End User Technology (EUT) has come up with an upgrade process that allows end-users to upgrade their UMS Managed Workstations to Windows 11. This is tentatively planned to be deployed as available on July 8th as we still have time before Windows 10 becomes End of Life (October 14th, 2025), but further communications will come at a later time when the upgrade is required in order to meet the deadline.
Instructions
General Information About the Upgrade Process
The upgrade process takes anywhere from one to two hours to install, and most of it is done behind the scenes -- meaning you can continue using your device while the upgrade is running. Once the upgrade finishes phase one of the process, you'll notice that the button in the Software Center changes from Install to Required. To complete the upgrade process, you'll need to restart the device at a time that's convenient for you. This will allow the upgrade process to finish and your device will return to the sign in screen as Windows 11.
If the upgrade fails for any reason, we have found through extensive testing that it fails safely, leaving your device in a fully functional state. We recommend attempting the upgrade again to rule out any network related outages or blimps. For those devices that continue to fail please submit a ticket for your campus Tier 2 ITSS group to assist you with the alternative upgrade method we have provided.
WARNING: If you perform this upgrade while remoted in to a device on campus, remote desktop will not be enabled by default after the upgrade is complete. It will re-enable after a couple of hours.
How to Upgrade
Upgrading to Windows 11 is simple and easy to do. Please follow the instructions below.
- Begin by opening the Software Center (also known as Application Catalog). You can do this by clicking on the Start Menu and typing Software Center. Alternatively, you can scroll down to University Applications, and click Application Catalog.
- Once opened, navigate to the Updates tab. You'll see the upgrade listed as Windows 11, version 23H2 x64 2024-05B. The number at the end (in this example, 05) will change as these upgrade packages are updated monthly. Click on the upgrade and press Install. This process takes anywhere from one to two hours, so feel free to continue using your computer and check back in the Software Center later.
WARNING: If you don't see the upgrade listed, please submit an IT ticket as your device may have incompatible software or not be capable of running Windows 11.
- Once the upgrade is complete, the Install button will change to Restart. The restart process takes anywhere from 5-15 minutes on average, and your computer should come back up as Windows 11.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions article for more information.
Environment
- UMS Managed Workstations
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- Upgrade Process