Prepare your print environment for the Windows 11 shift
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” That quote from Benjamin Franklin rings especially true for many South African and African organisations today as they move toward Windows 11. While the upgrade brings new capabilities and greater security, it also presents a number of operational challenges—particularly when it comes to your print infrastructure.
At Kyocera Document Solutions South Africa, we are already seeing the impact of this shift across our customer base. According to recent market trends, Windows 11 adoption in business environments was expected to reach 30% by January 2025, while Windows 10 usage continues to decline. This transition is happening quickly, and print environments that aren’t proactively prepared could experience compatibility issues, service disruptions, or even security risks.
That’s why I want to highlight a few key considerations for our partners and customers as this change is navigated:
- Windows 11 may not support older drivers, which means some devices could lose functionality.
- Certain printing software or managed print tools might become incompatible.
- Outdated firmware could open the door to vulnerabilities.
- Even networked printers could encounter connectivity issues due to changes in system protocols.
The message is simple: businesses need to plan ahead.
Confirm that your customers’ current print infrastructure is ready. Ensure their devices and drivers are supported. Encourage firmware updates. And where needed, start conversations about more future-ready, cloud-native print solutions.
As service providers and trusted advisors, our role is not just to fix problems once they appear. It’s to help our clients stay ahead of change. That’s what we mean by putting the Kyocera Philosophy into practice – Doing the right thing, with foresight and care.
Let’s lead with service, guide with knowledge, and let’s make sure our customers have the confidence to upgrade without disruption.
If you’re not sure where to start, talk to our team or visit our support resources. We’re here to help you prepare, support clients, and position print as a strategic asset, not a risk.
Yunus Docrat - Service Manager - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa
