Securing the Future: First Security’s Seamless Transition to Windows 11

Executive Summary

First Security, one of New Zealand’s largest protective services providers, partnered with CorIT Tech to upgrade its national device fleet to Windows 11 ahead of Windows 10 end-of-support.

The goal was to modernise the organisation’s endpoint environment, strengthen cybersecurity, and streamline device deployment for its mobile workforce. CorIT Tech delivered a fully automated migration using Microsoft Autopilot, Intune, and Defender for Endpoint, resulting in faster onboarding, zero disruption to operations, and full compliance with Microsoft’s modern security standards.

Client Overview

First Security provides professional guarding, patrol, and electronic security services across New Zealand. With a 24/7 workforce operating in high-trust environments, the organisation depends on reliable, secure devices to manage scheduling, reporting, and communications in real time.

Challenge 

First Security’s legacy Windows 10 fleet was nearing end-of-support, introducing operational and cybersecurity risks. Devices were inconsistently managed, with manual rebuilds and outdated policies leading to downtime and compliance gaps.

Key pain points:

  • Ageing Windows 10 devices approaching end of life

  • Inconsistent configurations and manual provisioning

  • Limited visibility across distributed teams

  • Rising management overhead for IT and support staff

Objectives

  • Standardise all devices on Windows 11 Pro

  • Deploy via Microsoft Autopilot with zero-touch provisioning

  • Centralise management through Intune

  • Strengthen security using Defender for Endpoint and Conditional Access

  • Minimise downtime for field and administrative users

Solution

CorIT Tech implemented a modern device management framework combining automation, compliance, and security hardening.

Key technologies:

  • Microsoft Intune for unified policy and compliance

  • Windows Autopilot for seamless deployment

  • Defender for Endpoint for advanced protection

  • Azure AD Join for identity consistency

Delivery Approach:

  1. Assessment & Pilot – Device readiness audit and proof of concept rollout

  2. Configuration & Integration – Intune profiles, Autopilot enrolment, and compliance baselines

  3. Deployment – Phased migration aligned with regional operations

  4. Optimisation – Post-cutover fine-tuning and policy validation

Implementation

The rollout was completed in four weeks with minimal user impact. New devices arrived pre-enrolled and self-configuring via Autopilot.

Highlights:

  • Remote onboarding and digital user guides

  • Streamlined access through Azure AD Join

  • Consistent application sets and FSLogix profiles

  • Automated patching and security monitoring

Results / Outcomes

The rollout was completed over a four-week period with minimal user disruption. New Windows 11 devices arrived pre-enrolled and self-configuring through Microsoft Autopilot, allowing staff to power on and begin work within minutes.

Throughout the transition, remote onboarding sessions and digital user guides ensured a smooth handover experience. Devices were joined to Azure Active Directory, providing streamlined access and consistent identity management. All users received standardised application sets and FSLogix profiles, enabling seamless data continuity and faster login times.

Behind the scenes, automated patching and Defender for Endpoint monitoring replaced manual update processes, strengthening First Security’s overall cyber-resilience posture.

The transformation delivered measurable improvements across key areas:
deployment times dropped from 3–4 hours to under 30 minutes per device, compliance coverage increased from roughly 60 % to full Intune enrolment, and the entire fleet was upgraded from mixed Windows 10 builds to Windows 11 23H2. Manual patching and reactive security management were replaced with automated updates and unified protection, significantly reducing downtime for frontline users.

Overall, the project delivered a fully compliant and future-ready Windows 11 environment, boosting performance and reliability for field and office teams alike. IT overhead was reduced through automation, security protection was strengthened against modern threats, and the new platform now provides a solid foundation for Microsoft 365 Copilot and future AI-driven capabilities.

Conclusion

The Windows 11 modernisation project transformed First Security’s endpoint environment—boosting performance, compliance, and employee experience. Through a precise and structured deployment approach, CorIT Tech ensured the organisation’s technology matched the reliability and vigilance of its frontline operations.

Client Testimonial

“CorIT Tech made the transition to Windows 11 seamless. Our team experienced almost no downtime, and the new environment has improved both security and productivity.”
Matthew Price — IT Manager, Wilson Group

First Security Strengthens Operations with a Nationwide Windows 11 Upgrade