Microsoft 365 Endpoint AdministratorDeploy Windows client (25-30%)Hard
A company is migrating 200 Windows 10 devices to Windows 11. All user data needs to be retained, and the devices will be replaced with new hardware. The existing devices are currently managed by Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM). The IT department wants to leverage MECM for the migration process, including user data capture and restoration. Which MECM-integrated migration scenario is most suitable for this requirement?
- AIn-place upgrade task sequence
- BRefresh deployment task sequence
- CReplace deployment task sequence
- DBare-metal deployment task sequence
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Replace deployment task sequence
A 'replace' deployment task sequence in MECM is specifically designed for scenarios where an old computer is replaced with a new one. It handles the capture of user state data from the old computer, deploys the new operating system to the new computer, and then restores the user state data to the new computer. This perfectly matches the requirement of new hardware and retaining user data.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An in-place upgrade task sequence is for upgrading the OS on the *same* hardware, not for replacing devices.
- B. A refresh deployment task sequence (sometimes called 'wipe and load') is for reinstalling the OS on the *same* computer while retaining user data, not for replacing hardware.
- D. A bare-metal deployment task sequence is for deploying an OS to new, unconfigured computers, but doesn't inherently include user state migration from an old device.
MECM Replace Deployment
A Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM) task sequence scenario designed for migrating user data and settings from an old computer to a new computer as part of an operating system deployment.
- Used when replacing old hardware with new hardware.
- Captures user state data (e.g., files, settings) from the old device.
- Deploys a new OS to the new device.
- Restores user state data to the new device.
- Leverages User State Migration Tool (USMT).
Memory trick: Replace Old with New, Data Too!