More Information

Windows 11 is Microsoft's newest operating system, offering improved performance, enhanced security, new features, and a sleeker, modern look. 

In October 2025, Microsoft will end support for the Windows 10 operating system and stop offering critical updates. To prevent potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities in our technology environment, all UTSA-issued PCs must transition to Windows 11.

Most Apple users will be unaffected by this change. If you are using an Apple computer to run a Virtual Machine using Windows 10, you may need to make some changes. Please contact Tech Café.

All UTSA employees with UTSA-issued PCs (not Macs) must upgrade to Windows 11 by October 2025.

If you believe you have a unique case that will interfere with your ability to complete your university work, please contact us right away.

For example, if your research depends on software that requires an older version of Windows, UTS and the Office of Information Security (OIS) will work with you to identify viable options while protecting the UTSA technology environment.

You can check whether your machine will support the upgrade ahead of time by using our Windows 11 Readiness Assessment Tool.

You can also simply begin the self-service upgrade process without using the Assessment tool; if your machine is incompatible, you will see an appropriate message and the upgrade will not proceed.

Not all computers are eligible to be updated to Windows 11. Microsoft has implemented strict standards for the Windows 11 update, such as processor speed, required memory storage, and the presence of a TPM 2.0 (Security) chip. Running UTSA’s Windows 11 Readiness Assessment Tool will inform you as to whether you can proceed with the Windows 11 update.

Note: If you received a HEERF laptop, your computer is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11.

Microsoft’s full hardware requirements can be found here.

Due to certain hardware requirements, not all computers are eligible to be updated to Windows 11. If you find that your machine is incompatible, please contact your supervisor to let them know and request a replacement machine.

Excellent! You will need to decide whether you’d like to do a self-service upgrade or have a technician-conducted upgrade by dropping off your machine at the Tech Café at an appointed time of your choice. 

Click here for self-service upgrade instructions, or click here to schedule your technician-conducted upgrade.

If you elect the self-service upgrade, you should expect the upgrade to take up to 2 hours. Please note that this does not include the amount of time it will take to download the upgrade, which will vary based on your internet connection. When you initiate the upgrade process, the download will begin automatically. 

If you elect or need to have a technician-conducted upgrade, you should be able to pick up your machine after a four-hour window from your appointed time.

Windows 11 is Microsoft's newest operating system, offering improved performance, enhanced security, new features, and a sleeker, modern look. By improving the way resources are managed, Windows 11 offers faster startupss, quicker wakeups from sleep, and faster logins. 

Windows 11 includes enhanced overall performance, a modernized user interface, more emphasis on icons, and much more. For more details, check out our features page.