The result leaves Preston in 16th place in the table, now a solid 13 points clear of the relegation zone with six matches to go - although Rotherham United's four games in hand over some teams, including the Lilywhites, does complicate things a little.
Speaking after the big win, Preston's interim head coach Frankie McAvoy revealed: “I'm just delighted for the players, it was the least they deserved if I'm being honest. In the first half in particular they played really well.
“We tried last week, we worked on our diamond midfield against Norwich which probably allowed Norwich too many chances and opportunities when they had the ball, a small change today I thought we'd go with the 3-5-2.
“I thought we looked a lot more solid, which was pleasing. We worked on a lot of things going into the game and a lot of them came into fruition.”
Preston return to action this weekend, when they round off a trio of matches against teams pushing for promotion with a clash against Thomas Frank's Brentford - who are without a win in four games - at Deepdale.
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Preston North End and the rest of the Championship, as the build-up to the action to this weekend's action begins:
“We tried last week, we worked on our diamond midfield against Norwich which probably allowed Norwich too many chances and opportunities when they had the ball, a small change today I thought we'd go with the 3-5-2.
5. Grant set to leave Man Utd
Manchester United look set to release veteran goalkeeper Lee Grant this summer. The 38-year-old, previously of Stoke City, Derby and Sheffield Wednesday, has made two appearances for the Red Devils in three seasons so far. (MEN) Photo: Dan Istitene
6. Boddy seethes over embargo decision
Coventry City chief executive Dave Boddy has hit out at the EFL for imposing transfer embargoes on a number of Championship sides, including the Sky Blues. The decision was made after the affected clubs failed to file their company accounts on time. (Club website) Photo: Ross Kinnaird
7. Owls linked with League One ace
Sheffield Wednesday, Preston and Nottingham Forest have all been credited with an interest in Rochdale striker Stephen Humphrys. The 23-year-old has been in fine form this season, despite his side being rock bottom of League One. (The 72) Photo: Clive Brunskill
8. McAvoy second-favourite for Preston job
After making a solid start in his role of interim head coach at Preston North End, Frankie McAvoy is now the bookies' second favourite to get the job permanently. However, Wycombe's Gareth Ainsworth is still the front-runner. (SkyBet) Photo: Charlotte Tattersall