Upgrading your PC to Windows 11 (With Software Center In-place Upgrade)

RE: Today@Fairfield Announcement Windows 11 Upgrade on the Horizon

If your computer is ready to upgrade to Windows 11 you can find the update available in Software Center on your desktop. While ITS and other faculty/staff have been reliably using Windows 11 for some time now, we value your feedback to make the process as smooth as possible for the rest of the community. This new version of Windows is all about making things easier and faster for you, with some cool new features to explore.

What to know before the upgrade!

Backup any important files as a precaution. (Data loss is not expected)
We recommend using OneDrive. Instructions to backup files
When upgrading your laptop, please ensure your PC is plugged into a power source.
To complete the upgrade, you must be connected to Facstaff-S Wi-Fi or Fairfield.local (ethernet, docking station or VPN) Instructions to join Wi-Fi
Once started, the update will take 45-90 minutes. Please do not turn off your computer until the upgrade is complete. The upgrade will complete faster if your laptop is connected to your docking station or ethernet cord.
You can start the update by clicking on the Software Center icon on your desktop.
Click on the “Operating Systems” tab and click on the Windows 11 upgrade package.

What to expect after the upgrade.

Windows will have a refreshed more modern look and feel.
Your task bar has been centered at the bottom of your screen. This can be changed back to the usual left side alignment in “Taskbar Settings” under “Taskbar Behaviors”. You can also add or remove taskbar icons here.
All your existing applications and files should still work and be in the same locations. However, you will need to re-pin applications to your taskbar after the upgrade.
Find more information about new Windows 11 Features

If you have any questions or issues with the upgrade process, please email us at itshelpdesk@fairfield.edu.