4 February 2025

Leiden University is switching to Windows 11 as the standard operating system for all its managed desktops and laptops since 2020. Between 18 February and 13 June 2025, the ISSC is implementing this migration for all FWN Windows workplaces.   

What does the schedule look like? \

The Windows 11 migration will be carried out in stages. Below you can read what the schedule* looks like. This schedule is subject to change and may still be adjusted.

18 - 28 February	Supporting Staff
4 - 7 March	LIACS & MI
10 - 14 March	Lorentz Center
17 - 21 March	Hortus Botanicus
25 March - 10 April	IBL
14 - 30 April	LACDR
6 - 22 May	LIC
26 May - 6 June	CML

*LION and the Leiden Observatory will not participate in the Windows 11 migration

How does the migration work?

Is your institute or faculty service next in line for the Windows 11 migration? If so, you will receive an email with more information about the migration process and how to schedule an appointment. Please note that this applies only to employees using a desktop or laptop managed by the ISSC. 

Do you work with a MacBook or use Linux as your operating system? In that case, your laptop or desktop will not be migrated to Windows 11, and you can disregard the email. 

Laptops and desktops that are not managed by the ISSC will not be included in the migration. This also applies to unmanaged workstations connected to the research network. 

Why are we switching to Windows 11?

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 is to be discontinued in 2025. Its replacement, Windows 11, is a cloud-based workspace, which means that hybrid working at locations outside of the university will be better supported. This will allow you to install software from any location provided you have a wireless network connection and a VPN, for example.  

From Windows 10 to Windows 11: what’s different?

Besides a number of visual changes to your desktop, there will also be changes to the storage, updates, security updates and software installations. The project team will provide information and support before you start working with Windows 11. 

The key changes include: 

• no access to the P-drive: make sure you move your documents from the P-drive to your personal OneDrive; 

• the J-drive can only be accessed through the secure eduVPN connection; 

Prepare for the migration

In preparation for the migration, you will receive a checklist by email. For example, you will need to secure your locally saved files and settings in advance. Please do this beforehand to save time on the migration day. Transfer the contents of your P-drive to OneDrive as soon as possible. You can do this yourself or submit a request to the ISSC through the helpdesk portal. 

The migration takes approximately two hours per device. Finalising during retrieval will then take about fifteen minutes. 

What if you can’t make it?

We are carrying out the migration at multiple locations within Faculty of Science. If you really can’t choose a time slot when we are migrating at your department, you will need to bring your laptop to another location and pick it up there as well.

Any questions?

Personal assistance will also be available during the migration. If you would like more information about Windows 11, please read the information provided by the helpdesk portal: From Windows 10 to Windows 11. A dedicated ISSC team is here to help with the installation of Windows 11 and will be on hand to answer any questions and check that everything is working properly.  
 

If you have any questions about the above information, send an email to  windows11@issc.leidenuniv.nl.