Windows 11 will be pre-installed on new University staff Windows computers from the beginning of March 2025. This means that the operating system for new University Windows computers delivered to University staff will be Windows 11 instead of Windows 10.
Windows 11 will also be installed on University Windows 10 computers already in use during the spring and summer of 2025 on devices that support the upgrade. Windows 11 will be installed on all University Windows computers as Microsoft will end Windows 10 support in October 2025.
We will release information on Windows 11 upgrades later. You will receive a notification on your computer when the upgrade is available on your computer.
NB! Windows 11 cannot be installed on old Windows computers that are no longer covered by centralised management. If you need a new work computer, see instructions for making a computer purchase request as well as the purchase instructions at the end of this bulletin.
Notable about Windows 11
- The IT security software for University Windows computers will change from WithSecure to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint with Windows 11 installations.
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint requires a Microsoft 365 A5e license. This means that using a Windows 11 computer at the University requires an A5e license. Check your Microsoft 365 licence level and purchase a Microsoft A5e licence if necessary.
- Microsoft has made several changes to the Windows interface, including:
- The application row on the taskbar is centered by default (you can change the application row alignment to the left or right).
- Changes have been made to Windows settings and their locations.
- Visual changes have been made to the Windows interface.
If you have an older Windows computer that is no longer centrally managed and doesn’t support the Windows 11 upgrade:
- Contact the person in charge of device purchases on your campus (e.g. the service coordinator).
- If a new work computer will be purchased for you, please see the instructions on making computer purchase requests.
- If your computer will no longer be used by you, please also see the IT recycling instructions.
- The IT Center extends the useful life of the University’s IT equipment by approximately a third by recycling devices at a stage of their life cycle where they can be resold to the University’s IT recycling partner, 3 Step IT.
If you need support, please contact the IT Helpdesk:
- Chat (weekdays 9 AM–3 PM, chatbot 24/7): helsinki.fi/helpdesk
- Tel. +358 29 41 55555 (weekdays 9 AM–3 PM, local network charge/mobile call charge)
- E-mail: helpdesk@helsinki.fi