Windows 11 in-place upgrade instructions

Windows 10 64-bit systems will be upgraded to Windows 11 64-bit in Academic Support Units (timeline to be determined. IST will send email to IT contacts in ASUs when available). The upgrade will not re-image any workstations, install or uninstall applications.

Important Notes:

  • It is recommended that you select when to do the upgrade to avoid any possible interruption to your work.

  • A wired connection on campus is fastest but wireless on campus or wired/wireless off-campus connected to the VPN will work.

  • The upgrade itself once started does not require user intervention (unless there isn’t enough disk space).

  • If you receive a message that there is not enough free space for the upgrade see Freeing up hard drive space in Windows 10 <insert link to kb>

Instructions

  • Ensure the computer can run Windows 11: Consult with your IST Account Rep or run C:\Tools\Win11CompatibilityCheck.exe as an administrator

  • Connect to the campus wired network (recommended), Eduroam, or the VPN if working from home

  • Choose a ~40-60 minute (on campus, wired network) to up to 2.5 hours (wireless) window to do the upgrade

  • Ensure that your computer is connected to a power source

  • Close all applications

  • Open Software Center (navigate to the Start menu, and select Software Center)

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  • In Software Centre, select Operating Systems on the right and then select Windows 11 x64 23H2 Upgrade – Production X6

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  • Select Install, click Install to confirm

  • Leave your computer connected to the network and power source for the duration of the upgrade, your computer may restart a few times

  • You should then see the Installation Progress: 

  • Once the Upgrade and final restart is complete, you can log in as you normally would

  • After log in, you may see a message, “Applying user settings … “ 

  • To connect to VPN (before or after log in), you may need to re-configure it, see Connecting to campus VPN

  • Dell Command Update may open when you log in for the first time. It is recommended that you open it and select ‘Check for Updates’ - install any updates available

  • If you get a message ‘Can’t connect to this network’ when trying to connect to Eduroam, right-click and select ‘Forget’ Eduroam , Windows should then detect it and connect successfully.

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Need help?

Contact the IST Service Desk online or 519-888-4567 ext. 44357.

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