Starting next week and through September, software upgrades will begin rolling out to FP&M computers.
To maintain security and stay current with technology, UW-Madison’s Division of Information Technology (DoIT) is updating software on computers across campus from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
Before your computer’s upgrade takes place, you will receive two emails with directions: one the day before and one the day of the update. Please watch for emails from communications@fpm.wisc.edu.
IMPORTANT: The day of your upgrade, your computer must be powered ON by 5 pm and left ON overnight to be upgraded.
Here is the schedule for FP&M’s upgrades:
Date |
Department(s) |
| August 26 | Physical Plant Customer Service, FRW Services, Grounds, Helium Plant, Lock Shop, Machine Shop, Maintenance Mechanic Shop, Pest Control, Plumbers Shop, PM & Asset Management, Sheetmetal, Support Contract, Truck Service, Waste & Recycling, and Work Coordination Branch. |
| August 27 | Physical Plant Architects & Engineers, Digital Control Shop, Finishing Shop, Management & Assessment, Stores, and Utility & Energy Management |
| August 28 | Physical Plant Administration, Custodial Services First Shift*, Electric Shop, and Steamfitting |
| September 16 | Employees at 45 North Charter Street and Fleet Garage |
| September 17 | Transportation Services |
| September 18 | Campus Planning & Design, Capital Project Delivery, Office of the AVC, Office of Sustainability, and Real Estate Delivery & Administration |
| September 24 | Environment, Health & Safety |
*Custodial Services second and third shift will upgrade on a separate schedule. Please watch your inbox for details.
Note dates are subject to change.
What to do on the day of your upgrade
Before 5 pm the day of your upgrade, please do the following:
- Ensure your computer is connected to the internet (on campus or at home if you work remotely).
- Save all work. Any unsaved work will be lost during the upgrade process.
- Restart your computer.
- Leave your computer on overnight to upgrade.
Windows 10 will be upgraded to Windows 11 by DoIT overnight.
Note: It may be helpful to set an appointment in your calendar or an alarm on your phone as a reminder.
On-site support after your upgrade
Starting the day after the upgrade, DoIT will be on-site to assist with any issues that came up. Please watch your inbox for details on where and when they’ll be available to help near you.
About Windows 11
Check out this news post to see what’s new with Windows 11. Free training is also available in the LinkedIn Learning library:
- To learn more about LinkedIn Learning, see the LinkedIn Learning Getting Started KB.
- If you have never logged into LinkedIn, you will need to create a profile. Then you’ll have access to the entire platform where you can search for Windows 11.
- You may want to start with this 26-minute quick tips training module.
Questions?
If you have questions about this change, please contact the DoIT Help Desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we switching to Windows 11?
Microsoft announced beginning October 15, 2025, no new features or security updates will be released for Windows 10.
How is Windows 11 different from Windows 11?
The first changes you will notice are:
-
- The taskbar is now only at the bottom, and your taskbar icons have moved to the center of the screen.
- The start menu is consolidated and live tiles are no longer an option.
- When you right click on the desktop, there are new options.
- Right click on a file and you’ll find cut, copy and paste replaced by icons for those functions at the top of the menu.
- See this Microsoft page for an overview of Windows 11.
Where can I find out more about Windows 11?
This article from DoIT is a good place to start.
Where can I get help?
If you have questions about this change or would like assistance, please contact the DoIT Help Desk.