Windows 11 Frequently Asked Questions

General Transition & Timeline:

1. Q: When will my computer be upgraded to Windows 11?
   • A: Windows 11 upgrade will be available May 28, 2025.  Windows 11 will be deployed as a Microsoft feature update to your computer.  You will be prompted to restart your computer when your computer receives updates that require restart.
2. Q: Will I need to do anything to prepare for the upgrade?
   • A: Please ensure your computer is connected to a power source and has a stable internet connection. Close all open applications and save your work.
   • A: Please ensure that your computer has at least 50 GBs of free disk space before attempting to upgrade your computer.
3. Q: How can I review updates that require a restart or updates that are pending installation/restart?
   • A: Windows 10:  You can navigate to “Start”, go to “Settings”, “Update & Security”, and “Windows Update”.
     • You may also follow this link and click “Check for Windows update” on the Microsoft page.
   • A: Windows 11:  You can navigate to “Start” → “Settings” → “Windows Update”.  You will see a list of updates if any are available with their status.
     • You may also follow this link and click “Check for Windows update” on the Microsoft page.
4. Q: How long will the upgrade process take?
   • A: The upgrade process typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour. Please ensure you save all your work before starting the upgrade.
   • Note: After the initial upgrade, your device will need to download and install additional software which is done automatically and your device may prompt you for restarts.
     • Until then, you may experience some issues with drivers not being recognized. Please make sure to check for updates.  See Question 3.
5. Q: Will I lose my files and programs during the upgrade?
   • A: No, your files and most programs will be preserved during the upgrade. However, it's always a good practice to backup important files before any major system update.
6. Q: Who can I contact if I encounter issues during or after the upgrade?
   • A: Please contact the technology team at the following email address:
     • KIPP New Jersey:  [e-mail]
     • KIPP Miami: [e-mail] 
7. Q: What should I expect after the upgrade to Windows 11 is complete?
   • A: There will be additional updates for Windows 11 that should be installed to support devices like bluetooth and mouse functionality.
   • A: Check for additional Windows 11 updates by navigating to “Start” → “Settings” → “Windows Update” → click “Check for Updates”.
     • You may also follow this link and click “Check for Windows update” on the Microsoft page.
8. Q: What should I do if my screen turns black, only shows the mouse cursor without any progress information, sits there for over 1 hour, and is unresponsive?
   
   • A: Press and hold your power button until the computer powers down completely.  Power up your computer again.  The upgrade should pickup where it left off.
   • A: In the event the upgrade fails, typically, Windows is designed to rollback to Windows 10.

Windows 11 Interface & Features:

1. Q: What are the main differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11?
   • A: Windows 11 features a redesigned Start menu, a centered taskbar, improved multitasking with Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, and enhanced Microsoft Teams integration.
2. Q: Where did the Start menu go? It looks different.
   • A: The Start menu is now centered at the bottom of the screen. It provides quick access to pinned and recommended apps, as well as search functionality.
3. Q: How do I access my frequently used applications?
   • A: You can pin frequently used applications to the taskbar or the Start menu for quick access.
4. Q: How do I multitask effectively in Windows 11?
   • A: Windows 11 introduces Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, allowing you to easily arrange multiple windows on your screen. Hover over the maximize button on a window to see the layout options.
5. Q: How do I change the default browser?
   • A: You can change the default browser in the Settings app under "Apps" and then "Default apps."
6. Q: How do I customize the taskbar?
   • A: Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings" to customize its appearance and behavior.
7. Q: My bluetooth connections aren’t working in Windows 11.  What should I do?
   • A: Check for additional Windows 11 updates by navigating to “Start” → “Settings” → “Windows Update” → click “Check for Updates”.
   • You may also follow this link and click “Check for Windows update” on the Microsoft page.
8. Q: Why doesn’t my Calendar on the Taskbar work when I have extended screens?
   • A: The Calendar can be opened on the Taskbar only from the main monitor.
9. Q: Zoom is not recognizing my camera and audio.
   • A: Ensure that your computer is completely up-to-date by navigating to “Start” → “Settings” → “Windows Update” → click “Check for Updates”.  Install any additional update and restart your computer.
10. Q: How do I disable the Widgets board?
    • A: Right-click on the taskbar, select “Taskbar settings”, and under “Taskbar items”, toggle the Widgets switch to “Off”.
11. Does the system entering sleep mode or locking the screen interrupt active download processes, or do downloads persist in the background during these states?
    • A: When the computer is locked, active downloads should continue in the background.  However, if the computer goes to sleep mode, downloads are paused until an active connection to the Internet is re-established.
12. Q: Why isn’t my sound working or coming from an incorrect device?
    • A: Ensure that your computer is completely up-to-date by navigating to “Start” → “Settings” → “Windows Update” → click “Check for Updates”.  Install any additional update(s) and restart your computer.
    • Ensure that your computer is using the correct sound output device by clicking the “speaker” icon in the notification area, click the “Select a sound output” button on the pop-up menu, and select the appropriate “Output device”.

Compatibility & Performance:

1. Q: Will my existing software and hardware be compatible with Windows 11?
   • A: Most software and hardware compatible with Windows 10 will work with Windows 11. However, some older devices or software may require updates or may not be fully compatible.
2. Q: Will Windows 11 run slower on my computer?
   • A: Windows 11 is designed to be efficient. However, performance can vary based on your computer's hardware specifications. If your computer meets the Windows 10 requirements, it should run Windows 11.
3. Q: Are there any specific hardware requirements for Windows 11?
   • A: Our active staff computers meet all the requirements

Training & Support:

1. Q: I’ve rebooted my computer several times and still do not have Windows 11.
   • A: Not all restarts trigger the Windows 11 upgrade. Your device may be receiving regular system or security updates that require restarts, but these are not the Windows 11 upgrade. To check if the upgrade is available, go to the Start Menu → Settings → Windows Update → . If you don’t see Windows 11 listed there and your device meets the requirements, it will be pushed soon through our managed update process.
2. Q: Will there be any training provided for Windows 11?
   • A: Review the following YouTube videos:
     • Windows 11 Introduction
     • Meet Windows 11:  The Basics
3. Q: What are the best resources for learning about new features in Windows 11?
   • A: Microsoft's website and YouTube provide excellent tutorials and guides on Windows 11 features. We will also provide curated links.
4. Q: How do I perform basic tasks like printing or connecting to the network in Windows 11?
   • A: Although the look and feel might be slightly different, basic functionality is the same as Windows 10.