Project Overview

Windows 11 Migration

Windows 11 has been available since 2021, with the most up-to-date productivity tools. Microsoft announced that beginning October 15, 2025, no new features or security updates will be released for Windows 10 (Win10) so they can focus on Windows 11.

To make this transition smooth and seamless, Rice OIT began installing Windows 11 (Win11) on all new Windows devices in May 2024, and will have Windows 11 available on all OIT-managed classroom computers by the start of the fall 2024 semester. In addition, OIT has started upgrading the 3500+ Rice-owned Win10 machines including assigned laptops, desktops, and shared departmental computers.

Department Lead Engagements

Sign up for a Department Lead Engagement:

Schedule a Zoom Session

Migration Information Session

for Division and Department Administrators

View the recording here!

Index

Project Overview
Ways OIT Is Partnering With You!
Project Communications

Ways OIT is Partnering with YOU!

OIT plans to partner with departments to minimize disruption to productivity, research, and finances. The table below details actions OIT is taking to partner with Department Administrators on a transition plan including:

  • potential impacts to computers in your area
  • actions you and your team can take to prepare
  • and OIT’s commitment to communicate details as they become available

Consideration

Action Items

More Information Available

Financial Impact

Some older computers may require hardware upgrades or replacement before Win11 can be installed

OIT will provide Department Administrator a list of known OIT managed computers in need of replacement within your area. OIT and procurement will partner with departments on procuring new computers.

Email to department leadership Fall 2024

Minimize Research and Academic Impact

  • Specialized research software incompatible with Win11
  • Special handling / back-up protocols for research data
  • Best timing for lowest impact

OIT Actions

  • Review the exception process
  • Share list of OIT-provided backup and storage options
  • Work with department leadership to ensure an effective plan for research groups

Details coming October 2024

Project Communications

November 1, 2024: Time to Update your Windows OS

To: Division and Department Administrators
From: Allie Sarahan
Date: Nov. 1, 2024, 11:13 AM
Subject: Time to Update your Windows OS

Division and Department Administrators,

Microsoft released the Windows 11 operating system in 2022 with improved productivity tools and security. As of October 15, 2025, Windows 10 is end of life and Windows 11 will be the Rice standard, so it’s time to join the Windows 11 community. With more than 3,500+ Rice owned Windows 10 machines (assigned including laptops, desktops, and shared departmental computers) chances are this will impact your department.

To learn more about the Windows 11 migration process and how it will impact your team, we invite you to attend an Information Session. If you are not the right person to represent your department, please feel free to share!

Windows 11 Info Zoom Session Details

November 13th from 11 - 12 pm Register here!
November 14th from 1 - 2 pm Register here!

Windows 11 Info Zoom Session Details

To learn more about the project prior to an information session, visit oit.rice.edu/windows-11-migration. These sessions will be recorded and posted on the website.

See you soon!

Allie Sarahan
Windows 11 Migration Team
windows11@rice.edu