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Upgrade - Direct by User

Users are now able to upgrade computer to Windows 11 directly, without needing to arrange a time with IT Support. You will be able to work while the upgrade installs in the background, and then your computer will require a reboot. Please follow the steps below, and if you have any problems please contact your IT Support.

1. Back up your data

The upgrade should not wipe any data you have on the machine, however it's advisable to make sure that everything important is backed up before proceeding. In OneDrive, click ‘Add new’ and then folder upload. Repeat this for each folder you need to back up.

Screenshot of uploading a folder to OneDrive

 

2. Open ZenWorks

Type ZenWorks into the Start menu bottom left of the taskbar, then click on the app to open it.

Screenshot of finding ZenWorks on the Start menu

3. Start the Upgrade

If the machine is capable of the upgrade an icon called Windows 11 24h2 upgrade will be visible. Double click it to open. If it isn’t visible contact your local IT Support, as you won’t be able to proceed at the moment.

Windows 11 upgrade icon

4. Confirm the Upgrade

A pop up will ask you to confirm the upgrade. Click ok.

screenshot of a popup confirming installation

5. Let the Upgrade run in the background

A pop up will let you know that it’s running. You can carry on as usual. It’s likely to take a bit over an hour.

screenshot of popup confirming that the Windows 11 upgrade is now running and likely to take over an hour.

6. Progress

A pop up will be visible while the upgrade is running. It may not show progress in real time, so don't worry if it appears not to be progressing. You can check progress if you want to via the Task Manager, and carry on working. Once you have set it going, let it do its thing – it will get there.

screenshot of popup showing Windows 11 update progress

screenshot of task manager showing the Windows 11 upgrade running

7. Reboot

When the upgrade is finished you will get a pop up to say you need to reboot your machine. If you haven’t responded within half an hour the machine will restart automatically.

screenshot of a popup confirming reboot

8. Let the upgrade take effect

Once you’ve restarted the machine the update will take effect. There may be several restarts.

Computer screen with the message "working on updates. 61% complete. Please keep your computer on. Your computer may restart a few times."

Computer screen with the message 'this might take a few minutes.'

9. Start Up

Once the update has installed and is in place you will be able to log in and you will go through a set up process. You can choose the options that suit you best.

The Windows 11 installer also installs  "Outlook (new )" as that is now part of Windows 11. You should still use "Outlook (classic)" after the upgrade, and this is where your mail will be. If you open Outlook (new ) you will need to go through the process of setting up a your account.

computer screen showing the start up screen post Windows 11 upgrade

 

10. Use

When you have completed set up you will get to your desktop. The Windows button looks slightly different and is in the middle of the screen, but functionality is very similar.

computer screen showing the desktop with Windows 11 display.

Information Technology