WSBN - Windows 11 - Upgrade Project and Staff Training

Tags Windows11

Project Goals:  

  • To ensure that all CCE (Cornell Cooperative Extension) computers in our region are upgraded to Windows 11 before Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 in October 2025.
  • To ensure that all CCE staff are proficient and confident in using the new Windows operating system.

Windows 11 Upgrade Options

WSBN IT staff will work with each association, and each staff person, to identify which option below will work for each computer that needs to be upgraded to Windows 11.

Option 1 - Upgrade Windows

For newer systems, Windows 10 can be upgraded through the Windows update settings.  To ensure a smooth upgrade, ensuring staff data is backed up and going through a computer health check up is strongly recommended.

Estimated down time: 2 to 4 hours

  1. Backup Data: Ensure that all critical data is backed up. Users should be encouraged to store their files on their association shared drive on the file server.  
  2. PC health update:
    1. Install the latest hardware drivers.
    2. Ensure all installed software is up to date.
    3. Run windows system scan and disk cleanup.
  3. Run Windows 11 upgrade: This method does NOT involve wiping the system.  If all goes well, user profile settings and data will remain intact. 
  4. Test After Upgrade: After upgrading each computer, test it to ensure everything is functioning correctly. 

Option 2 - Reinstall Windows

For older systems that cannot upgrade from Windows 10 or computers that are experiencing issues after an upgrade, a clean install of Windows 11 may be required. 

Estimated down time: 4 to 8 hours

  1. Backup Data: Ensure that all critical data is backed up. Users should be encouraged to store their files on their association shared drive on the file server.  Local data stored on the computer, that needs to be restored after reinstalling Windows, greatly increases the time involved in this process.
  2. Use the Windows 11 Clean Install Method: This method is more involved than a typical upgrade, as it involves completely wiping the system, reinstalling the OS, and restoring the staff’s user profile and data. While the process is more time-consuming, it ensures a fresh start and helps minimize potential problems. 
  3. Test After Upgrade: After upgrading each computer, test it to ensure everything is functioning correctly. 

Option 3 - Replace Computer

Windows 11 cannot be installed or may not operate efficiently on many systems bought/manufactured before 2017. 

Options to discuss:

  • If available, utilize a newer existing computer that is not currently in use.
  • Budget and purchase a new computer.

Training

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