Information Resources & Technology is upgrading Rowan-managed computers from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The new operating system offers features to help boost your productivity, optimize your screen space and secure your data. 

Preparing for the Upgrade

1. Verify that our desktop backup solution, CrashPlan, has been installed on your computer, and is backing up your preferred files. You can also back up specific files to Google Drive or One Drive.
2. Plug your computer into a power source. 
3. Upgrade times may vary. Please allot up to 60 minutes for the upgrade. 

Upgrading

You will receive a Windows Update message when it is time to upgrade. 

1. Select the Windows Update message.
2. Select Download. This will take about 30 minutes. You can continue working while the update downloads.
   
   
   
   
3. Once the updates have been downloaded, you will receive a Windows Update message. We suggest you save what you are working on and select Restart now.
   
   
   
   
4. You computer will begin installing updates. 
   
   
   Do not turn off your computer until this is completed. 

Troubleshooting the Windows 11 Upgrade

Low Disk Space: If you do not have enough space to upgrade you will receive a message that states Windows 11 cannot install. You will need to free up space on your computer to continue. 

There are a few ways you can free up space on your computer:

1. Empty your Recycle Bin.
   1. Find the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. 
   2. Right-click with your mouse and select Empty Recycle Bin.
2. Open your Downloads and delete any files you don't need.
3. Upload files to Google Drive or One Drive and delete them from your computer.
4. Delete files from System Storage. 
   1. Select the Start Menu > Settings > System > Storage. 

After the Upgrade

Once the upgrade is complete, your computer will restart. Sign in with your Rowan NetID.

Windows 11 Interface

Watch this video to learn about the new Windows 11 Interface.

Taskbar 

The Taskbar has moved to the center on Windows 11. You can personalize your taskbar in many ways--changes the color, pin your favorite apps to is, and move or rearrange taskbar buttons.

To move the Taskbar to the left:

1. Right-click a blank area on the taskbar, then select Taskbar settings. 
   
   
   
   
2. The Settings app will open. Scroll down to Taskbar behaviors and select the down arrow to expand the section.
   
   
   
   
3. Select the Taskbar alignment drop-down and then select Left.
   
   
   

All Apps

Pinned applications will appear on the start menu. If you can't find an app on the start menu, select All apps.

Pin Apps

Default applications will be pinned to your start menu. Some of your pinned apps may not be present like they were in Windows 10.

To pin an application:

1. Select the Start Menu then type the name of the application in the search bar.
   
   
   
   
2. Right-click the application then select Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar. 
   
   
   
   

Snap Layouts

Snap layouts are preconfigured ways to organize windows on your screen. Use Snap assist to organize multiple app windows in a single screen using different layouts. 

1. When you are in an app, hover your mouse over the minimize/maximize option.
   
   
   
2. Select the layout you would like your apps to appear in. 
   

Multiple Desktops

You can create multiple desktops to keep different projects or tasks organized in one space. 

1. Select the desktop icon on the taskbar.
   
   
   
   
2. Drag and drop window into the new desktop. 

Right-Click Menu

Microsoft redesigned the right-click menu for Windows 11 in an effort to simplify it. Commands such as cut, copy, and paste are icons at the top of the menu. 

You can select Show more options at the bottom of he menu to see a full list of options. 

Other Resources 

• Windows 11 features
• Compare Windows
• LinkedIn Learning Windows 11 Essential Training
• Windows Help & Learning

If you need assistance, please contact Technology Support Center at 856-256-440 or submit a ticket in the IRT Support Portal.