Windows 11 Migration
Table of Contents:
What you should know about Windows 11:
Next Steps for Faculty and Staff:
New System Requirements:
Commonly Asked Questions:
Compatibility Checker:
What you should know about Windows 11:
Windows 11 introduces a range of new features and improvements, including a redesigned user interface, enhanced capabilities, better integration with Microsoft services, and improved security features such as hardware-based isolation and enhanced threat protection.
Windows 11 also has more rigorous hardware requirements than Windows 10, and some older computers will not be able to be updated to Windows 11. Please work with your department IT professionals or contact the friendly people at PC DEPOT to either upgrade your devices to Windows 11 or replace your old computer as necessary. Systems older than Windows 10 version 2004, or those with meager hardware resources (less than 64 GB of drive space), need to be replaced or upgraded with new hardware to ensure a productive end-user experience. We understand the organizational challenge this may present to your unit and want you to know that the Service Desk Personnel is here to support you during this change that all university devices which are required to undergo. If you do not have a department IT professional to assist you, please reach out to the Service Desk for further information.
Next Steps for Faculty and Staff:
We strongly recommend, as best practice, backing up all user data before starting this process to ensure no user data is lost. Please ensure that your backups are located with the provided OneDrive for Business. We encourage your department to begin the upgrade process to Windows 11 at your earliest convenience to ensure a seamless transition and continued protection for your system.
New System Requirements
Windows 11 has more rigorous system requirements than Windows 10 did, and many older processors will not be able to support it. Systems older than Windows 10 version 2004, or those with meager hardware resources (less than 64 GB), need to be replaced or upgraded with new hardware to ensure a productive end-user experience. If you want more indepth information regarding the system requirements, please visit this link to Microsoft's welcome with Win 11.
What if My Machine Can't Be Upgraded?
A few machines on campus are ineligible for the Windows 11 upgrade. We will be providing further guidance directly to those individuals in early spring 2025. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to embrace the exciting new capabilities of Windows 11!
Can I upgrade my Windows 10 machine now?
Absolutely, The upgrade is available in Software Center or Company Portal which can be found in your Start Menu.
What version is installed on newly purchased systems?
All new systems will be shipped with Windows 11.
What should I do if my hardware is not compatible with Windows 11?
Please work with your department to replace your system prior to the end of Windows 10 support in October of 2025.
We have built a handy database to find out if your model is likely compatible with Windows 11.
Follow these steps in order to find your system information!
1. Click the "Search Bar" in the taskbar (or press `Windows Key + S`).
2. Type "System Information" and select it from the search results.
3. In the "System Information" window:
4. Look for "System Model" under the "System Summary" section.
This is a quick and easy way to locate the system model information!
Check Your Device Compatibility
Enter your device model below to see if it's likely compatible with Windows 11: