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KI 2903 Windows 11 upgrade

(updated )
Windows 10 will be phased out by the end of October 2025. As a result of Windows 10 no longer beeing supported by Microsoft, all users with compatible systems must upgrade to Windows 11. This page aims to give you information and should cover most questions.
# In summary (TL;DR)
  • Windows 10 will no longer be supported by October 2025 🚫- all compatible computers must be upgraded to Windows 11
  • UiB will start the upgrades in the Spring/Summer of 2025 ⤴️- You can already upgrade your PC yourself from Software Center- Please see  KI 2238 for a step by step guide
  • All your files and programs will be kept 📂☁️- Do a backup of your important data
  • The upgrade takes about 60 - 80 minutes to complete 🕒♻️- The Computer will restart several times during the process
  • New look and enhanced security features 🔒- Windows 11 has a new modern look and greater performance
  • Do you need assistance or have any questions? 🤔❓ - Contact BRITA
Why upgrade?
Windows 10 was released in 2015, and after 10 years Microsoft has decided to phase out the product.
For UiB and the IT division, it's free to upgrade supported machines to Windows 11. The phasing out of Windows 10 means that Microsoft will stop security updates for the machines.

This poses a security risk we cannot accept. Therefore, all compatible machines must be upgraded.
Windows 11 has a number of new features and improved security compared to its predecessor.

Is my machine compatible?
If you have received an email from the IT department requesting you to upgrade - your machine is compatible.
Upgrading is done using Software Center - See KI 2238 for a step by step guide.
Machines that are not compatible will not have this upgrade option.
Any exceptions will be handled afterward. You can also do a quick check yourself - see KI 2905 for details.

When will the upgrade happen?
You can start the upgrade now. This will prevent any interruptions if you wait until October.
See KI 2238 for procedure. During the summer months of June/July and until October, the IT division will begin forced upgrades of machines.

What's new in Windows 11?
You can read more about Microsoft Windows 11 and all features at Microsoft.

How long does the upgrade take?
It depends somewhat on the age of the machine, network speed, and disk space.
Generally, the upgrade takes from 60 - 90 minutes. In some cases longer.

Do I need to reinstall applications?
No. This is an upgrade, not a reinstallation. Programs, files, documents, and some Windows settings are transferred automatically.

What about licenses and software?
Most applications, devices, and accessories that worked with Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11.
You can also check with the manufacturer of the software, device, or accessory to confirm compatibility.
Applications store their settings in the same location as in Windows 10, and this will be transferred.

Can I go back to Windows 10?
No. It will not be possible to go back to Windows 10. It will be possible for special machines with special setups, where there is no compatibility, to be moved to Lab-IT.
Contact BRITA for a discussion about this. Regular office machines will not be exempted if the hardware is compatible.

I have a laptop, can I upgrade from home?
Yes! The procedure is the same, whether you are on UiB campus or outside.
Connect to UiB VPN after the upgrade and stay connected for about an hour after the first restart. This will help the system report back to out back end systems about the upgrade progress.
We would still strongly recommend performing the upgrade on campus if possible.

Have I already upgraded?
If you are unsure whether your PC is running Windows 10 or 11, you can easily check this by following the procedure here: KI 2906

Troubleshooting and common problems
What do I do if the upgrade fails?
  • Contact BRITA and describe the error as detailed as possible. We will assist in troubleshooting the issue.
Applications no longer work.
  • Programs installed through Software Center or Microsoft Store should be compatible.
    For programs installed on your own initiative with an administrative account using Make Me Admin, or with help from BRITA,
    you check the application's manufacturer or developer to confirm Windows 11 support.
My machine has become very slow after upgrading.
  • Some machines may experience performance drops right after upgrading.
    In these situations, you can either wait and see if it "loosens up" as Windows optimizes itself, or run Dell Command | Update on Dell machines.
    Alternatively, a complete reinstallation may also be an option. If the machine's warranty has expired, we would advise to acquire a new computer.