Windows 11- FAQs
Welcome to Windows 11. The look and feel are a little different but functions the same. Here are some steps to take to complete your computer setup. If you need assistance, you can schedule an appointment with us by emailing soehelp@syr.edu
New Look and Feel
The Windows Start button and search box are now located in the center at the bottom (instead of bottom far left). When you click the Windows Start button, it shows you pinned apps and recommended files, but you can click the “All” button in the upper right to get to the full alphabetic listing of applications. In the bottom lower right corner of that Start menu, is where you will now find the Power button to Lock, Sleep, Shutdown or Restart the computer.
Meet Windows 11: A whole new look - Microsoft Support
Meet Windows 11 - Microsoft Support
Connecting laptop to monitor(s) for the first time after Windows 11
By default, your laptop will mirror your display to be the same on monitor as is on your laptops. To adjust your display to extend your desktop to your monitor(s), see this information:
Change your screen resolution and layout in Windows - Microsoft Support
Adding Shared Mailbox to New Outlook for Windows
Connecting to a Shared Account in SUMail - Information Technology Support - Answers
Printer Setup- This is timing dependent, so at the initial setup you may not see printers right away
Verify Printers are installed
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
Select your primary printer, then select Set as default.
Adobe Installation-
Open Adobe Creative Cloud
Login to Adobe with SU Email and follow multi-factor authentication steps
Locate Adobe Acrobat > Install
Make Adobe Acrobat Default Viewer: Set Acrobat Reader or Acrobat as default PDF viewer
Zoom App Configuration
(you can still use the web version if you prefer)
Locate Zoom – Windows>All Apps
Login with SSO
Locate your Profile icon in upper right > Click check for Updates
You should do this regularly, to stay updated. Always a good step when you are done with Zoom after a meeting.
Dell Command Update - This will install the latest firmware and drivers and should be done at least monthly
If you have one, first connect to your office monitor to include that in your updates
Use the Search box after the Windows Start button and type Dell Command > click Dell Command Update OR Windows Start button > All > Dell Command Update
Check for Updates > Install Updates
Restart your computer
Run Windows Update - This will install the latest OS updates and should be done monthly. Windows will do these regularly if you don’t.
Use the Search box after the Windows Start button and type Windows Update /Click Check for Updates OR Settings >Windows Update / Click Check for Updates
Optional Updates- /Advanced Options/Optional Updates/Driver Update section /Expand by clicking the Down Carat symbol/ click check box next to each driver update / Download & Install
Restart your computer
Microsoft MyAccess Portal -
The My Access Portal is where you go when you need permission to use a piece of licensed Syracuse University software. Think of it as asking for a key to a new room — you request it, someone approves it, and you're in!
What can you do here?
Request access to uniquely licensed software
Track your pending requests (no more wondering "did they get it?")
Complete access reviews (these pop up periodically)
My Access Portal - Information Technology Support - Answers
Company Portal App -
The Intune Company Portal is your organization's self-service hub for accessing approved applications and managing compliance of enrolled devices. The app is installed on your Windows device by default and can be opened via a Start Menu search / Type Company Portal.
Sync
The “Sync” option is used to manually start any pending actions, such as the installation of requested software.
To initiate a sync:
Open the Company Portal app and go to “Settings” in the lower-left.
Click “Sync” in the Settings window.
Installing Applications
Company Portal serves as SU’s app store. Browse the app catalog to find software you need for your work, then click Install to deploy it to your device. As installation happens, you'll receive a notification throughout the progression. If an app you need isn't listed, it may first require you complete an request through myaccess.microsoft.com.
Checking Device Compliance
Your device must meet certain security requirements to access company resources like email and files. Company Portal shows your device's compliance status and explains specifically what requirements aren't being met if there's an issue. Common compliance requirements include having an up-to-date operating system, enabled encryption, and active antivirus protection. If your device falls out of compliance, you may lose access to company resources until the issues are resolved.
How to Adjust Sound and Notifications
With Windows 11 the default sound notification are on and if you’d prefer to turn them off here’s how
Settings>System>Sound>Advanced>More Sounds Settings>Sounds Tab>Uncheck Play Windows Startup Sound
Settings>System>Notifications>Click down arrow (carat) next to On, to find the other settings and uncheck “Allow Notifications to play sounds” or locate specific apps in the list below and adjust desired settings.
How to create shortcuts to taskbar
Locate the App and click and drag to Taskbar
Or Locate the App>right click>click Pin to Taskbar
How to get to the G: drive
Open File Explorer (yellow folder icon) >Click the carat symbol ( > ) next to This PC and locate G:/SOE
Security - How to lock your computer screen when you walk away
Windows logo key and the letter L together OR Click Windows Start button > click Power button in bottom right > click Lock
Windows 11 Features-
File Explorer- Now has Tabs
Just like we can open tabs in a web browser, File Explorer also lets you open or add new tabs. So, instead of opening multiple File Explorer windows, you can use tabs to open different folders, drives, etc., to ease your work. For this, you can:
Click on the Add icon (or plus icon) available just next to a tab in File Explorer
Use Ctrl+T hotkey
Right-click on a folder or drive and use the Open in new tab option. A new tab will open immediately with that particular folder or drive. This option won’t be available when you have selected multiple tabs.
Alternative Sign in Options - PIN / Windows Hello / FingerPrint (not all hardware has Hello or FingerPrint)
These options allow you to login to your computer without typing your SU password and can save time. The downside is that you don’t stay as familiar with your SU password.
Settings>Accounts>Sign in Options> Choose an option that you want and follow directions
Snap layouts
How to Use Snap Layouts | Microsoft Windows
New Win Snap Layouts-Settings > System > Multitasking. You can toggle Snap windows on and off,
Select Windows logo key + Z to launch the Snap layout box.
Hover over the minimize or maximize button in the upper-right corner of your window to launch the Snap layout box.
Drag a window to the top center of your screen to launch the Snap layout box
Multiple desktops
Stay Organized by Using Multiple Desktops | Microsoft
Microsoft Accessibility Tools
Meet Windows 11: Accessibility - Microsoft Support
Microsoft Speech Services
Voice to Text Option to Type
Windows Key plus H Key to get started.
Universal Search
Select Search on the taskbar or press Windows logo key + S, then type what you want to find. You'll get personalized search results for people, email, and files in local and shared sites, or from the web.