Windows 11 Adoption
New operating system is being installed
Microsoft has come out with a new operating system, Windows 11. They are scheduled to stop supporting Windows 10 with security updates and patches in October of 2025. At that point, we will no longer allow any computers running that operating system on our network because it would be too much of a security risk. We are working at a measured pace to upgrade all computers to Windows 11 between now and then. All new computers purchased at this point are running Windows 11.
Why is this happening?
The Windows 10 operating system is now facing the end of support from Microsoft, meaning it will no longer receive required updates and security patches to protect the State of Utah from hacking attempts. We need to upgrade Windows computers to ensure state employees will be able to continue to use state applications and stay secure.
Adoption plan
Primarily, the state will adopt Windows 11 via attrition. Many computers will refresh in the next couple of years, and as they do DTS will replace them with computers with Windows 11. DTS has successfully tested Windows 11 compatibility across agencies. New computers going forward will arrive with Windows 11 preinstalled.
Secondary to attrition will be in-place upgrades. For compatible machines that are either in warranty or not slated to be replaced anytime soon, DTS will perform scheduled upgrades. The impact to employees should be minimal, as the upgrade runs in the background. Once the upgrade is complete, employees will be prompted to restart their computer. After the computer restarts, the new Windows 11 will be installed. DTS will be sending instructions to employees to help them understand what to expect with the upgrade.
DTS is setting a target of August 1, 2025 to complete the adoption of Windows 11 statewide. In order to meet this deadline, we will be working with agencies to develop plans for upgrades on a quarterly basis starting in April 2023. We will be working closely with agencies to help make this upgrade as seamless as possible.
DTS will need assistance from agencies on which computers they intend to replace and which ones they plan to upgrade in-place. IT Directors will be working closely with agencies on a plan and schedule.
What to expect with the upgrade
The upgrade process will take place in the background. Employees should not notice the upgrade taking place but may experience a slight slow down. Once the computer is updated, the employee will be asked to restart. The restart can be canceled until the employee is ready. When the computer restarts it will come back up with the new Windows 11 operating system. Employee files should not be affected.
Notable changes
If you’re wondering how different Windows 11 is, it’s actually not a wild change. Most of the codebase is still Windows 10 which bodes well for compatibility.
The most noticeable change in Windows 11 is the UI. Here are the top five changes a user is expected to notice while using Windows 11.
- The taskbar: The Windows button and quick launch icons are now located in the center of the taskbar instead of on the sides. Application windows combine on the taskbar and cannot be uncombined. Right-clicking the taskbar no longer presents taskbar options, but rather a link to settings. Wi-Fi, Sound, and Battery icons in the task tray have been combined into a task tray hub.
- The start menu has been refreshed. It consists of a search bar followed by two sections – “Pinned Apps” and “Recommended”. Recommended will display recently used applications or documents.
- Snipping Tool has been updated to Snip & Sketch. Functionally, when you snip something the snipping editor will no longer automatically appear. Instead, a thumbnail of the snip appears as a notice above the taskbar clock. Clicking the thumbnail will then open the editor.
- The Settings app is where personalization is controlled and has been refreshed for Windows 11. There are fresh new options on how to personalize your experience.
- Snap layouts are a new feature, allowing you to control how application windows are organized on your screen. Users can snap application windows into a variety of pre-built layouts simply by hovering over the maximize button of their window. Windows 11 will also remember your layouts when you undock and then re-dock your machine with an external monitor.
