said.

“With FastTrack, we help you to envision a technical plan, determine how to onboard and deploy new services and/or users, and work with you as you deploy to get the most value out of your technology investments.”

Davis said the new service is the latest in a series of investments the company has made to help ease customers’ migration process in time for the Windows 7 end-of-support date on 14 January.

Other examples include the introduction of tools like Windows Autopilot to help mitigate the cost and complexity associated with creating, maintaining and loading custom images. Windows 10 and Office 365 were also designed from the outset with compatibility as a core design principle, he said.

The importance of organisations migrating before the end of Widows 7 support was underscored in July when security company ESET disclosed the existence of a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 that is being actively exploited in the wild.

Meanwhile, the rush to complete the transition in time appears to be providing a much-needed shot in the arm for the stagnating desktop PC market.

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