Updates for Windows based university owned devices are managed via policies defined in our device management system, utilizing the same delivery and notification platforms as any personal Windows 10/11 based device.
Quality Updates (Minor Releases)
Quality updates are traditional operating system updates. Typically quality updates are released on the second Tuesday of each month, though they can be released at any time. These include security, critical, and driver updates. Quality updates are delivered and installed in the background. Upon completion, a notification appears alerting the user that the machine must be rebooted within 7 days of install. If the machine is not rebooted within the 7 day grace period then it will occur automatically at the deadline. After rebooting the machine the installation can take up to 15 or so minutes to complete.
Feature Updates (Major Releases)
Previously referred to as upgrades, feature updates contain not only security and quality revisions, but also significant feature additions and changes. Feature updates are released once a year the same way quality updates are managed except that it is done in smaller groups over the course of a few weeks. Upon completion, a notification appears alerting the user that the machine must be rebooted within 7 days of install. If the machine is not rebooted within the 7 day grace period then it will occur automatically at the deadline. After rebooting the machine the installation can take 45 to 60 or so minutes to complete. IT will communicate all pertinent information via email prior to releasing feature updates.