Note: As of August 2024, OIT is applying automated Windows 11 upgrades to Brown-owned Windows computers, before Microsoft removes support for Windows 10 in 2025.

First, Windows 11 was originally released in October 2021 and is Microsoft’s current version of its Windows operating system.  Second, we don't want you to worry; as of August 2024, more than 25% of Windows users at Brown are already using Windows 11, and it mostly only changes the window dressing. All your standard Brown software will work as it always has. If you’re a researcher with specialized equipment, though we don’t expect problems, testing any specialized software after the upgrade is a good idea.

What's New?

The overall look of Windows 11 is different from Windows 10, but many features are quite similar since the two operating systems share the same base code. If you would like to learn more about these differences, please read our Getting Comfortable article and  watch this Quick Tips video. For a deeper dive on Windows 11, please take advantage of the Windows 11 Essential Training course on LinkedIn Learning. Click here for further information on accessing LinkedIn Learning.

Important Dates and Timeline

• 2024-2025 Academic Year - Windows 11 is available to Brown-owned Windows 10 computers. You will be able to choose to apply the upgrade at any time by following instructions below for how to upgrade your Windows computer manually.
• OIT will be testing the latest version of Windows 11 (24H2) to validate its compatibility with Brown's computing environment. After validation, this update will be made available and a hard deadline set, with communications to the Brown community in advance.

Note: Some devices cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 because they do not meet Microsoft's system requirements. If you have questions about upgrading to Windows 11, please reach out to your department's IT professional.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11 Manually

If your your computer did not automatically upgrade and restart by August 29, 2024, OIT recommends performing the upgrade manually in order to ensure that the half-hour to hour-and-a-half upgrade process takes place when most convenient to you! Follow these steps to accomplish the upgrade on your schedule:

1. Open the Windows Settings app
   1. Click "Update & Security"
   2. Click the "Check for updates" button
   3. If the Windows 11 update appears, allow for install to complete
   4. After install completes, restart to apply the Windows 11 upgrade
2. If "You're up to date" in the Windows Settings app,  open the Software Center app
   1. Click "Operating Systems" in the left-hand sidebar
   2. Click "Install" next to the Windows 11 23H2 update and allow for install to complete
   3. After install completes, restart to apply the Windows 11 upgrade
3. Note: If neither option appears, please submit a request with the name of your computer.

How to Personalize Windows 11

Windows 11 is very similar to Windows 10, but has a distinct look and feel. The start menu is now in the center of the taskbar, with a dynamic set of tiles at the bottom left of the bar. You can manually change settings via the Settings and Personalization menus to configure Windows 11 to your liking. 

To make it easier for you, OIT has created a custom “Windows 11 Declutter Tool” for you to optionally enable and disable some of the built-in Windows 11 features. Follow instructions here.