General Questions
Q: When exactly will the Windows 11 upgrade take place?
A: The rollout will begin Mid-May and will be completed by September 2025, before Microsoft ends Windows 10 support in October.
Q: Is this upgrade really mandatory?
A: Yes. Once Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 in October 2025, there will be no further security updates, making it unsafe to continue using Windows 10 on our network.
Q: Will I lose any files during the upgrade?
A: No, all your personal files and documents will be preserved during the upgrade. However, as a precaution, we recommend backing up important files to OneDrive or your network drive.
Technical Questions
Q: Will my current applications continue to work after upgrading?
A: We've tested all business-critical applications with Windows 11, and they're compatible. If you use specialized software not provided by IT, please contact us to verify compatibility.
Q: What are the hardware requirements for Windows 11?
A: All company-issued laptops already meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. No hardware upgrades will be needed.
Q: Will I need to reinstall my applications after upgrading?
A: No, all company-approved applications will remain installed and functional after the upgrade.
Q: Will my settings and preferences be preserved?
A: Most of your personalized settings will carry over, but some Windows-specific settings may revert to defaults. We'll provide guidance on reconfiguring any changed settings.
Support Questions
Q: How long will the upgrade process take?
A: The actual upgrade will take approximately 1-2 hours. You'll be notified in advance to plan your work accordingly.
Q: What if I encounter problems during or after the upgrade?
A: Our IT Support team is fully prepared to assist with any issues. Contact us at itsupport@cyp.org.au or call 07 4042 7250.
Q: Can I schedule my upgrade for a specific time?
A: We'll provide a window of dates for upgrades. You can schedule your specific upgrade time within that window through our booking system.
Q: What if I'm working remotely during the upgrade period?
A: IT will assist remotely for all remote workers. VPN connectivity will be required. Remote workers are not exempt from this mandatory upgrade.
Other Concerns
Q: Will Windows 11 affect our security protocols?
A: Windows 11 actually enhances our security posture with improved built-in security features, including better protection against malware and phishing. Additionaly, Windows 11 will have security updates beyond October 2025.
Q: Will Windows 11 change how I access network resources?
A: No, access to shared drives, printers, and other network resources will remain the same after the upgrade.
Q: Do I need to do anything to prepare for the upgrade?
A: Please close all applications when prompted for the upgrade. We'll handle the rest.
Q: How is Windows 11 different from Windows 10?
A: Beyond the UI changes mentioned in the advisory, Windows 11 offers improved performance, enhanced security, better virtual meeting experiences, and more intuitive window management.
Feel free to contact the IT department with any questions not addressed here.