Introduction
Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft's Windows operating system (OS). It comes with enhanced security features and a refreshed look while remaining similar to Windows 10, making the OS transition relatively easy. Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 October 14, 2025. After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates and will not be allowed to connect to the ISU network.
The steps in this self-help upgrade guide are designed to:
- Determine if your computer meets the system requirements for Windows 11.
- If you do meet the requirements, how to upgrade to Windows 11.
The Windows 11 upgrade will run similarly to regular Windows updates, but will take longer to install (approximately 30-60 minutes). Once the update runs, you must restart your computer when prompted.
- Note: If this self-help upgrade guide indicates you cannot upgrade to Windows 11, you will need to work with your department to purchase a new computer.
With October fast approaching, we recommend upgrading your computer now. The IT Service Desk can assist you and provide any support you need. Do not hesitate to email your questions to help@isu.edu. Thanks for considering and cooperating with this self-help upgrade effort.
Step 1 - Review the Pre-Upgrade Checklist
It is crucial to check your computer's eligibility for an upgrade. Please review the Pre-Upgrade Checklist below and collaborate with your department to allocate a budget for a new computer if necessary.
- Ensure your data is protected by backing it up in Box.
- Note: Windows 11 upgrades have really good track records of leaving things as they are when you click Keep apps and programs (this is selected by default in later sections). However, you are still liable for data lost in a worst-case scenario. Data lost after an upgrade is almost impossible to recover.
- Ensure the applications and software you use every day are compatible with Windows 11
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ISU Provided Applications Compatible with Windows 11
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Adobe Acrobat (Pro and Reader)
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Adobe Creative Cloud
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Chrome
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Firefox
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GlobalProtect(VPN)
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Microsoft Office
(365 and Pro 2021)
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SentinelOne (Antivirus)
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Trellix(Antivirus)
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Zoom
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- Before upgrading, your office will need to contact the vendors of applications you've acquired independently and verify that they are ready for Windows 11.
- System hardware requirements: Your system must meet the following parameters to be considered compatiple with Windows 11. If your system does not meet these, plan on retiring this system. If your are unsure, system minimums will be reviewed in Step 3.
- Processor - 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
- Ram - 4 gigabytes (GB)
- Storage - 64 GB or larger storage device.
- TPM - 2.0
- Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
- Ensure your device meets the following standards for the Windows 11 upgrade tool to work. Check for system updates in Settings to meet these requirements.
- You have a Windows 10 license.
- Your PC must have Windows 10, version 2004 or higher, installed to run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
- Your PC must have 9 GB of free disk space to download Windows 11.
- Confirm that you have saved any open work and closed all applications.
Step 2 - Backup your Data to Box
It's essential to protect mission-critical data. Backing up your data to Box will ensure the best possible outcome in the event of a disaster. Never rely on your computer to be the ONLY place for storing important documents. Power surges, water damage, and system glitches can make your data unusable and cause it to be lost forever. Regularly backing up your data can save you time and give you peace of mind when needed.
- Go to Box Backup to learn how to upload your data to Box.
Step 3 - Check for System Compatibility
Note: The images for each step below can be enlarged by clicking on them. Please ensure that your browser zoom is no greater than 150%
- Navigate to the Microsoft Download Center
- Read the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
- Click the Before you begin using Installation Assistant to learn more
- Click the Download Now button (blue) to begin the update process
- Navigate to your Downloads folder on your computer
- Right-click the Windows11InstallationAssistant, then select Run as Administrator
- Click YES to allow the app to make changes to your system when prompted.
- Note: Failing to run as administrator can result in errors and update failure.
- A Use the PC Health Check app to check compatibility screen will appear.
- Click the Get PC Health Check app to see if your device meets the system requirements to run Windows 11.
- You can click the Get PC Health Check app or click this to download
- Right-click the installer in the Downloads folder on your computer and select Run as Administrator to install
- Click the box to accept the License Agreement and click Install
- Click Open Windows PC Health Check and Click Finish
- Note: You will see PC Health Check screen, once the program opens
- Click Check Now on the Introducing Windows 11 banner.
- Note: You will be greeted with an error stating that your computer is managed by your organization. Close this window and navigate back to the Windows11InstallationAssistant Window.
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- Note: Not clicking Check Now will prevent Step 12. from refreshing. Please re-open Windows PC Health Check in your applications drawer and repeat Step 11 if you encounter error on Step 12.
- Click Refresh on the Windows11InstallationAssistant Window previously left on step 6 for reference.
- Note: A system that is ineligible for upgrade will say This PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements to install Windows 11
- If you get the message This PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements to install Windows 11:
- Click Close
- Then contact your department's Administrative Assistant and tell them you cannot upgrade to Windows 11. ISU recommended computers can be found here.
- Note: If your system is compatible, your screen will appear differently. Before continuing, please read the notices below:
- Once you click Install, the process cannot be stopped
- Do not turn off your device after the installation begins. Doing so may cause severe damage to your system and data. Your device will restart automatically as needed.
- To avoid downtime, wait until the end of the workday to start the upgrade.
- If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact your Windows 11 upgrade contact or your office's Administrative Assistant.
- The IT Service Desk is also available to help. Call 208-282-4357 and let the technician know you need assistance and are following the Windows 11 Upgrade Self-Help Guide.
Step 4 - Upgrade to Windows 11
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Click Accept and Install to continue from the Windows 11 Installation Assistant Screen.
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Notes:
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You can keep using your PC while Windows 11 downloads. This will be a great time to save any last-minute work or projects.
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If you leave for the day, please leave your computer on and lock your screen, as the system will automatically process the update.
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Never leave your desktop unlocked and unattended.
- Please restart when prompted.
- Note: Never leave your desktop unlocked and unattended. Restarting will lock your screen!
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The update to Windows 11 should be complete when you come back. Enjoy Windows 11!
If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact your Windows 11 upgrade contact or your office's Administrative Assistant.
Step 5 - Configure your Task Bar (optional)
Note: This is an optional step if you would like to make your Windows 11 desktop feel more familiar.
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Right-click any blank space on the taskbar
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Click Taskbar Settings
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Find Taskbar behaviors
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Click the first drop-down for Taskbar alignment and select Center or Left, depending on your preference.
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Turn off distracting taskbar ad-ons
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On the same settings page as the taskbar alignment, scroll up to Taskbar items and toggle Copilot, Task View, and Widgets to Off.