See here on OS upgrades with SEP installed:
Best practices when upgrading your operating system with Symantec Endpoint Protection already installed
http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH197095
Security settings remain unchanged:
Security Response recommendations for Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1 settings
http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH173752
Security Best Practice Recommendations
http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH91705
Symantec Endpoint Protection – Best Practices
http://www.symantec.com/page.jsp?id=stopping_malware
You will need to uninstall the SEP client first if upgrading the OS then re-install SEP.