**Course updated 17/02/2025 to take into account Windows 11**

Over this course, you'll learn about the different stages involved in upgrading an organisation's computer network, this includes considerations such as:

* Planning your upgrade project so that you can anticipate any issues as best as possible

* Identifying potential issues before proceeding with the upgrade and ensuring minimal disruption in terms of day to day operations.

* Auditing your network environment so that you know what you're dealing with before the upgrade takes place.

* Communicating with various departments within your organisation so that they are aware of what's happening in good time.

* Ensuring that your IT helpdesk team are prepared to deal with additional incoming support requests.

* Disposing of old equipment securely to ensure that any data is properly protected and doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

There are also some real-world examples of unexpected hardware and software issues that can occur during an upgrade project. Whilst the best way to upgrade ultimately depends on your organisation and it's own change procedures, the basics are explained within this course.

Note that there may be exceptions to upgrades, i.e. software that won't work on newer systems but that is still required for a business to operate, examples of this being manufacturing software and some healthcare systems.