How will migrating to this newer operating system impact my department and myself?

Older computers running on Windows will need to be replaced

Computers released by Dell (UNI's primary computer provider as contracted alongside the other Regents Schools) have been compatible with Windows 11 since 2018.
OptiPlex desktop models ending xx60 and newer, and Latitude laptop models ending xx90 and newer, are compatible with Windows 11.

All departments' respective leadership should interface with their IT support teams to identify any computers that require replacement and coordinate acquisition and preparation of new devices as needed.

Windows 11 has been gradually rolled out, beginning from Fall 2023

Testing for Windows 11 began in Fall 2022 and concluded in Fall 2023.

Windows 11 began rolling out to areas beginning in mid-Fall of 2023 and is continuing through 2025.
Campus personnel can expect to hear communication from your respective IT support team for specific details about the upgrade. At this stage, the vast majority of devices which support Windows 11 have been upgraded, particularly in Administrative units – most Windows 11 "upgrades" will come hand-in-hand with a hardware replacement of some type.

Newly acquired computers will be prepared with Windows 11 rather than Windows 10, barring exceptionally unusual and specific compatibility issues with specialized applications that are in use.

The Windows computer experience will look slightly different

At its core, most functionality in Windows 11 is similar to that of Windows 10, but the operating system has been given an aesthetic overhaul. 

This change may be quite jarring at first, but routine processes and workflow still work the same way, so the work experience should remain familiar.

Check out our "What to Expect" page for screenshots and other information about some of the differences.

"SFF" or "Small Form Factor" is the typically recommended desktop form factor