What to Expect:
While some devices may interact differently, here’s is what most users can expect to happen as the Windows 11 upgrade rolls out:
Data! (OneDrive syncing, local files and browsers)
Windows 11 should not disrupt the workflow of saved items on your computer, however it is good practice to confirm:
1) Your OneDrive cloud is signed into and that important documents are being saved here. (Teams and SharePoint can be data safe havens as well)
2) Any important local files, such as any necessary downloads or desktop items, are being saved into your OneDrive as well.
3) Browsers you use (such as Edge, Google Chrome or even Firefox) have been signed into and synced so that your history, bookmarks and saved passwords are preserved.
*Again, these are all precautionary measures as Microsoft's literature conveys that no data should be lost or moved in the upgrade.
For more information on OneDrive syncing: Click Here
Restart - Most devices, with routine use, will simply prompt a user to restart. The notification should display at the bottom right side of your screen. During the restart, Windows 11 will be installed.
You have options! You may:
1) Pick a time
2) Restart tonight
3) Restart now
For any of the above options, consider planning ahead. In testing, this restart only took about 30 minutes, but may be different per machine.
*If your organization requires your device to restart by a specific date. The computer will upgrade itself by default on that given date with or without user permission.
If you Schedule the restart the device must remain on or asleep and be plugged in.
If you have the notification feature turned off, or missed the popup, you can still help the device upgrade:
Additional options for 'Update and shut down' or 'Update and restart' will appear above and below the regular options for sleep, shut down and restart.
Either option (represented with an orange circle on the symbol) will allow the device to upgrade.
However you may choose to upgrade, all devices will work on the update as shown below.
At 100% the update will be complete.
The next time you use the device the log in screen may look slightly different; signing in will be the same.
Success! The computer is now ready to use and the upgrade to Windows 11 is complete.
New Features:
Users will experience the new features and improvements in Windows 11, such as the redesigned Start menu, centered taskbar, and enhanced multitasking capabilities.
In addition to many quality of life features, Windows 11 offers enhanced digital security for the campus as a whole.
This necessary upgrade ensures continued educational success for many years to come!
Some devices may need a refresh of specific software, services and programs.
If you need assistance, please, do not hesitate to reach out to ACT for support.
ACT is working to have this process be automatic!
Most devices will not need this step.
However, if you would like to try and prompt the device to begin downloading and installing Windows 11, feel free to continue reading.
*This may be helpful for Faculty+Staff who use their laptops in small increments and want to "speed up" the device's upgrade.
To get to the Windows Update page, simply use the search bar provided on the bottom left of the screen and type 'update'. This should bring up the best match of "Check for updates" > open this option.
Once at the Windows Update page > click 'Check for updates".
The upgrade will be listed as Windows 11, version 23H2 (see image below). The update will Download, Install and then prompt for a restart.
If the device cannot update, at all, by the end of Summer 2024, please consider reaching out to ACT for troubleshooting assistance.
Before Restarting:
Data! (OneDrive syncing, local files and browsers)
Windows 11 should not disrupt the workflow of saved items on your computer, however it is good practice to confirm:
1) Your OneDrive cloud is signed into and that important documents are being saved here. (Teams and SharePoint can be data safe havens as well)
2) Any important local files, such as any necessary downloads or desktop items, are being saved into your OneDrive as well.
3) Browsers you use (such as Edge, Google Chrome or even Firefox) have been signed into and synced so that your history, bookmarks and saved passwords are preserved.
*Again, these are all precautionary measures as Microsoft's literature conveys that no data should be lost or moved in the upgrade.
For more information on OneDrive syncing: Click Here
After choosing Restart now, the device will restart to complete the Windows 11 upgrade. No further action is needed.
For a robust overview, here is the link to the official Microsoft resource page that showcase what to expect when upgrading: Click Here
For Frequently Asked Questions about the Windows 11 upgrade: Click Here