Background & Approach | What to Expect | Project Timeline | Frequently Asked Questions |

Windows 11 Roadmap

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 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.

Additionally, ITS is preparing a Windows 11 standard image for deployment for Mason-managed systems that will be made available after testing. This will be a collaborative effort between ITS and IT representatives from departments and schools across Mason.

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.
  • The Windows 11 upgrade may require a hardware upgrade for some systems. ITS is developing a replacement program to help transition faculty and staff.
  • Preliminary testing has been completed. To see the full list of tested applications, see Windows 11 Application Support Status.
  • A standard imaging package will be released to Windows 11 users upon deployment.
  • 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 initation
September 2022 Purchase and setup 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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Can I upgrade my Windows 10 machine now?
This feature is currently unavailable on managed systems. Updates to Windows 11 are centrally managed and controlled. An early adopter program will be available in summer 2023.

What version is installed on newly purchased systems?
Windows 10 will continue to be delivered on newly purchased systems via the recommended purchasing channels. This will transition to Windows 11 in summer 2023.

What should I do if my hardware is not compatible with Windows 11?
ITS has received funding to upgrade existing managed systems that do not support Windows 11. A process is being developed to upgrade these systems with additional details to come.

What should I do if I use an application not listed in the Applications Support Status chart?
If you feel an application should be included in the Windows 11 Application Support Status, please contact the ITS Support Center.

Why did the computer I recently purchased come with Windows 11 installed?
Computers purchased outside of our preferred channels are being shipped with Windows 11.

What should I do if I recently purchased a computer that came with Windows 11?
ITS now supports Mason software and services on Windows 11. If you need any assistance, please contact the ITS Support Center.

Last modified: April 4, 2023