Beginning this month, all University of Toledo Microsoft Windows devices will be transitioning to Microsoft Modern Management through the summer.
This change will enhance security, streamline IT operations and improve your overall experience with University technology; during the transition, however, users may notice changes to how their device is updated, how their settings are managed and how their applications are delivered.
“This is just a normal part of staying current in the Microsoft environment and is part of our normal licensing under the State of Ohio-negotiated agreement,” said Dr. Bill McCreary, UToledo’s chief information and chief technology officer. “These changes will enable us to simplify our technical infrastructure and reduce some future investments in our data centers as well as help us to better manage our current technology and enable more effective security management as we move to the Windows 11 platform.”
Changes include:
Company Portal, an app that serves as the gateway to University-approved apps and services including the ability to check the compliance status of a Microsoft Windows device and to receive important notifications from IT.
Windows Updates that are regularly scheduled with fewer interruptions — most updates will be done during off-hours — and better notifications prior to the updates with the added ability to delay an update until a later date.
Applications required for work or studies now will be automatically deployed to your device and there will be:
• No need to manually install or request most software.
• Updates to existing applications will be handled in the background.
• You’ll have access to a curated list of apps via the Company Portal.
Through the changes, users also will benefit from:
• A reduction in the number of times users have to login on systems where there is already a single sign-on.
• A more consistent and easier experience when obtaining third-party software installations.
• And fewer reboots when the software patches are installed.
“As we enable more AI components under the Microsoft platform, it will ensure we can keep consistent security patches installed,” McCreary said.
For questions about or issues with Microsoft Modern Management and the transition, contact the IT Help Desk at 419.530.2400 or 419. 383.2400, or via submit a ticket at ithelp.utoledo.edu.
