Upgrade To Windows 11

Audience

Faculty & Staff

Task

This article will detail the steps required to upgrade to Windows 11 on faculty and staff computers. There will be two options available depending on the type of computer. The first option will be a "Windows 11 Upgrade". The second will be a "Windows 11 Re-Image". The "Upgrade" will migrate any existing data or applications over to the new version of Windows. The "Re-Image" will not and any data installed locally on the PC will need to be backed up to OneDrive, U Drive or the departmental H Drive prior to starting the Windows 11 installation. Any special applications will need to be re-installed after a "Re-Image".

If the computer is shared by multiple employees, please contact a supervisor of the department before installing Windows 11 onto the device.

Instructions

1. Regardless of if the "Upgrade" or "Re-Image" option is selected, back up any data saved locally on the PC to either OneDrive, U Drive or the H Drive. For assistance on backing up data please contact the ITS Service Desk.
    
2. If the computer is a laptop, please ensure it is connected to a docking station during this entire process.
    
3. Type "Software Center" in the search bar at the bottom left of the computer screen. Then, click "Open" under the Software Center icon in the search results.
    

4. Once Software Center is open, click the "Operating Systems" tab. Then, click "Windows 11 Upgrade" or "Windows 11 Re-Image" depending on what is available in Software Center. Only one of either option will be listed. If neither option is available, contact the ITS Service Desk for assistance. 
   
   

5. Click "Install" on each prompt.
   
   Upgrade option:
   
   
   Re-Image option:
   

6. There will be an "Installing..." status and a window pop-up indicating the Windows 11 installation has begun. This process can take up to 2 hours. Please leave the computer powered on and do not use it during the install. The installation will be complete once the computer is on the Central Piedmont login screen.
   

7. To confirm that the computer is on Windows 11,  sign into the device and type "About your PC" in the search bar and click "Open".
   

8. Scroll down to the "Windows specifications" section and the "Edition" of the operating system should show "Windows 11 Enterprise".
   

9. If any applications are missing, please contact the ITS Service Desk to have them re-installed.