Upgrade to Windows 11 on a Cal Poly Owned PC

Windows 11 will upgrade automatically on May 29, 2025:

Please follow the instructions below to proactively upgrade your computer at your earliest convenience before May 29th to avoid potential work interruption.

To protect campus systems, ITS will restrict network access for all university computers running Windows 10 after October 14, 2025
To learn more about Windows 10 End-of-Support, please visit the FAQ section…

Problem

"I need to upgrade to Windows 11 operating system on my Cal Poly PC."

Solution

Prepare for the upgrade:

It typically takes a couple of hours to complete
Plug your laptop into power and,
Connect to the wifi/internet ON CAMPUS

Ensure that your data is secure with cloud storage:

Please confirm that your files are synced with OneDrive before you begin the Windows 11 upgrade. For more information, see this OneDrive article.

Follow these steps to upgrade to Windows 11:

From the Start Menu, type Software Center .
Select the Software Center app.
Click Operating Systems, then click Upgrade to Windows 11.
Click Install.
Software Center will start the upgrade and display progress in the app.
Your computer will restart to complete the process.

Windows 10 End-of-Support – FAQs

What is happening with Windows 10 support?

Microsoft will stop providing security updates and support for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. This means the operating system will no longer be secure to use on the campus network.

What will Cal Poly ITS do in response to this change?

To protect campus systems, ITS will restrict network access for all university computers running Windows 10 after October 14, 2025.

When will university workstations be upgraded to Windows 11?

All eligible faculty and staff workstations will be automatically upgraded to Windows 11 on May 29, 2025. If you'd like to upgrade manually before that date, you can do so through Software Center.

What if Windows 11 doesn’t appear as an option in Software Center?

If the upgrade option isn’t visible, the computer is currently ineligible for Windows 11. However, some devices may become eligible after configuration adjustments. ITS will reach out to affected users to schedule these changes.

Can I keep using a Windows 10 computer after October 14, 2025?

Yes, but only offline. Windows 10 machines can still be used in isolated setups (e.g., with specialized equipment), though ITS support will be minimal.

Is there a way to pay for extended Windows 10 support?

No. Extended support is not available for state-owned devices. This option only applies to personal Windows 10 computers.

Does this policy affect personal Windows 10 devices?

No. This only applies to university-owned machines.
Personal Windows 10 devices can still:

Use campus WiFi
Access web-based applications
Connect to the VPN using GlobalProtect

If you have questions or concerns about the Windows 11 upgrade process, or need help with replacing your incompatible computer, please submit a ticket for assistance.