INTRODUCING WINDOWS 11

 UTS is pleased to announce the impending upgrade of all UTSA PCs from Windows 10 to the Windows 11 operating system. As you may already be aware, Microsoft has elected to end support and stop updating Windows 10 in the coming year. This will make Windows 10 untenable in the UTSA environment.

All UTSA-issued PCs must be upgraded by the end of October 2025. Users may elect to begin the upgrade process as early as today. Over the course of the 2024-2025 school year, UTS will work with each department to upgrade every compatible Windows 10 machine to Windows 11. 

Why do I need to upgrade to Windows 11?  
I'm using a UTSA-issued Apple Device. How will I be impacted?  
I don't want to upgrade. Can I opt out?  

UPGRADE OPTIONS: SELF-SERVICE OR TECHNICIAN-CONDUCTED

SELF-SERVICE UPGRADE

  • Do it yourself
  • Anywhere, anytime
  • Duration: roughly 2 hours (you do not need to sit in front of your computer for the entire duration) 

 TECHNICIAN-CONDUCTED UPGRADE

  • Conducted by a Tech Café technician by appointment
  • User drops off device at appointed location
  • Duration: 4 hours (then you can come pick up your device)

 

CHECKING DEVICE COMPATIBILITY

 We understand that not all UTSA-issued PCs are compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft has implemented strict standards for the Windows 11 upgrade, such as processor speed, required memory storage, and the presence of a TPM 2.0 (Security) chip. It is possible that you have a machine that cannot be upgraded and will need to be replaced. 

HOW TO CHECK YOUR DEVICE

There are several easy ways that you can find out whether your device is compatible with the upgrade. 

  1. For most users, the simplest way is to follow the upgrade instructions. If you attempt to run the Windows 11 upgrade and your computer is not compatible, the upgrade will not proceed and you will see an incompatibility message.
  2. Another option is to check your device against Microsoft's full hardware requirements (found here). 
  3. Alternatively, you can download and run our Windows 11 Readiness Assessment Tool. Click here for more information and instructions. 

OPTION OF LAST RESORT: APPLY FOR AN EXCEPTION

As a last resort, if there are specific circumstances under which you feel you may need an exception for a device, you can submit a request to the Office of Information Security at this link:https://support.utsa.edu/myportal?id=sc_cat_item&sys_id=f34209fa479ebd90ff534ee8536d4358

Please note that you must include a plan for how you will upgrade/replace the device(s) as soon as possible, and how you plan to account for/mitigate security risks.