Why are we doing this?
Windows 10 reaches end of life in October 2025 and will no longer be supported by Microsoft. Moving to Windows 11 will ensure that we continue receiving important quality updates that improve the functionality and security of our devices.
Who does this effect?
This affects all DES employees that use a state-issued PC that is currently on Windows 10.
All new state-issued PC's will now be deployed with Windows 11. If you recently received a new device, it may already have Windows 11 on it, and you will not need to do anything to prepare for this upgrade.
What is needed from you?
We strongly recommend that you back up all locally stored files. Locally stored files are always at risk of being lost if anything were to happen to your PC that left it in a non-working state (see details below).
If working remote, you will also need to connect to VPN and stay connected until the upgrade has applied successfully (see details below).
How to back up all locally stored files?
Files saved anywhere outside of your syncing Desktop, Pictures, and Documents folders that are still needed should be moved to your OneDrive, a SharePoint Online site, or a Shared Drive location.
The easiest solution is to move those files into one of your OneDrive synced folders (Desktop, Pictures, Documents) or you can save directly to your OneDrive folder (see screenshot below).
If you use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browsers, you may also want to export your favorites/bookmarks. Instructions for that process linked below:
Backing Up/Restoring Internet Favorites
How to connect to VPN? (required for remote users only)
Open BIG-IP Edge Client on your PC.
Ensure that your Connection is set to Auto-Connect and the status shows Connected. Please stay connected to VPN and power during the deployment of the upgrade (see screenshot below).
What to expect
ETS will notify your division when they plan to push the upgrade to your PC. If there are no objections or concerns, we will continue with the deployment as planned.
Once we have deployed Windows 11 to your PC, you will need to be connected to VPN in order to receive the upgrade. Once it has finished downloading to your PC, you will receive a notification similar to the screenshot below:
Please save anything you are currently working on and click the OK button to begin installing the update.
If it is not a good time, you will also have the option to Postpone Restart. You will be able to set a reminder 15 minutes to 8 hours out using the drop-down and the notification will come back up after that amount of time has passed, allowing you to apply the update then.
We also recommend that you check the box "Restart automatically if I logoff before the selected reminder time.", so that the update is applied automatically after you are finished for the day.
The PC will force a restart at or soon after the time shown in red.
When the upgrade starts to install, your PC will restart multiple times and take approximately 10-20 minutes to apply the update. Please wait for the process to complete and the PC to reach the log-in screen. Do not force shutdown the PC, as interrupting the process could corrupt files that will prevent your PC from working properly.
Noticeable Differences
New User Interface
One of the most noticeable differences between the two OS versions is their user interface design. Windows 11 sports a refreshed look, featuring sleeker icons and more rounded corners on windows. Additionally, the taskbar icons have been centered, giving it a modern appearance reminiscent of macOS.
Start Menu Overhaul
The Start Menu also received a notable revamp in Windows 11. Redesigned with pinned and recommended apps with more straightforward access to files and apps.
Notification/Calendar Panel
Taskbar Calendar and Notifications have now been combined into one panel.
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Windows 11 introduces Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, essentially improving upon the window management capabilities of its predecessor. Snap Layouts offers users several pre-defined arrangements for displaying open applications on-screen, while Snap Groups allow quick access to your grouped windows.
Simplified Context Menus
Right-click context menus have been simplified with icons and now show less options up front. You can select "Show more options" at the bottom of the menu to see all of the available advanced options as needed.