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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 will be available through Software Center for eligible Drexel-owned PCs starting August 1, 2023. Upgrading to Windows 11 is currently optional.

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.

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 22H2 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.

  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.

What are the benefits of Windows 11 over Windows 10?

Windows 11 has been redesigned for productivity, ease of use, and hybrid work. It’s faster, more secure, and offers new features and multitasking tools to help you organize and focus. Learn more about what’s new at windows.com/windows-11.

What are the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11?

Windows 11 can run on Drexel-owned PCs that meet these minimum system requirements.

How will I know if my Drexel-owned PC can upgrade to Windows 11?

If your Drexel-owned PC supports Windows 11, you’ll see an update (such as Windows 11, version 22H2 x64) on the Updates page in Software Center.

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.

  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.
  • It might take several minutes to an hour for the Windows 11 update to become available in Software Center.

If you don’t see the update or the ineligible link, or you believe you’ve received the ineligible message in error, contact your IT department or the Drexel IT desktop support team and include your computer name in your message.

How do I upgrade to Windows 11 on my Drexel-owned PC?

Upgrading to Windows 11 is currently optional. When you’re ready 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 22H2 x64) will appear on the Updates page. Select the update, and then select Install.

  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.

How long does it take to upgrade to Windows 11?

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. You can use your PC while Windows 11 is downloading.

What will happen to my files during the upgrade?

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.

What happens to my Windows 10 Start menu customizations when I upgrade?

The Start menu in Windows 11 has been redesigned with a simplified set of apps arranged in a grid of pages. Your Windows 10 Start menu customizations will be reset to the default Windows 11 Start layout.

I’m having trouble installing Windows 11 from Software Center or getting an error (such as 0x80D02002). What can I do?

If your Windows 11 download fails or you see an error message, we recommend you restart your device, reconnect to Drexel's VPN (if you're working from off campus), and try to install Windows 11 from Software Center again.

If you need more help, contact your IT department or the Drexel IT desktop support team and include your computer name in your message.

My Drexel-owned device isn't eligible for Windows 11. What can I do?

Drexel IT will continue to support Windows 10, on existing devices running Windows 10, until summer 2025. 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.

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.

Where can I learn how to use Windows 11?

Watch the Meet Windows 11 video series to learn how to use new features of Windows 11. For help and how-to content, visit Windows help & training.

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.