Upgrade College-owned Computers from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Introduction

To maintain security and ensure continued support, all Pomona College-owned Windows workstations must be upgraded to Windows 11 before Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 in October 2025.

ITS will make the Windows 11 upgrade available through the built-in Windows Updates feature to facilitate this upgrade at your convenience. This is an in-place upgrade, meaning your files and data should not be erased. However, it is strongly recommended that you back up your important data to a safe location, such as OneDrive, Box, or the College's CrashPlan backup service.

Please contact the ITS Service Desk (909-621-8061) if you have any questions about backing up your data before the upgrade.

How To Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11

Open the Settings app from the Start Menu
Go to Update & Security
Check for and install any available updates. You may need to restart your computer to complete these updates.
Return to Update & Security. If the upgrade is available for your computer, you will see a message with the option to Download and install Windows 11.
If you do not see this message after checking for updates and restarting, contact ITS for assistance.
Select the option to Download and install Windows 11. The installation will proceed in the background (approximately 1 hour or more, depending on your computer). You can continue working during this time.
When the upgrade is ready to finish, save your work, close all applications, and return to Windows Update settings.
Select Restart now from the Update & Settings menu. Your computer will restart and continue the installation (approximately 30 minutes, but timing may vary).
Alternative option - To minimize disruption, schedule the restart before your lunch break or at the end of the workday. To do so the Schedule the restart option to choose a specific time.
After the upgrade, your computer will display the new Windows logon screen. You can sign in and resume your work.

Frequently Asked Questions (Post-upgrade)

The following are answers to common questions after the Windows 11 upgrade. For further assistance, contact the ITS Service Desk.

Start Menu Location

To move the Start Menu to the bottom left corner:

Right-click the Taskbar and select 'Taskbar settings'.
Go to 'Taskbar behaviors' and expand the options.
Change 'Taskbar alignment' from 'Center' to 'Left'.

Windows Activation Issues

After upgrading, Windows needs to verify its license with our on-campus servers.

If you receive a message that Windows is not activated, you should do the following:

If on campus: Ensure you're connected to the Pomona or PomonaCollege Wi-Fi networks, or use a wired connection.

If off campus: Connect to the Pomona College VPN.
Select 'Troubleshoot' next to the activation error. Windows will attempt to reactivate.
A 'Windows is activated' message will confirm successful activation.

If activation still fails, verify your network connection. Beyond that, please contact the ITS Service Desk (909-621-8061).