With the end-of-support for Windows 10, VIU IT needs to update its fleet of computers to the new standard operating system. Prior phases of this effort have focused on upgrading common use and lab computers. As of October 24, will be distributing Windows 11 upgrades to employee laptops and desktops on a staggered schedule over late October and early November 2025. The spreadsheet attached to this article (Windows 11 Upgrade Phase 2.xlsx, located to the right) lists VIU computer names and is organized by when the upgrade will be made available in Windows Update.
Users will be able to postpone the upgrade but should be encouraged not to. This upgrade is mandatory to upgrade to Windows 11 for security and license compliance across the entire university. Once users receive the update they will get notifications for 3 days and can optionally extend this as a grace period for an additional 5 days. After that, the upgrade is mandatory, and Windows Update will push the upgrade automatically and request a restart
The upgrade's duration will vary significantly depending on the hardware in question, but users should be prepared to spend 15-30 minutes without the use of their computer in most cases. Please encourage users to kick it off before lunch, at end of day, or any other time when they are not under a deadline.
Tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet break down which computer names will receive the upgrade by week. Users taken by surprise by the Win11 upgrade should be referred to this article for general navigation help.