Windows upgrade: action required from all staff

Important information for all staff

All staff need to be aware of an important upgrade required on managed laptops and desktops. This is an upgrade to Windows 11 and needs to be in place before the start of the new academic year (31 August 2025). 

Failure to upgrade to Windows 11 by this date will result in you being locked out of LJMU systems including email, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams, due to security threats that would not receive updates after that date.

How to update your laptop or desktop to Windows 11 

IT Services (ITS) is now asking all staff across the university to upgrade.

This can be done via the helpdesk by selecting IT Services and logging an 'upgrade PC to Windows 11' ticket.

Users can also scan the QR code on your desktop home screen and follow the instructions, or call x5555 to speak to ITS on the phone.

One device policy 

As per LJMU’s one device policy, staff using outdated hardware which is incompatible with the upgrade will be provided with the new standard of a managed laptop, with docking station, to allow staff to work flexibly across the campus and from home. Therefore, staff with two devices will be upgraded to one single device (unless a second device has previously been authorised for specific technical, business or health-related reasons). 

What to do next? 

It is vital that you respond promptly and co-operate with this process.  Failing to may mean you will not be upgraded in time. If you plan to be away from the university over the summer months, please ensure you’ve completed the upgrade before you finish for the summer.  

Once contacted you will need to:

• Move any data you have stored on your local device onto your One Drive 

• Fill in the indemnity form. This will be sent to you from ITS when booking in your upgrade. 

• Move your files from your M Drive to your OneDrive

• ITS will ask you to visit Exchange Station, the John Foster Building or the James Parsons Building to complete your Windows 11 update.

Important note: ITS will not be able to upgrade your equipment unless you have completed your indemnity form.

In addition to the Windows 11 rollout, we are phasing out the use of the M Drive. While preparing for your Windows 11 upgrade it is vitally important that you start moving any documents you currently hold locally on your device and you will be required to complete an indemnity form to confirm this has happened. For the best possible experience, you should also move your data from your M Drive onto your OneDrive.

You can find instructions on how to use OneDrive and move your data from M:Drive to OneDrive.

If you need any assistance, you can contact the IT helpdesk on extension 5555 or via LJMU Assist. 

Further information on the Windows 11 upgrade

For further information and FAQS including what to do if you have a disability or health issue, visit the IT Services webpages.