Upgrade to Windows 11

Installation Windows Operating System Clean desktops

What is Windows 11

Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. It was released October 5, 2021, as a successor to Windows 10. It offers improved security and productivity features. Read more about Windows 11 here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/windows-11

Support for Windows 10 ends October 14, 2025. All computers and laptops need to be upgraded to Windows 11 before that day to stay compliant with cyber security policies set by the State and Green River College.

This guide contains instructions for upgrading compatible domain desktop computers to Windows 11. Compatible laptops will receive a Windows Update notification when the device can perform the upgrade.

Windows 11 compatibility

Not all devices running Windows 10 can be upgraded to Windows 11. A good rule of thumb is that devices with a state tag lower than B60000 are not compatible with Windows 11. These devices are +6 years old and must be sent to surplus. After support for Windows 10 ends these devices will not be allowed on Green River College network and resources. Please start a “Purchase new device” service request here to replace any Windows 11 incompatible devices: https://support.greenriver.edu/TDClient/98/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=623

Devices with a state tag between B60000 and B61000 might be compatible with Windows 11. Please reach out to the IT Helpdesk (ITHelpdesk@greenriver.edu or extension 6050) for verification.

Devices newer than B61000 are generally compatible with Windows 11.

How to prepare to Install Windows 11

Back up your files

Please ensure your files have been backed up to OneDrive. OneDrive automatically backs up everything in the following folders:

Documents
Pictures
Desktop

To verify everything has been backed up to OneDrive; please check the following link: https://onedrive.live.com/

Files in the Downloads folder are NOT backed up to OneDrive.

Network drives such as G:\ N:\ are not impacted by upgrading your computer to Windows 11.

Sync or back up your Bookmarks

Please ensure your bookmarks of the internet browsers you use have been synced with your account, or have been exported as a file to OneDrive:

Google Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/96816?hl=en
Microsoft Edge: https://www.ju.edu/it/Browser_Favorites_Microsoft_Edge-How_To.pdf
Mozilla Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/export-firefox-bookmarks-to-backup-or-transfer

Specialty software

If you have any specialty software you are using on your computer, please reach out to IT Helpdesk ITHelpdesk@greenriver.edu and provide your current computer state tag number and the software required. Our standard installed software list includes Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, ...) and Google Chrome.

Installing Windows 11

You can install Windows 11 voluntarily through the Software Center. The installation takes several hours during which your computer will not be available for work. Please plan accordingly to upgrade your computer.

The following steps will guide you through the process:

Open search and type Software Center. Click on the app to open it.
\
The Software Center will open. On the left menu you see: Applications, Updates, Operating Systems, Installation Status, Device Compliance, and Options. Click on Operating Systems.
After selecting Operating Systems, you will find a list of all the Operating Systems available for your system. Please click Employee – Win11.
The operating system details will open for Employee – Win11 - 23H2. Please note the warning: “This is a CLEAN install only. Everything on your computer will be wiped. Please ensure you have backed up necessary items before starting this!”
See the step “How to prepare” to ensure everything on your computer is backed up before proceeding by clicking on “Install.”
A new pop up window will appear with an autogenerated message. Ignore this message and click “Install.”
NOTE: This autogenerated message is FALSE. Your computer will NOT migrate your apps, data, and settings. This is a CLEAN installation of Windows 11!
The installation of Windows 11 now starts. A new pop-up window shows a progress bar. Please do not use your computer at this stage until the installation of Windows 11 is completed. Your computer might restart a few times during the installation. This process can take several hours.
After the installation is completed, you will see a new logon screen, which looks like the image below. Please click anywhere on the screen and you will see a login screen.