This information refers to the situation that you currently have Windows 10 on the computer AND this computer is Windows 11 capable! If the computer is not Windows 11 capable, office computers will need to be replaced by a new computer or a refurbished computer before continuing with Windows 11. Alternatively, the computer can also be 'disconnected from the Internet', which can be a way to go for laboratory equipment.

Windows 11 reinstallation

The method recommended by the central IT for upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is a fresh, new installation, in which the system drive is reformatted, i.e. the computer must then be set up again.

The advantages of a new installation are

• A clean, often faster system.
• Cleanly configured and up-to-date Office, PowerPDF, and several other standard software ...
• Compliance with the requirements of the university's central IT department.
• Simplified setup of functions such as Outlook, printers and network drives.
• Automatic processing of many future security updates and changes to requirements.
• More stable access to network drives/printers, ....

The biggest disadvantage, of course, is that your data and installed programs will be deleted. So before you proceed, you must:

• Back up all your data so that you can restore it afterwards.
• Make sure you have the necessary license keys, passwords and installation files to reinstall all your specific programs.

You can find a detailed checklist in this guide from the central IT department

We at ICBM-IT will assist you with the changeover. For example, we can first clone your existing hard drive so that it can be restored if something goes wrong, or we can replace it by a fresh one and install Windows 11 on that drive. If something goes wrong we can just insert the old drive again and rethink how to continue.

If a complete reinstallation is not possible or desired, you can carry out an in-place update using a Microsoft tool.

Steps for a Windows 11 update

1. Back up your data. This is also an important first step here.
2. Check the Win11 compatibility. Make sure that your PC supports Windows 11. You also need at least 150 GB of free space on your C drive: If your computer is not compatible, please contact [email protected].
3. If you are updating a notebook, use a power supply to prevent the update from cancelling before completion
4. Install all pending Windows 10 updates. Search for "Check for updates" (_Check for updates_), run the process and restart the computer when prompted.
5. Download and run the Windows 11 Installation Wizard from Microsoft. (If your computer also offers the Windows 11 update under Settings, it is also OK to follow this)
6. Follow the instructions and accept the licence conditions.
7. Wait until the process is complete. The update can take between a few minutes and several hours.
8. Log in under Windows 11. Your login details will remain unchanged. If you have problems with Office or Windows licensing, please read the following information or contact [email protected].