Windows 11
Windows 11 is the newest Windows version from Microsoft.
Windows 11 is faster, more secure, and offers new productivity features to help you organize, stay focused, and get more done in less time. It’s been completely redesigned with a whole new look and feel that’s clean, modern, and easier to use.
Important: Windows 11 is available through Software Center for eligible Drexel-owned PCs starting August 1, 2023. Upgrading to Windows 11 is currently optional, however, eligible Drexel-owned PCs will be automatically upgraded to Windows 11 starting November 5, 2024.
Drexel IT will continue to support Windows 10, on existing devices running Windows 10, until summer 2025. We encourage you to upgrade to Windows 11 prior to this date. If your Drexel-owned PC does not support Windows 11, your department will need to purchase a new Drexel-approved Windows 11 PC before support for Windows 10 ends.
In this article
What’s new and improved in Windows 11
New interface
A simplified design that’s modern, fresh, clean, and beautiful, a centralized taskbar that puts you and your content at the center, tabs in File Explorer, and more.
Universal search
Select Search on your taskbar and start typing to get personalized results from your files, photos, contacts, emails, apps, settings, and from the web.
Snap layouts and Snap groups
Share multiple app windows in a single screen with predetermined layouts that you can choose from to quickly organize and optimize your screen space. Snap two or more open apps or windows to create a snap group. Snap groups lets you open or close your apps at the same time in the same arrangement.
Desktop groups
Organize open apps and windows into separate “desktops” to keep different tasks or areas of your life organized.
Widgets
Display, arrange, and resize widgets to quickly access personalized dynamic content such as schedules, weather, stocks, and more.
Seamless redocking
When you disconnect your PC from an external display, your apps are minimized. When you reconnect, your apps are put back where you had them before.
Accessibility features
Have on-screen text read aloud with Natural Narrator, control your PC with your voice, and better understand audio with live captions.
Learn more about what’s new at windows.com/windows-11
System requirements
These are the minimum system requirements for installing Windows 11. If your Drexel-owned PC does not meet these requirements, your department will need to purchase a new Drexel-approved Windows 11 PC before support for Windows 10 ends. If you're unsure whether your Drexel-owned PC meets these requirements, contact your IT department or the Drexel IT desktop support team and include your computer name in your message.
|
Minimum system requirements |
| Processor |
1 GHz with 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC) |
| Memory (RAM) |
4 GB |
| Storage |
64 GB |
| System firmware |
UEFI, Secure Boot capable |
| TPM |
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 |
| Graphics |
Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display |
High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9″ diagonally, 8 bits per color channel |
Certain Windows 11 features have requirements that exceed those listed in the minimum system requirements section. Learn more about Windows 11 specifications and feature-specific requirements.
Install Windows 11
When you’re ready, you can upgrade from Software Center if your Drexel-owned PC supports Windows 11. Upgrading to Windows 11 is currently optional, however, eligible Drexel-owned PCs will be automatically upgraded to Windows 11 starting November 5, 2024.
Before you begin
Make sure your device meets the Windows 11 minimum system requirements.
By default, your files and data will transfer when you upgrade. However, we always recommend that you make a complete backup with CrashPlan or store your files in OneDrive before you upgrade.
Install Windows 11 from Software Center
To upgrade to Windows 11 on your Drexel-owned device, select Start > Microsoft Endpoint Manager > Software Center, and then select Updates.
If your device supports Windows 11, an update (such as Windows 11, version 23H2 x64) will appear on the Updates page. Select the update, and then select Install.
If your device does not support Windows 11, you’ll see a Win 11 Ineligible link in Software Center. Select the link for more information.
Important: If you're trying to install Windows 11 and the installation becomes unresponsive (hangs or freezes), we recommend you restart your PC and then try to install Windows 11 from Software Center again.
Notes:
- If you're working from off campus, you'll need to connect to Drexel's Virtual Private Network (VPN) before you can upgrade to Windows 11.
- If you’re a Microsoft Surface user and there are other updates available in Software Center, select and install those updates before upgrading to Windows 11 on your Surface device.
- It might take several minutes to an hour for the Windows 11 update to become available in Software Center.
- The time required to download and upgrade Windows depends on internet connection speed, network settings, and update size. Most devices will take about an hour to upgrade.
Windows 11 FAQ
Find answers to commonly asked questions about Windows 11.
Help and support
If you have questions about Windows 11, contact your IT department or the Drexel IT desktop support team and include your computer name in your message.