Following a successful pilot within Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) and an initial roll-out to Management, Specialist and Administration (MSA) staff, we're progressing the Windows 11 Upgrade Project to ensure all University-owned devices are upgraded before Windows 10 reaches end-of-support.
Upgrade timeline
The deployment of Windows 11 begins on 24 June 2025, starting with 1:1 laptops.
- Upgrades for desktops and shared laptops will begin in late summer 2025 and continue into 2026.
- For detailed rollout phases, see the Deployment Timeline.
What to expect
From Tuesday 24 June, you'll receive a notification when the Windows 11 upgrade is available for your device.
We're rolling out Windows 11 in phases, with more staff receiving the upgrade on their laptops each week. This will continue through to September 2025.
How the upgrade works
The upgrade will be delivered through the standard Windows Update process:
- You'll receive a notification just like a typical Windows update
- You can schedule the installation at a time that suits you within a 14-day window
- If you don't install it within that period, your device will automatically restart to complete the upgrade
Learn more on the Windows 11 Information Hub
Device compatibility
If a device isn't compatible with Windows 11 due to age or hardware, it will be replaced in line with the University’s shift to a ‘one user, one device’ model. If this applies to you, you'll be contacted directly to arrange next steps.
How long will the upgrade take
- On most laptops, the upgrade will take up to 2 hours
- Your device will remain usable for most of the process
- While upgrading on campus may be faster, it is not essential
Support and resources
To help with the transition, we’ve launched a Windows 11 Information Hub, which includes:
- Key features of Windows 11
- New approach to admin access
- Guidance on backing up your data
- Details about the upgrade process
- Training and support materials