We started upgrading Rowan-managed computers assigned to members of the Rowan community to Windows 11 on Monday, February 3. This upgrade is being rolled out in phases throughout the spring semester. 

Computers in classrooms and computer labs, as well as our virtual desktops in Citrix, will be upgraded to Windows 11 starting on Wednesday, May 28, and will continue throughout the summer. 

You will receive a Windows Update message when Windows 11 is ready to be installed on your computer.  You may defer the upgrade for up to 30 days, at which point Windows 11 will automatically be installed on your computer.

Windows 11 comes with several user experience changes, including:

• Enhanced multitasking support: Use Snap assist to organize multiple app windows in a single screen using different layouts. 
• Updated Start menu: The start menu is now centered, by default, and focuses more on pinned apps and recommended files, rather than live tiles.
• New icons and themes: System icons have a new look, and new light and dark themes have been introduced.

On the backend, Windows 11 also includes updated security features to help protect you from malware and phishing scams. For more information, visit Microsoft’s Windows 11 website. 

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 2025, and will no longer release fixes, new features or security updates for the operating system after that date. To ensure the security and performance of Rowan-managed computers, we must upgrade all compatible computers to Windows 11 before October 2025. 

We have contacted employees who are assigned computers that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 due to compatibility issues. These computers must be removed from service, and it will be the responsibility of the employee’s department to buy a replacement. If you are unsure whether your computer is compatible with Windows 11, please contact us for further assistance.  

Microsoft says that most applications that “were created for earlier versions of Windows will work in the most recent versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11, but some older ones might run poorly or not at all.”

Reach out to your vendor to determine if your application is compatible with Windows 11, and, if not, ask if you can upgrade to a compatible version. If there are still issues, contact us to determine the best course of action for your specific application.

Files stored in home directories also cannot be easily shared with collaborators and, with no web interface, can be inconvenient to access from various computing devices.

The current design no longer meets the requirements of how we work, learn and teach today. So, we are transitioning to a cloud-based solution that offers more features and is capable of quickly adapting to changing demands. 

We selected OneDrive as the platform for this migration as it integrates seamlessly with the Windows operating system, which the vast majority of computers on campus use.

While your home directory will be moved to OneDrive, Google Drive will remain available for file storage, sharing and collaboration after this migration. As a reminder, you may store and share confidential data, including patient health information and protected research data, in Google Drive and OneDrive.

While no immediate action is required on your part, we suggest you take the following steps to help prepare for this move:

• Review your home directory and remove unnecessary files. All files currently stored in your home directory will be moved to OneDrive automatically. If there are files you no longer need, you can remove them now. 
• Get familiar with OneDrive:  With OneDrive, you can securely save and share your files from anywhere, on any device. Use these resources to get familiar with OneDrive:
  • OneDrive: Getting Started (Rowan Support Article)
  • OneDrive Help & Learning (Microsoft Support Portal)
  • OneDrive Video Training (Microsoft Support Videos)