Windows 11 Upgrade Process

Overview

This guide explains how to upgrade a computer to Windows 11 using Software Center. During the download and pre-installation section of the upgrade; you may continue working. This section of the upgrade takes roughly 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on internet speed.

When you are ready to apply the upgrade, be sure to save your work. This process takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour to complete and will reboot a couple of times. Data, apps and settings will remain, but ME IT cannot guarantee Windows 11 compatibility with every possible application you have installed. All of the primary and common software/applications that UT installs is compatible.

If you prefer to reimage and start over with a fresh installation of Windows 11, please contact ME IT at mech-it@austin.utexas.edu with your computer details. This is often a recommended solution to problematic computers or computers will a lot of unneeded software installations.

Pre-Upgrade Checklist

Before starting the upgrade:

• Check with the software vendor of any specialized software you installed to ensure your application version (or an available upgrade) is compatible with Windows 11 x64. ME IT can advise and assist as needed with this process before you begin. See the bottom of this page for more information.

• Connect to a stable network (campus network preferred)

• Ensure there is 64 GB or greater available disk space. (Contact ME IT if you need help clearing up space or to recommend other solutions)

• Connect AC adapter to laptops for the duration of the upgrade.

• Ensure the device does not have a pending reboot in Software Center from prior updates. If so, reboot first.

Download and Pre-Upgrade Steps (Software Center)

1. Open Software Center

   1. Click Start (Windows logo) → Search for Software Center

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2. Navigate to Updates and click on Windows 11, version XXXX

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   In Update details click Install

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4. Then click Install on the pop-up window

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5. During this time, you may continue working. Make sure not disrupt the internet connection.

   1. Be sure to check back after an hour and half to view the status of the upgrade. You will not be notified that upgrade is ready to proceed.

Restart and Applying the Upgrade

1. Once the upgrade is ready, you will see the following in Software Center.

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2. Before clicking Restart, make sure to save your work.

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3. The following screens will appear during the upgrade process.

   1. Pre-reboot configuration

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   2. After-reboot configuration. Multiple reboots may happen at this time.

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4. Once completed you will see the Windows login screen.

   1. After logging in, you will notice a setup screen.

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5. After completion, you will be meet with the Windows 11 toolbar and search window.

   1. Open your common applications to ensure they are working as expected.

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If you have any questions, please contact ME IT at mech-it@austin.utexas.edu.

If you discover that Windows 11 is not working correctly, please inform ME IT by email and follow the wiki below to perform a downgrade.

https://cloud.wikis.utexas.edu/wiki/x/E4B2Tg

ME IT Assistance

While this upgrade is intended to be done by end users and has a downgrade option to revert back, ME IT can assist with the process. For highly configured/customized operating systems with questionable software compatibility with Windows 11, ME IT can offer to clone your computer’s drive and restore this clone to the machine if Windows 11 doesn’t work to ensure the machine goes back to exactly how it was before the Windows 11 upgrade was initiated.

This is a resource-intensive process and will be vetted, scheduled and completed on a first-come, first-serve basis taking into account high-priority systems.

Please open a ticket with us to request this service - mech-it@austin.utexas.edu. Please include your computer details (computer name, asset tag number, location of equipment).