Windows 11 Edu issue - need assistance finding a solution
Windows 11 Edu issue - need assistance finding a solution
Hello, I hope some of you can help clarify a few points I’m experiencing—things I might not have thought about before. I’m 24 and just started my first position as an IT Manager, even though I’ve been in IT for six years. The situation I’m facing involves a school network that’s in serious disarray. When I began this role, I expected the school to be stable and supported by a reliable MSP. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. I’ve since ended my relationship with the MSP and won’t be working with them again. Here are some main challenges I’m encountering:
- Most devices (around 260 PCs running i5 processors from 3rd or 4th generation) aren’t compatible with Windows 11.
- About 100 machines that do support Windows 11 were reimaged to run Windows 10 and still use it.
- There’s no KMS service active—seems the MSP deleted the virtual machines, leaving no evidence of them.
- No current OVS agreement exists, meaning each device uses its own activation key, which complicates any future updates.
- I’m the only IT team member on staff.
- Fortunately, we have A3 licenses for both staff and students, so I could possibly use those for activation, though I know it’s based on user accounts rather than devices. Setting up Intune would add extra complexity.
- Talking to former IT managers suggested installing Windows 11 wherever possible and handling problems as they come up. They’re right about the risks, but others advise against it and explain the licensing issues.
- I’ve researched Windows 10 LTSC since it’s still supported until 2027, but reimaging 260 PCs before October 14th is impossible, especially with the 100 Windows 11 machines to manage. Plus, LTSC includes licensing fees per machine and isn’t suited for high-traffic schools.
- I’m working on securing a new OVS agreement, which would be a big help, but Microsoft support is slow because I don’t have an active agreement yet.
This whole scenario is extremely stressful, and it’s not just this issue—it’s compounded by other challenges. I’m really unsure what to do next and feel overwhelmed. Thanks for your understanding!
Brennan
Receive an urgent MSP yesterday. Order bulk purchase of three system configurations immediately. This enables you to begin deployment by August at the latest. Keep your hopes high and stay persistent. They are re-binding hardware, so simply reactivate after the default setup on existing rigs. Accounts remain tied, but the hardware attachment method allows for upgrades. Regarding that, please install a backup version of Chocolatey so you can quickly deploy applications that may be missed by Winget. This approach merely shifts the issue and risks repeating the same challenges. Also, don’t forget to obtain a management portal as soon as possible—tools like ManageEngine, Syncro, ActionOne, etc.—but honestly, you urgently need assistance. It’s already too late; now you must minimize the impact. Install a robust firewall and consider a comprehensive protection solution such as Sophos. Proceed with caution.
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