Windows 11 Preparation Guide
- Shannon Thibault
(Thanks to Ryan Drescher for creating this page upon which this is based)
The Windows 10 operating system will reach its “end-of-life”. Our intention is to have 100% of faculty, staff, and lab PC’s upgraded to Windows 11 prior to the start of the Fall Semester.
A few important points about this process:
The upgrade process can be completed 100% remotely if needed, and provided there is a stable, fast internet connection.
The upgrade involves a full wipe (hard drive erasure) and rebuild of your computer. The primary concern is to ensure your data is properly backed up to a cloud storage location (e.g. OneDrive). If you would like some help from IT staff to verify backup status, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Due to the nature of the Windows 11 “Autopilot” deployment, most of the configuration must be done after the primary user logs into the computer for the first time. Therefore, we are not able to deliver a 100% “turnkey” computer. Please plan for ~30 minutes of setup time upon delivery of an upgraded computer.
It is recommended that you complete the software request process (below) ahead of time so that software can begin deploying immediately after you log in to the upgraded computer.
Step One- Verify OneDrive Sync’d and Check for Files on your C:/Drive
The OneDrive client is configured to automatically back up the following user folders to the cloud:
Documents
Desktop
Pictures
To verify you are fully sync’d, Open the OneDrive client from the system tray (Blue Cloud) and verify that your files have been sync'd successfully. It should look like the image below:
If you see any errors here, follow the suggested steps to resolve or consult Tech Support.
It is not a standard practice, But if you have important data stored outside of the listed OneDrive folders (e.g. on the C:\ drive) it will not be backed up automatically. Please copy it to your OneDrive
Step Two- Bookmarks and Web Browser Data
Microsoft Edge is our recommended web browser. It is based on the same underlying technology as Google Chrome but allows you to sign in with your SU credentials, allowing easy access to university sites and services (fewer two-factor login requests). In addition, bookmarks and browsing data are saved to the cloud and will follow your user account to another computer.
Chrome browser data is not automatically backed up. If you have bookmarks saved in these browsers, it will need to be backed up manually unless you login to an account to sync. Follow the instructions below and be sure to save the backup file in OneDrive.
*Note: if you log into Chrome using a Google account, your bookmarks are probably backed up that way. Be sure you know your account information you use to login to Chrome
Step Three- Check Downloads folder
The Downloads directory (C:\Users\<netid>\Downloads) is the default location where browsers store downloaded files. Please review this folder for anything important, as it is not automatically backed up.
Step Four-Review Non-Standard Applications
Do you need non-standard application(s) installed? SU’s standard apps are MSOffice/teams, and Edge Browser. Please make note of these applications. Once the upgrade is complete you can request software through http://myaccess.microsoft.com , windows store or download the installer and work with SOEIT to assist in the install.
If software requires purchase and license key. Be sure you can provide information, and the software has been approved by SOE Research /Teaching software request process.
SOE Research Software Requests - School of Education - Answers
To help determine if non-standard applications have been installed, look for a folder in C:\Apps-SU, this folder is created to store installers for non-SU standard software.
Step Five- Request Software for Windows 11
The following process will be used, going forward, for the installation of software provided by the university. It can be done ahead of time, from any computer, but will only take effect on the new Windows 11 device.
Note, please carefully check the list of available applications. If there is anything essential to you that is missing from the list, please let us know. We may consider deferring the update.
Login to https://myaccess.microsoft.com
Choose “Access packages” on the left side
Click “Request” on any apps that are applicable to you and then choose “Request for myself” on the next screen. You should request at least the following depending on your needs:
App-Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop NUL
App-VLC Media Player
App-Google Chrome
App-Zoom SU Meeting Client (*Note – If you are part of the Counseling Program you will select the App-Zoom PHI Zoom)
For users scheduled for an In-Person Windows 11 upgrade, there is no need to follow the rest of the steps below as SOEIT will work with you.
For users scheduled for a Remote Windows 11 Upgrade, follow the steps below.
Windows 11 Remote Installation Guide
(Thanks for Jose Camacho for which this section is based upon)
This document provides users with the step-by-step process of deploying Windows 11 on to their devices. It will cover what to expect from the end user perspective.
Installation Process (Phase 1)
Just prior to install, the tech will push the Windows 11 package to the user’s machine
When instructed, user should reboot their machine and then sign back into Windows.
Installation will automatically start, and the user should see the following notifications at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
Finally, then user will see the following notification
At this point, allow the machine to reboot automatically after 11 minutes.
Installation Process (Phase 2)
After the machine is rebooted, the Windows 11 installation should start automatically after some time (about 30-60 minutes)
If the user logs into the machine before installation starts, they will be automatically signed out of the machine after 3 minutes and will receive a 1-minute warning.
The machine will then automatically reboot several times while the installation process happens.
Upon successful installation, users will be presented with the following screen: Syracuse University Login.
Post Installation
Users will sign in using their NetID and password and complete an MFA request.
Users should then expect to see the following screen (some steps may take several minutes to complete)
After the above screen completes, users will be taken to the desktop. Programs selected in MyAccess will start to automatically download and install and should complete within an hour.
Tech will follow up after the install for a quick windows 11 overview. Click the link below the overview.
Windows 11- FAQs
Troubleshooting
If at any point the user receives an error message, or software does not download or install. Please reach out to soehelp@syr.edu .
For help with customizing Windows 11 or general FAQs please click the link below
Windows 11- FAQs
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