Windows 11 Upgrade

Microsoft has published an end of support date for Windows 10 of October, 2025. This means that security updates will no longer be available after this date. While many campus computers have long been upgraded to or replaced with Windows 11, there are many still running Windows 10. To prevent potential security issues on the campus network, IT has set a plan to address Windows 10 workstations before this date.

On Friday, Feb 28, 2025, IT will begin a phased approach to upgrading all compatible*, campus-owned Windows 10 computers to Windows 11. Any Windows computer already at Windows 11 will not be impacted. To see what version you are using, type “About” in the search bar and under “Windows Specifications” there is an “Edition” line. If your computer is “Windows 10 Enterprise”, your computer may be upgraded (if compatible).

• The upgrades will be applied to desktop and laptop computers that are connected using the campus wired network, secure UCA wireless, and VPN from off campus.
• The upgrades have been broken down into six groups, with two weeks between groups. Upgrades will be scheduled to start between 11:00 PM Friday and 5:00 AM Saturday.
• We ask that you leave your Windows PC powered on during the weekends beginning February 28, 2025. This will make the upgrade process much smoother.
• Laptops should be plugged into a power source and screens left open.
• The groups are primarily defined by building locations, but other factors may cause a computer to be delayed until a future group. The plan is to have all compatible machines completed by early May.

Laptop owners who have their laptops at home will be upgraded in group five. It’s hoped that these laptops would be brought to campus before this group receives the upgrade. Devices brought back to campus, left powered on overnight, and with a network cable plugged in will receive the update at the applicable time according to the building in which the laptop is located. Laptops powered on and connected to UCASecure wireless will be upgraded in the fourth group (see below).

The update process should take no more than 4 hours total to complete, starting from the time it begins downloading the update to the point you can log into the computer. During the first login after the update, the user may experience additional wait times as the user profile is updated. This typically takes less than 20 minutes, but could be as much as 40 minutes for that initial login. Devices connected to off campus networks may take longer to download the necessary files.

Phase 3 – March 28, 2025 (All previous phases are active)

Phase 4 – April 11, 2025 (All previous phases are active)

All remaining compatible campus computers connected via wired connections

Phase 5 – April 25, 2025 (All previous phases are active)

UCA Secure wireless and off-campus via VPN

Phase 6 – Friday, May 9, 2025 (All previous phases are active)

Remaining semi-compatible hardware: i.e., Dell 3050

* Some older hardware is incompatible with Windows 11 and cannot be upgraded; these will need to be replaced before October. We will identify these machines later this year and reach out to impacted users.