Microsoft Windows 11 upgrade for laptops

We have started the process of disconnecting Windows 10 laptops and desktop PCs from the network.

If you have a Windows 10 laptop, please arrange for an upgrade:

Ensure your data is backed up before your upgrade to Windows 11

University Windows 11 PCs save your files to Microsoft OneDrive by default rather than your P: drive.

Copy your files from your P: drive and any relevant files from your computer’s internal storage to OneDrive, and as a matter of priority, you must confirm that those files have synchronised to OneDrive correctly by ensuring you can see them in OneDrive online via a web browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

If you do not see all your files in OneDrive online, check that you are using your University OneDrive account, and follow any prompts from the OneDrive software to resolve any issues on your device.

This is an essential step; while it’s unlikely, there is always a small possibility that OneDrive has not synchronised your files correctly. If there are any synchronisation problems, you would normally see a red X on the OneDrive icon in your system tray at the bottom right of the screen, and these are often duplicate files which need updating.

If you have any questions, concerns or uncertainties about your data, you should contact the IT Support Centre, as any files which are not backed up correctly will not be recoverable once your PC is wiped.

Other things to consider saving to OneDrive include your web browser’s bookmarks/favourites, OneNote notebooks, sticky notes, and EndNote libraries.

Additional important information

  • University members holding roles such as honorary and emeritus, and in possession of a University PC, should also arrange their upgrade.
  • If your laptop is dual-boot (that is, it currently boots into both Windows and Linux), the Windows 11 Upgrade Hub will only install the Windows Operating System. A separate request will need to be raised to install Linux.

On the day of your upgrade

You will be contacted by a colleague in IT Services with instructions about your appointment.

If your laptop was funded by IT Services it may be replaced with an equivalent model and the process will be like getting a new laptop. If you feel like you need support with your first log in, speak to a member of IT Services staff who will be happy to help.

If your laptop wasn’t funded by IT Services, then Windows 11 will be installed on your own laptop.

The upgrade process includes a wipe and load, which will format/erase all data, applications, and partitions on your computer’s internal storage drive (including, but not limited to, your C: drive). Any data that you have not backed up will be permanently lost.

If you have concerns regarding your data, please contact the IT Support Centre before arranging your upgrade.