The UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has successfully upgraded its entire laptop fleet to Windows 11 by March 2025, following an extensive £312 million project initially focused on Windows 10.
Laptop Upgrade Details
Defra originally planned to replace 31,500 older Windows 7 laptops with Windows 10 devices. This initiative was part of a broader effort to update obsolete devices and software, aiming to enhance security and performance. However, recent clarification confirms that the department swiftly proceeded to Windows 11 installations ahead of Windows 10’s support deadline of 2025-10-14.
Scope and Impact
Although Defra’s permanent secretary, Paul Kissack, confirmed the completion of the laptop upgrades, questions remain regarding the overall PC estate. The department did not specify how many other endpoints, such as desktops, still require an upgrade to Windows 11. Details about any additional costs, the use of possible discounts, or licensing arrangements were not disclosed.
Regulatory and Fiscal Considerations
The decision to accelerate the move to Windows 11 may have financial implications, including licensing costs and potential savings from avoiding extended security updates. However, the specifics of these costs and the nature of any related contracts remain unreported.
