Windows 11 Transition
Overview
As Windows 10 is being deprecated by Microsoft, UNLV Information Technology (IT) will work with users who have IT-managed Windows computers to ensure they are up-to-date with Windows 11, or replaced with new computers using Windows 11, by October 14, 2025.
Customers with non-IT managed Windows computers are still expected to upgrade or replace their computers to stay in compliance with campus policy. Please contact the IT Help Desk for assistance if needed.
Why is this project needed?
To protect the campus computing environment from threats, all university-issued computers on campus are expected to maintain updated operating systems. Microsoft has released Windows 11, the newest edition of its flagship Windows operating system. Windows 10 will stop receiving critical security updates on October 14, 2025, making computers using obsolete operating systems vulnerable to attacks and weak points in the campus computing environment.
Benefits and Outcomes
Customers will also be able to take advantage of Windows 11’s newest features, including snap-to-grid window management for a better user experience, enhanced accessibility tools, and improved performance and security.
By ensuring all UNLV IT-managed computers are using current operating systems, the university’s resources will be protected with the most up-to-date security patches and in compliance with current university policy.
What’s changing?
Computers that have hardware capable of running the new Windows 11 operating system will be upgraded automatically by UNLV IT during a routine patching window on September 23.
The Windows 11 upgrade project includes UNLV-issued computers running Windows 10 or older versions.
If your computer is using an older version of Windows, but is not managed by UNLV IT, please contact the IT Help Desk for assistance.
The minimum Windows 11 requirements include:
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor
- 4 gigabyte (GB) RAM
- 64 GB or larger storage device
For customers with computers that cannot run Windows 11, users should work with their departments to purchase a new computer that includes Windows 11 or can be upgraded to it.
If you are unsure if your computer has the necessary hardware, please contact the IT Help Desk for assistance.
Project Timeline
- Campus communications: April - October 2024
- Windows 11 upgrades for compatible devices: September 23, 2024
- All Windows 10 computers must be upgraded or replaced by October 14, 2025.
What You Need to Do
Computers that can be upgraded will automatically receive the update during a routine patching window on September 23, 2024. No additional action is needed.
If a computer cannot be upgraded, work with your department to purchase a new computer prior to October 14, 2025. Please contact UNLV IT for recommendations and purchasing quotes if you need assistance.
UNLV Top Tier 2.0
Infrastructure and Shared Governance
The Windows 11 Upgrade Project directly contributes to the university's goal of continually developing and leveraging the conditions necessary for success, including an improved infrastructure. By upgrading all UNLV IT-managed computers to the latest Windows 11 operating system, the project ensures that the university's computing infrastructure remains up to date, secure, and compliant with current policies. A proactive approach to maintaining and enhancing the IT infrastructure demonstrates the university's commitment to providing a robust and reliable computing environment for students, faculty, and staff.
Contacts
Technical Assistance
Project Lead
Steve Ochsner, Endpoint Services Manager
Project Sponsor
Hector Ibarra, Associate Director Client Services