Windows 11 at GVSU

Getting Started with Windows 11

What is Windows 11

Windows 11 is Microsoft’s newest operating system(OS), offering an upgrade from the familiar Windows experience. Windows 11 includes several improvements such as: 

  • Modern and Updated UI: Windows 11 features a streamlined design that enhances productivity and reduces visual clutter. The centered Start menu and taskbar provide easier access to frequently used apps. 

  • Accessibility Enhancements: Improved built-in accessibility tools, such as voice typing and more comprehensive screen reader options, ensure that users with diverse needs can work effectively. 

  • Utility Improvements: Updated versions of core applications, including Notepad and File Explorer, come with new features like tabbed browsing and improved performance. Terminal Sessions now support enhanced customization for power users. 

  • Built-in AI Functionality: Windows 11 incorporates AI capabilities for more intelligent suggestions and improved workflow efficiencies, such as enhanced search and recommendations in certain apps. 

  • Performance Upgrades: The OS is optimized to use system resources more efficiently, resulting in faster boot times and application launches, which helps boost productivity. 

Additionally, Windows 11 provides automatic backup for Documents and Desktop folders to OneDrive. This provides an extra layer of protection for important files, ensuring they remain accessible if a device is lost or broken. OneDrive will also provide remote access to these files from other devices. 


Migration Schedule

Dates are subject to change and will be coordinated with key stakeholders to minimize impact.

Timeline

Department

IT Pilot - November - December 2024

Information Technology

Group  1 - January 2025

Operations and User Services | University Communications | University Libraries | WGVU

Group 2 - February 2025

Accounting | Admissions | Alumni Relations | Auxillary Services | Business and Finance | ID Card Environment | Laker Food Company | Laker Store | Muskegon Innovation Hub | University Marketing

Group 3 - March 2025

Charter Schools | Charter Schools Office | Division of Educational Innovation and School Services | Engagement and Dean of Students | Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach | Financial Aid Office | Gayle R. Davis Center for Women & Gender Equity | GV NextEd Co-Lab | Housing and Residence Life | Office of General Counsel | School of Community Leadership and Development | Student Accessibility Resources | Student Affairs Marketing | Student Affairs Equity, & Access | Student Life | Student Success | University Counseling Center

Group 4 - April 2025

applied Medical Device Institute (aMDI) | Communication, Arts, and Education Career Center | Department of Public Safety | Facilities Services - Allendale | GVSU Athletics | GVSU Career Center | Human Resources | ICA Administration | Pew Faculty Teaching & Learning Center | Recreation and Wellness | SCB Van Andel Global Trade Center | Student Records and Registration

Group 5 - May 2025

BCOIS

Frederik Meijer Honors College | General Education | Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

CLAS
Academic Advising Center | Biology | Biomedical Sciences | Cell and Molecular Biology | Center for Experiential Learning | College of Com/Advance | Dean's Office | Assoc. Dean Facilities, Scheduling, Research, and Analytics | Geography and Sustainable Planning | Assoc. Dean Inclusive Excellence and Curriculum | Assoc. Dean Personnel, Hiring, and Planning | Political Science | Regional Math and Science Center | Tutoring and Reading Center

CECI

Assistant Dean | CECI Support | Office of Certification and Accreditation | School of Community Leadership and Development | Support and Community Partnership | Undergraduate Advising Center

Provost

Academic Affairs | Academic & Student Support | Academic Units | Art Museum | Budget and Resource Management | Center for Scholarly & Creative Excellence | Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement | Curriculum | Faculty Affairs and Academic Facilities | Graduate School | Office of Research Compliance and Integrity | Office of Sponsored Programs | Provost Office

SCB

Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Corporate Education | Economics Department | Finance Department | Graduate Programs | Management Department | Marketing Department | School of Accounting | Seidman Advising | Small Business Development Center | Student Academic Services | Undergraduate Programs

Administration

Chief of Staff to the President | Civil Rights Spec | Deputy Chief I&E Officer | Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies | Institutional Analysis | K-12 Connect | Kaufman Interfaith Institute | Office of Civil Rights and Title IX | Office of the Employee Ombuds | The Office of the President | OMNI | People, Equity, and Culture | Strategy and Planning | Student Support & Belonging | Technology Commercialization Office

 

Group 6 - June 2025

BCOIS

Advising Center | Assoc Dean | Brooks School of Interdisciplinary Studies | Dean's Office | Kutsche Office of Local History | Meijer Center for Writing | Office of Sustainability Practices | Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse

CECI

Criminology, Criminal Justice, & Legal Studies | Literacy, Educational Foundations, & Technology

CHP

College of Health Professions

CLAS

Chemistry | Classics | English | History | Music, Theatre, and Dance | Writing

CoC

College of Computing | Student Services

KCON

KCON Simulation Center

PCE

IDC Operations | Occupational Safety and Health | Padnos College of Engineering | Student Services |

Student Affairs

Center for Health and Well-being | Children's Enrichment Center | Dean of Students Office | Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center | Office of Multicultural Affairs | Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution | Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Resource Center | Student Ombuds | Wellbeing and Inclusion

Group 7 - July 2025

Provost

Dorothy A Johnson Center for Philanthropy | Padnos International Center

Auxiliary Services

Conference & Event Planning | The Meadows Golf Club

CECI

Educational Leadership and Counseling | School of Social Work | Teaching and Learning

CLAS

Anthropology | Geography and Sustainable Planning | Geology | Mathematics | Modern Languages and Literatures | Movement Science | Philosophy | Physics | Psychology | Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute | School of Communications | Sociology | Statistics | Visual & Media Arts

Facilities Services

Facilities Services - GR and Regional Centers | Parking Services - GR

KCON

Kirkhof College of Nursing | Dean's Office | Family Health Center | Nursing Undergraduate Programs | Project Management | Student Services

OMNI

Alternative, Prior, and Workforce Learning | Battle Creek Outreach Center | Center for Adult and Continuing Studies | Traverse City Regional Center

University Development


Windows 11 Resources
Windows 11 Knowledge Base

Check out our Windows 11 Knowledge Base to get up to speed and explore more!

Windows 11 Webinars

This training provides an overview of Windows 11, preparation steps, file backup via OneDrive, and action items for a smooth transition.  Register Now!


Windows 11 Updates

2025 Communications

January 2025 IT Newsletter
Get Ready for Windows 11 at GVSU!  (Sent in phases based on migration schedule) 
It's Time to Upgrade to Windows 11 (Sent in phases based on migration schedule) 
February 2025 IT Newsletter


Windows 11 Help

Need additional help with Windows 11 or have a specific question?

Submit a Windows 11 Service Request or call IT Services at it@gvsu.edu or call (616) 331- 2101. 

Windows 11
Service Request




Page last modified March 19, 2025