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Why are we upgrading ECU-managed Windows computers to Windows 11?
When will my computer be upgraded to Windows 11?
Will I receive a new computer?
If I do receive a new computer, will I be able to keep my Windows 10 computer as well?
What is Windows Hello for Business (WHfB)?
Is WHfB like MFA?
Will I still need my password?
Does my Outlook change? What about Teams or Webex?
How does Windows 11 work with the Edge browser and Microsoft 365?
I am not able to download apps or make changes to some settings. Why is this?
What is the Company Portal?
How will I receive updates for Company Portal apps?
What is Copilot?
I am faculty leaving for summer break. How will my computer get upgraded or replaced?
Why are we upgrading ECU-managed Windows computers to Windows 11?
Microsoft's Windows 11 is the most secure operating system to date. ECU processes and stores many types of sensitive information, and we are now able to take advantage of Windows 11 built-in security features to help you better protect the data for which you are responsible.
For example, Windows Hello for Business (WHfB) is a device-based login to your computer and SSO resources. No passwords are sent over the network. Windows Security has a more robust antivirus tool (Defender) plus updated firewall, network and account protections.
Microsoft has also announced there will be no more support (think security updates) for Windows 10 beginning October 2025. We see this as the opportune time to modernize ECU-managed Windows computers as well as how we oversee the network.
See this IT Knowledge Base article for more information on protecting sensitive data.
When will my computer be upgraded to Windows 11?
This project runs May through October 2025. You will be notified in advance through an email announcement when technicians will be in your area. In the meantime, learn about this project by visiting the Windows 11 Project website. You will see a list of online articles describing how you need to prepare for the upgrade.
If you require assistance in creating your file backup or have questions, contact your department's IT techs, call the IT Service Desk at 252-328-9866 or visit your nearest walk-in Pirate Techs location.
Will I receive a new computer?
Computers included in the Computer Replacement Program that are at least 5 years old will be replaced. Other computers that cannot be upgraded because of hardware will also be replaced. If your current computer is less than 5 years old and the hardware supports Windows 11, it will be upgraded.
If I do receive a new computer, will I be able to keep my Windows 10 computer as well?
According to the Computer Replacement Program, ECU provides faculty and non-faculty staff with one (1) primary computer replacement for devices that are five (5) years old or older.
For an employee to receive a computer from the replacement/retirement program, the current primary computer must be returned to the technician setting up the replacement computer.
What is Windows Hello for Business (WHfB)?
WHfB is specific to your Windows 11 system and allows you to replace your username and password log in using a 6-digit PIN or facial recognition/fingerprint (hardware support required). When logged in through WHfB, you can open ECU single sign-on resources without logging in and authenticating (using MFA) within the Edge browser.
WHfB is easy and saves you time while the 6-digit PIN allows a more secure sign in to your ECU-managed system and SSO apps.
Is WHfB like MFA?
WHfB is a passwordless login to your ECU-managed Windows 11 computer. It works similarly to MFA by providing security layers but is more convenient as it allows you to access Single Sign-On sources without a username and password as long as you logged in using the PIN or biometric. WHfB is a device-based form of authentication (can only be used on your computer) and is more secure as credentials are not sent over a network.
Will I still need my ECU password?
You are still required to set up an ECU password, and it becomes a backup method to authenticate. Also, you still need to use your PirateID and password to log in to non-SSO resources.
When you log in to Windows using your password (instead of your WHfB PIN), you are not logging in to Windows with an MFA session. Therefore, you will authenticate each time you access SSO resources.
Does my Outlook change? What about Teams or Webex?
No, you will still be able to access the same services and platforms. Note that Microsoft 365 Office is now on a 6-month update schedule.
How does the Edge browser work with Windows 11 and Microsoft 365?
The Edge browser has been optimized to help you be more productive. For example, once you log in to your computer using WHfB, open Edge to access your Microsoft 365 apps like mymail, Teams, OneDrive and more. Set up widget shortcuts and website links for faster access, open Copilot AI to assist with your productivity and customize quick access for your most-used links in the right margin.
I am not able to download apps or change some settings. Why is this?
As part of our migration to Windows 11, we have removed local admin rights to enhance security and protect our campus network. This change reduces the risk of malware, unauthorized changes and protects sensitive data. For your applications, please check the Company Portal (see your Start menu). If you need assistance, reach out to the Pirate Techs or submit a support request.
What is the Company Portal?
This is ECU's own app store where you download software. Available through your Windows 11 Start menu.
How will I receive updates for my Company Portal apps?
Most app updates install in the background. However, if an update is released and has a conflict with an open application, you will see the pop-up below. You may immediately update the app or snooze it up to three times. After the app has been postponed three times, the update installs. The pop-up message reads,
"Your organization requires an update for "Application Name." To ensure files aren't in use during the update, "Application Name" needs to be closed. Please save your work and close the application to proceed with the update. You can postpone the update up to 3 times(s). If no action is taken before the timer expires the update for "Application Name" will be deferred."
What is Copilot?
Copilot is an AI-powered assistant designed to help you boost productivity and streamline workflows. It offers contextual assistance, automates routine tasks and analyzes data, making it easier to complete tasks like drafting documents, analyzing data trends and managing projects. Copilot is Window 11's AI assistant integrated into Microsoft 365 applications, the Edge browser and is available in your Start menu.
ECU's Policy on using generative AI
East Carolina University encourages the exploration of generative AI tools like Copilot. However, it's important to be mindful of the data you provide to these tools:
- Level 1-Public data. Any generative AI product or service is allowed.
- Levels 2, 3, and 4 (protected institutional data). Only approved generative AI products or services listed on the Sensitive Data Storage and Transmission website are permitted. Using protected data with other generative AI products could violate federal, state, and/or University regulations such as HIPAA and FERPA.
Also see these best practices for teaching, research and more from the Data Governance website: Institutional Data and AI Guidance.
I am faculty leaving for summer break. How will my computer get upgraded or replaced?
If you are faculty assigned a Windows 10 PC, please ensure you back up your data and leave your ECU-managed computer on campus – in your office or with your department administrator – over the summer. This will allow us to upgrade or replace your computer with Windows 11.
If you need to use your computer for research or other job functions during the summer, please coordinate with your department administrator to schedule an appointment with ITCS in the fall.
Additionally, plan to return to campus well before classes start to verify that your computer is ready for use.
Thank you for your cooperation on this essential project.