It Starts with the Department
Customized Support Plans for each computer
Every Rice computer that needs Windows 11 will have a customized support plan. Starting in Fall 2024, OIT will meet with division leaders, deans, and department administrators to evaluate each department's needs and create a transition plans that provides consistency and operational efficiency. There are several upgrade options, and the customized support plan will include the best-fit option for each computer in your department.
- OIT Meetings with Department Admins to understand the "landscape"
- Collaborate on Department transition. The plan is focused on
- Department Admins will share with you the plan for your computer from one of the upgrade options described below.
- Start your engines - we are off to the races!
Individual Preparation for Windows 11
Your department will email you details of the Windows 11 Migration process and your computer's recommended upgrade option(s). All of our migration experiences will be appropriately matched to your needs.
How to Prepare
- Get Started with Windows 11 - KB article with overview video and additional information
- Your Department Administrator will reach out with further information or submit an OIT Service Request to ask about the Windows 11 Migration
- Remember, support is available throughout this process via remote or in-person sessions. Visit the Contact Us page for support details.
Upgrade Options:
OIT Assisted Upgrade
Self-Service Upgrade
New Computers
Research Exceptions
Option 1: OIT- Assisted Upgrade
Who is a Good Candidate?
Computers with the following criteria:
- Not running the latest version of Windows 10
- Not communicating with OIT Management tools through your computer’s Software Center
Upgrade Details
This upgrade is a clean computer reimage that involves a complete rebuild of your Operating System (OS). This approach will clean files that are not needed and provide a new installation of the OS and other software such as Office 365, Adobe, and others you may have installed. Think of this option as buying a new phone/computer; it is a fresh start!
How to start?
Open an OIT Service Request when you are ready to migrate. An OIT Specialist will contact you with the next steps.
- Follow all of the steps above from the Prepare for Windows 11 section
- Open an OIT Service Request
- Complete the Intake Survey sent in response to your OIT Service Request. This helps the OIT specialist prepare for your migration.
- Consultation Meeting: Consult with the OIT specialist to personalize your migration experience and assess your system readiness:
- Create a backup plan that works for you.
- Schedule your migration (date, time, and specific location)
- Arrange a loaner laptop if needed
Things you can do to prepare for your consultation meeting:
- Review your backup and storage strategy and begin backing up the important documents saved to your computer.
- Ensure all software installed on your Windows 10 device is compatible with Windows 11, or create a list of software to ask about during the consultation
- Gather Software License Keys for reinstallation after upgrade
Transition Day
Deliver your computer to the assigned OIT specialist as scheduled during your Consultation meeting and confirm:
- All data is backed up (Complete Adobe Sign Acknowledgement Form)
- Your OIT Specialist has your contact information
The assigned OIT specialist will proceed with imaging your computer and will contact you when they have completed your migration to Windows 11.
Follow-up
After your migration is complete, the assigned OIT specialist will provide initial guidance on how to use your computer with Windows 11. A follow-up message will be sent with a Post-Migration Survey, and the assigned OIT specialist will check in with you after a few days to ensure your computer is running as expected. If you find that you would like additional coaching on how to use Windows 11, please submit a service request, and we will schedule a training time with you.
Option 2: Self-Service Upgrade
Who is a good candidate?
A good candidate for this upgrade option is currently running the latest version of Windows 10 (Codename 22H2) and is communicating with OIT management tools.
Upgrade details
Beginning early 2025, the Self-Service upgrade will be available through your computer's Software Center. At that time, you will be able to upgrade your computer wherever you are (i.e., at home, in an office, remote workers, etc.). This option will update your Operating System (OS) without cleaning the system or requiring reinstallation of other software such as Office 365, Adobe, etc. Think of this as an update to your smartphone OS.
Remember that support is available throughout this process via remote or in-person sessions. Visit the Contact Us page for support details.
Option 3: New Computer
If your computer is not eligible for Windows 11, wait for your Department Administrator to reach out to you about the process of procuring a new computer. Once replaced, please dispose of your computer by contacting OIT Support Services for assistance.
Option 4: Research Exceptions
OIT understands that some research computers run software that will not run on Windows 11 for a variety of reasons. The OIT Campus Services and Center for Research Computing teams will work with you to find the best solution for these computers to keep research moving AND Rice networks secure.