Microsoft provides “feature updates” once or twice a year for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. These feature updates add new capabilities to Windows, including security improvements. To take advantage of these security improvements and to stay within the appropriate support period for Windows, Drexel IT manages the upgrade process for university-owned computers so that computers are not left running with old and unsupported operating systems.  

When Microsoft publishes a feature update, Drexel IT and other IT departments across the university test it for compatibility with other university-licensed software. Feature updates are expected to be automatically installed on most university-owned Windows computers within five months of release. Faculty and professional staff wishing to receive feature updates sooner than the rest of the university may choose to opt in to receiving the updates prior to the rest of the university. If you are interested in opting in, please contact the Drexel IT Help Desk. Note, you will need to opt-in each time there is a feature update for early access.

When automatic updating begins, computers will update overnight so that workdays are not interrupted. Those who choose to manually install a feature update via Software Center should be aware that the process can take one to two hours, during which they cannot use their computers. 

To maintain a more secure environment, feature updates are required for all Drexel-owned computers that run Windows 10 or 11. Computers that skip two consecutive updates, may need to be erased and set up again. Although data files are preserved during the process, non-standard programs aren’t re-installed, customizations to your user profile are lost, and the computer is out of service for several days.