Overview
Windows 11, Microsoft's newest operating system, was released on October 5, 2021 as a free upgrade from Windows 10. Windows 11 includes many new features for video editing, security and applications development. For information about the features see Microsoft's article:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/windows-11-whats-new
Windows 11 will be made available starting in 2024 to University-managed systems. The Windows 10 End of Life (EOL) is October 14, 2025 which means important security updates and patches will no longer be available, leaving systems that are not upgraded to Windows 11 vulnerable to exploits and malware that will be discovered following that date.
Information Services will provide information including how to obtain Windows 11 soon.
Frequently Asked Questions - Windows 11
- Why is the Windows Start Menu in the middle of my taskbar? Can this be changed?
- How do I change default programs in Windows 11?
- Where are my applications listed?
- Will my applications & peripherals (printer/scanners/label makers/etc) work with Windows 11?
- My default printer keeps changing, how can I stop this?
- What is Microsoft Copilot?
- Can I use a biometric login?
Why is the Windows Start Menu in the middle of my taskbar? Can this be changed?
Microsoft changed the default placement of the Windows task-bar and the buttons within (start menu, search, pinned programs) to be center-aligned in Windows 11, since the taskbar is center-aligned, the start menu is aligned left of center. On some devices, namely larger monitors and tablets, some users prefer the aesthetics and purpose of the newly-designed placement. You can adjust this by right-clicking the taskbar (the bar at the bottom of your screen), choosing 'Taskbar Settings", expanding the "Taskbar behaviors" section, then changing "Taskbar alignment" to "Left". This change occurs immediately and you can close that window when completed.
How do I change default programs in Windows 11?
Right-Click the Windows start menu icon, choose "Settings" then choose "Apps" then choose "Default Apps" or use the "Search" box next to the Windows start menu to search for "Default Apps".
Where are my applications listed?
To view & open applications, left-click the Windows start menu icon and click "All Apps". From this list you can open installed applications, pin them to the start menu, open the folder location and uninstall them. You can also right-click the Windows start menu icon, click on "installed apps" and uninstall/modify applications from that list.
The "Search" bar next to the Windows start menu may also be used to quickly access installed programs, documents, settings, or visit websites using your default web browser if you enter the full URL you want to visit (e.g. www.google.com).
Will my applications & peripherals (printer/scanners/label makers/etc) work with Windows 11?
Information Services has tested many common applications used at the University and found them to be compatible with Windows 11. If you are experiencing a software compatibility problem (or are not sure if it's a compatibility problem) please contact the Help Desk for assistance. There will be some situations where existing hardware such as scanners, printers, label makers, etc, are incompatible with Windows 11. Replacement of the device may be the only option if the manufacturer of the affected device has not made Windows 11 drivers/software available.
My default printer keeps changing by itself, how can I stop this?
Right-Click the Windows start menu, choose "Settings", choose "Bluetooth & devices", choose "Printers & Scanners", and toggle "Let Windows manage my default printer" so this is OFF.
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Copilot is an artificial intelligence (AI) based assistance tool. You can access it by pressing the Copilot button in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows Key + C on your keyboard. More information about Copilot is available from Microsoft; https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/copilot-ai-features
Can I setup and use a biometric login?
Biometric access (Also known as "Windows Hello") which includes fingerprints, facial recognition and personal identification numbers are disabled. Though your Windows 11 computer may provide the physical capability for these authentication methods, each of them provides a less-secure form of authentication which does not meet the University's high security standards.
See Also