WINDOWS 11 OPTIONAL UPGRADE GUIDE FOR STAFF

WINDOWS 11 OPTIONAL UPGRADE GUIDE FOR STAFF
This guide contains instructions for upgrading your staff computer to Windows 11 via the limited-time optional upgrade. If you do not perform the upgrade within the optional upgrade timeframe your computer will be forced to upgrade at a later date.

• HOW LONG DOES THE UPGRADE TAKE?
  The update process can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the speed of your internet connection and processor. We recommend that you start the process during a time when you will not need to use your computer, as a reboot will be required at the end.

• CAN I USE MY COMPUTER DURING THE UPGRADE?
  Yes, you can still use your computer during the update, but performance may be reduced. Please do not shut down or close the lid of your computer during this process. Doing so may cause the update to fail or corrupt your computer.
   
• WHERE SHOULD I PERFORM THE UPGRADE?
  You may perform the update at any school district location or at home if you have an internet connection.
   
• WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY FILES AND APPLICATIONS?
  The update to Windows 11 will be performed as an “in-place upgrade”. This means that all your files and applications should remain intact. However, due to the nature of upgrading the operating system there is a risk of something going wrong resulting in a loss of data.
  Please ensure that you have backed up all your files to your district Onedrive account before performing the upgrade. IT cannot restore any files which are lost during the process.
  You can find instructions for backing up your files to Onedrive here.
   
• WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I RUN INTO A PROBLEM?
  If you experience any issues with the update please submit a ticket with our service desk under the service category I need help with Windows OS.
   

1. Plug in your charging cable if you are using a laptop.

2. Navigate to your Windows Update settings by clicking on the start menu (bottom left), and then click the Settings cog. 
   
   
3. From the Settings menu, click the Update & Security option.
   
4. You should see this option below the Check for Updates button. Click Download and Install.
   
   Help Tip: If you don’t see the ‘Windows 11 version 23H2 Download and install’ section, click the Check for Updates button. After a few minutes your computer should find and display the Windows 11 update. If other updates are found, you may need to complete those updates and reboot before seeing the upgrade to Windows 11 Option.
   If you still don’t see the option to upgrade, try restarting your computer and try again. Ensure that you are connected to the internet.
5. Your computer will now start downloading and installing the update. This could take between 30 minutes to two hours depending on your computer hardware and network speed. Don’t worry if the progress appears to be stuck, sometimes it goes up in big jumps.
     You can continue using your computer during this time, but please ensure that it is not turned off or lid closed during the installation.
6. After the update has finished downloading and installing, you will receive a notification popup advising you to restart or schedule a restart to complete the upgrade. We recommend you do the restart right away.
   

The restart will apply the update, which will take a bit longer than a regular restart. This usually takes less than 10 minutes. Do not press the power button or close the lid while the computer applies the update and automatically reboots.

Help Tip: If you don’t see the popup, you can also restart from the Windows Update settings menu.

UPDATE COMPLETE!
After the restart completes you have completed the upgrade to Windows 11 and can continue using your computer as normal.

You can find more information and how-to guides on Windows 11 from Microsoft here:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/meetwindows11