Windows Operating Systems
Windows 11 Upgrade
The Division of Information Technology is in the process of updating all eligible managed machines to Windows 11 across campus. Upgrading to Windows 11 introduces a more feature rich operating system. Most functionality between Windows 10 and Windows 11 is similar but you will see a redesigned user interface, with a new logon screen, start menu, task bar, and snap layouts. You should also see a smoother transition from monitor to laptop, as Windows will now remember how your apps were positioned when you unplug from a monitor. The update also allows us to incorporate tools that will allow us to better manage software annd security updates and deployments remotely. For those machines that are ineligible for a Windows 11 upgrade, your computer will receive an update to Windows 10 21H2 based on the same deployment schedule.
Upgrade Process
- The Windows 11 upgrade or the Windows 10, 21H2 will be distributed via a software update to your machines and a technician does not have to visit your office.
- On the scheduled date, it will run in the background for up to 3 hours and your system will require a restart to complete the process.
- Upon restart of your machine(s), it will take up to 1 hour for the update to complete.
Please Note: Windows 11 may be incompatible with devices that are more than three years old because of its stringent hardware requirements, which include an Intel 8th gen 64-bit 1GHz or faster processor, a TPM 2.0 chip, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. We have identifed that some or our previously purchased Dell and small number of Lenovo models are affected. Additionally, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is also ineligible for upgrade. A sampling of some of these devices are listed below.
Dell
Dell Latitude 13
Dell Latitude 5285
Dell Latitude 5414
Dell Latitude 5480
Dell Latitude 5490
Dell Latitude 7280
Dell Latitude 7390
Dell Latitude E5450
Dell Latitude E5470
Dell Latitude E7240
Dell Latitude E7250
Dell Latitude E7270
Dell OptiPlex 5040
Dell OptiPlex 5050
Dell OptiPlex 7020
Dell OptiPlex 7040
Dell OptiPlex 7050
Dell OptiPlex 7450 AIO
Dell OptiPlex 9020
Dell OptiPlex 9030 AIO
Dell OptiPlex 990
Dell Precision 7510
Dell Precision Tower 7810
Dell Precision WorkStation 390
Deployment Schedule
While all new machines or reimaged machines will come with a secure version of Windows 11, we are pushing out a software update to Windows 11 by department. You can find your department listed below. On that date, the update will be “pushed” to your machine and run remotely in the background.
Deployment Schedule
Other Useful Resources
Windows 10
Windows Software