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Available to
Faculty and Staff who use an ECU-managed Windows computer
Overview
Windows 11 is the latest operating system released by Microsoft and provides both improved security and performance. ECU is beginning the migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for university-owned Windows computers. This will take time over the next few months and includes new replacements and reimaged systems. This article includes an overview of the project as well as your preparation for deployment.
What you should know
► If you have already received a new university-owned computer installed with Windows 11, then you are already set up.
► The deployment team is upgrading computers by department. You will receive an email with your department's upgrade dates and instructions on how to prepare.
► Computers unable to run Windows 11 will be replaced. Computers being upgraded require a complete hard drive wipe. Therefore, it is imperative that you create a backup!
► Admin rights are no longer standard on new ECU-managed computers. Software must follow TAC guidelines and can then be downloaded from the Company Portal.
► Computer labs, classrooms and conference rooms will transition to Windows 11 during the summer and fall of 2025. See all email announcements for more information.
Windows 11 features:
- Windows Hello for Business: log in to your computer using a 6-digit PIN. Automatic log in to your SSO applications (through Edge browser).
- New Start menu with quicker access to apps and files
- New Settings app
- New Windows Widgets app for quick access to news, weather and sports scores
- Improved multi-monitor support
- Windows 11 remembers your apps and settings when connecting to an external display
- Improved Windows Clipboard
- 40% performance improvement to Windows Update
What you should do*
- Back up your data to OneDrive or Piratedrive. Don't forget your favorites/bookmarks! See this step-by-step article to get started.
- Inventory your software (see this how-to article) and ensure that programs have been approved for use in approximately the last two years for ECU business, research and/or academic-related activities. This includes any free software you have installed. Remember, going forward only install software on university-owned computers that is TAC approved, regardless of funding source (including self-purchased).
- If software you have been using has not been approved by the TAC or was approved prior to the 2023-2024 academic year, and it is necessary for your work at ECU, please visit the Technology Purchase Process Knowledge Base article as soon as possible for more information about the request process. While ECU cannot guarantee approval of all software requests, we intend to remain flexible and will accommodate requests that meet university security standards and technology policies.
*Remember! If your computer is already updated to Windows 11, you have nothing to think about!
Resources