Windows 11 Upgrade - How to do it
See also:
Quick guide: Aalto Windows 11 guidance | Aalto University
Aalto personnel's Windows computers (workstations) will be upgraded to Windows 11. The upgrade is done mainly for security reasons.
You are responsible for upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11 on your Aalto Windows computer.
There are a few things you need to consider before and after the upgrade:
- You will receive a pop-up notification on your computer when Windows 11 is available.
- Read the instructions on this page and sync your files before upgrading.
- Choose a 70- to 180-minute time slot when you can perform the update without interruptions. You can do the upgrade either at the university or remotely.
1. Pop-up appears on your computer - choose "Learn more"
By choosing ”Learn more”, you arrive on this instructions page. You may want to read the instructions more than once.
2. Ensure your OneDrive files are synced
Between OneDrive and your workstation.
- Locate the OneDrive Icon: Look for the cloud icon in your system tray at the bottom right corner of your screen. If it's not visible, click the "^" to see hidden icons.
- Check Sync Status: Click the OneDrive cloud icon. A window will pop up. Ensure it says "Your files are synced" with a green check mark.
3. Ensure your network drive files are synced, via sync center
Between your workstation and network drives: Aalto Home, Work and Teamwork.
Open Sync Center:
- Use the search bar
- Type "Sync Center" in the search bar and select it from the list of results.
Check Sync Status:
- In the Sync Center window, check the status of your Offline Files. Ensure that the status reads "Sync completed" with a green progress bar indicating completion.
Resolve Sync Conflicts:
- View Sync Conflicts: Click on "View sync conflicts" in the left-hand menu. Resolve any listed conflicts to ensure all files are correctly synchronized.
- Resolve Issues: Follow the prompts to resolve any conflicts, such as replacing files or merging changes.
Sync All Files:
- If needed, click the "Sync All" button to manually initiate syncing of all Offline Files.
Optional: List your network drives and their paths
To ensure that you have access to your network drives also in Windows 11, list your network drive and their paths.
Optional: Back up your bookmarks
Check whether your web browser bookmarks need a backup.
Microsoft Edge
Edge is set to sign in with your Aalto account and sync your bookmarks and settings to the cloud.
Please ensure the sync is working by pressing your profile picture from the top right corner and check the sync status:
- Open Edge and click your profile picture (top-right).
- Confirm you are signed in with your Aalto email.
- Check that the sync status says Sync is on (Bookmarks/Favorites included).
Mozilla Firefox
Firefox does not automatically sync bookmarks to Aalto-managed storage. Create a manual backup so you can restore it if needed.
Note: If the Windows 11 upgrade completes successfully, you usually won't need to restore anything. The backup is just a precaution.
Back up your bookmarks:
- Open Firefox and click the Menu button on the top right.
- Select Bookmarks > Manage bookmarks.
- Click Import and Backup > Backup...
- Save the file (with extension .json) to your Aalto OneDrive or Aalto Home folder.
- Make sure the file has synced to the storage provider before starting the upgrade.
Restore after the upgrade (only if needed):
- Open Manage bookmarks again.
- Click Import and Backup > Restore > Choose File... and select your backup.
Full guide from Mozilla: mozilla.org - Restore bookmarks from backup
Google Chrome
Chrome is not supported by Aalto IT due to privacy concerns. Do not use Chrome for work-related tasks.
Recommended:
- Switch to Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox.
- To move your bookmarks from Chrome to Edge: in Edge go to Settings > Profiles > Import browser data, then select Chrome and choose what to import.
- Edge supports most Chrome extensions, so the transition is typically straightforward
4. Upgrade time!
Reserve 70-180 minutes for the upgrade. You cannot use the computer during this time.
Make sure your computer is connected to AC power and to some network with Internet access (Aalto network or VPN is not required).
Do not disconnect power or network during the upgrade process!
For laptops, keep the lid open.
Click Upgrade now button and go to a long lunch or a walk.
Start the upgrade
Final check
- Connect your PC to a reliable internet connection. Keep it connected for the entire upgrade. Home Wi-Fi is fine. VPN is not required.
- Plug your PC into AC power (keep it plugged in throughout the upgrade). For laptops, keep the lid open.
- Save your work and close open applications (browsers, Office apps, etc.).
- Confirm your files have synced (Sync Center and OneDrive show up to date).
- Make sure you have enough time: most upgrades finish in under 90 minutes, but it can take up to 3 hours in some cases.
During the upgrade
- Your PC will be unavailable and will restart multiple times. Screen may go blank for several minutes - this is normal.
- Do not power off, unplug the power or close the lid during the upgrade.
- Keep the internet and power connected until the login screen appears.
Related pages
IT Service Desk contact information and service hours
Contact IT End User Support for help or information on Aalto University IT.
a contact point to the users of the Aalto University IT who are in need of help and information. You can visit the service desk during opening hours or ask for help by email, telephone or chat.
