Windows 11 Upgrade and Standard
Microsoft will end support of Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Windows 11 is now fully supported and available. It is the preferred operating system for all George Mason-Managed Windows devices and is the standard deployed for all new systems.
Microsoft recently announced the end of life for Windows 10 and released their latest major operating system upgrade, Windows 11. As a result, all Windows 10 systems must upgrade to Windows 11 or be removed from the Mason network by October,14 2025. This roadmap details planning that will inform users of what to expect during the project rollout.
Background & Approach
Windows 11 is a significant upgrade with demanding hardware requirements but improved security to protect systems from the emergence of new malware, ransomware, and other vulnerabilities.
This project will focus on upgrading current Windows 10 systems and identifying replacement systems that are incompatible with Windows 11. To ensure a smooth transition, Information Technology Services (ITS) is testing various use cases and applications.
What to Expect
- All systems must be upgraded to Windows 11 by October 2025. After this date, Windows 10 systems will no longer be supported and will be removed from the George Mason network.
- The Windows 11 upgrade may require a hardware upgrade for some systems. Hardware replacements are the department's responsibility. To learn about recycling old devices, see Zero Waste Mason - Electronics.
- Preliminary testing has been completed. To see the full list of tested applications, see Windows 11 Application Support Status.
- Windows 11 has new security features, changes to the interface, and the start menu. If your system already has Windows 11, ITS can provide standard support for Mason services and software. For more help, visit Microsoft.
Project Timeline
| DATE | STAGE |
|---|---|
| August 2022 | Project initiation |
| September 2022 | Purchase and set up test equipment |
| October 2022 | Project kick-off, develop project schedule, and create a test image |
| November 2022 - January 2023 | Complete testing for selected critical applications, announce ITS support for Windows 11 |
| November 2022 - March 2023 |
Testing: applications, infrastructure, security, upgrades, and group policies |
| August 2023 | Start rollout: classroom and labs deployment |
| January 2024 - October 2025 | Rollout: Upgrade existing Windows 10 systems |
| October 2025 | End of Windows 10 support |
Frequently Asked Question
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