Windows 11 upgrades

Microsoft has announced their plans to end support for Windows 10 In January 2025. Michigan Tech IT has begun the work to allow for a transition on campus that is as smooth as possible. 

As is the case with most major operating system (OS) releases, changes to hardware will be necessary to meet minimum requirements. It is likely that most systems purchased in 2017 or later are ready to transition.  However, there are many aging systems on campus that will likely need to be replaced before the end of 2024.

Windows 11 has been tested and is available now on campus for faculty and staff systems that meet specifications and are willing to transition.  In Summer 2023, the campus computer labs will transition to Windows 11, and all Windows systems that are purchased or rebuilt will be Windows 11 instead of Windows 10.  Currently, IT will be reaching out to customers and offering the choice of OS on new systems or rebuilds.   We expect that the majority of 2024 will be spent converting or replacing existing Windows 10 systems that haven’t already been converted.

If you are looking to give Windows 11 a try or would like to work on coming up with a departmental plan for the transition - we can help. Begin your planning by calling us at 906-487-1111 or email it-help@mtu.edu.

Check if devices can be upgraded to Windows 11

Windows 11 requires a new minimum processor (8th generation Intel or Ryzen 3000 series or better) and memory specifications (8GB of RAM; Michigan Tech IT recommends 16GB). There are also new security-related requirements, such as a UEFI-enabled secure boot and a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0-enabled motherboard. Some current systems may need more RAM or need a hard drive replaced with a solid state drive to work optimally.

Departments

Departments should begin looking at the state of their current machine configurations and what they might need to address to meet the Windows 11 deadline. Our Business Operations group is happy to work with any department to provide a list of assets that we have assigned to your department to help you plan for what should be upgraded, replaced or swapped around and aid in your departmental planning.

If you would like to work on coming up with a departmental plan for the transition - we can help. Begin your planning by calling us at 906-487-1111 or email it-help@mtu.edu.

Individuals

If you have an individual device, such as a laptop, you can check if the system can be upgraded to Windows 11. If you would like assistance with upgrading or configuring your device to get ready for Windows 11, please find your computer information, including Michigan Tech asset tag and/or serial number, then contact IT at 906-487-1111 or it-help@mtu.edu.

1. View your system info to check processor, RAM, and BIOS.
   1. Type info in the search box near the Windows icon on your taskbar.
   2. Select System Information.
   3. Check that Processor is 8th generation Intel or Ryzen 3000 series or better.
   4. Check that Installed Physical Memory (RAM) is at least 8GB; 16GB recommended.
   5. Check that BIOS Mode is UEFI.
2. View Device protection in Windows Security to check Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
   1. Type windows security in the search box near the Windows icon on your taskbar.
   2. Select Device security.
   3. Check that there is an entry for Security processor. If you have TPM, the statement, "Your security processor, called the trusted platform module (TPM), is providing additional encryption for your device" will display.
3. View Optimize Drives to check if your hard disk media type is a solid state drive, or SSD. Please note that you will not be defragging your drive, just viewing the media type.
   1. Type optimize drives in the search box near the Windows icon on your taskbar.
   2. Select Defragment and Optimize Drives.
   3. Check that the Windows (C:) drive has a media type of Solid state drive.