Windows 11 Upgrade

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Windows 11 Upgrade

Improved performance. Enhanced security.

Windows 11 can be deployed to university-owned computers that meet Microsoft’s hardware requirements and have 40GB of free space. ITS will be in contact as the upgrade is rolled out across campus. If you would like to upgrade sooner, then please email helpdesk@binghamton.edu and let us know.

For guidance on how to install the upgrade after it's been sent to you, please review "How to upgrade your computer" below.

Please review the FAQ for common questions about the upgrade process and what can be expected.

Hardware requirements

ITS will help determine if your computer meets the specified requirements.

Component

Specification

Processor:

1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip(SoC)

RAM:

4 gigabyte (GB)

Storage:

64 GB or larger storage device

System firmware:

UEFI, Secure Boot capable

TPM:

Trusted Platform Module(TPM) version 2.0

Graphics card:

Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0

Display:

High Definition (720p) display that is greater than 9"

Additional Processor Support:

Intel 7th Gen processors that we did not originally include in our minimum system requirements, Intel® Core™ X-series, Xeon® W-series & Intel® Core™ 7820HQ (only select devices that shipped with modern drivers based on Declarative, Componentized, Hardware Support Apps (DCH) design principles, including Surface Studio 2)

How to install the upgrade on your computer

Type “Software Center” into the search of your Start menu.

Select "Updates" section in Software Center (left-hand side). Click on "Windows 11, version 24H2 x64 2025-xxx".

Click "Install" and confirm "Install"

Windows 11 will begin downloading and start the first steps to installing. You can still use your computer at this stage.

Save any open work. Click "Restart" and confirm "Restart".

Windows will restart and complete the upgrade to Windows 11. You cannot use your computer at this stage. Keep laptops plugged into power source.

The upgrade is complete when your computer is at the log-in screen again. When you sign in, it will take a few minutes. Subsequent sign-ins will not take as long. All your files should be where you left them.

FAQ

What will happen to my files?

Nothing. Your files will remain in-place. Upgrading to Windows 11 does not delete the data on your hard drive. Shortcuts, printers, network share drives, programs, documents, pictures, etc. will all remain in-place.

Should I back up my files?

It's always a good idea to maintain a current backup of important files whether or not you’re upgrading your operating system.

Keep in mind that folders like Downloads are often full of clutter. Review files to ensure you’re only backing up what’s needed.

Where should I back up my data?

A USB thumb drive or external hard drive. This backup is only temporary, until you’ve confirmed your files are safe after the upgrade.
OneDrive. Please keep in mind you should be uploading no more than 50GBs. If you have more than 50GB of data to backup and do not have a thumb drive large enough, please reach out to ITS so that Technical Support can assist you. Email helpdesk@binghamton.edu or comment on your open support ticket.

It is not recommended to back up to your university Bushare drive (H drive, S drive, U drive). Large amounts of data being transferred can lead to being blocked. Bushare is intended for working documents that live exclusively on the share and are not stored locally on your computer. Copies of local data should not be put on Bushare even temporarily. Google Drive has a default limit of 10GB and should not be utilized for backing up large amounts of data.

Why do I need to upgrade to Windows 11?

For security and supportability. Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This means no more security updates and ITS’ ability to support your computer will be limited.

Is there a deadline?

ITS would like to have all upgradeable computers running Windows 11 by Summer 2025. The world-wide deadline is October 14, 2025.

Can I just get a new computer?

If you’re due for a new computer and your department has plans to purchase one in the next bulk purchase this Spring, then let ITS know when we reach out about upgrading.

When is the best time to start the upgrade?

This only applies if you've chosen to run the upgrade yourself. If you want ITS to run the upgrade for you, then we can schedule it to run outside business hours for minimal impact on your workday.

If you have an alternate computer to work on, then start the upgrade early in your workday so that it completes before you leave.
If you do not have an alternate computer, then start the process 2 hours before the end of your workday. Before you leave for the day, click Restart in Software Center and let the upgrade finish. The first log-in after the upgrade will take a few minutes. If you have class or a meeting first thing the next morning, plan accordingly.

How long does the upgrade take?

Approximately 2 hours. It may take more or less time depending on your setup.

Can I still use my computer while the upgrade is happening?

Yes and no.

During the initial download and first phase of installation, you can use your computer (takes approximately 90 minutes). Don’t make major changes like installing new software, but you can edit documents and run existing programs.
During the Restart, you cannot use your computer (takes approximately 30 minutes).

Do I have to be there for you to upgrade my computer?

No. If you prefer to have it done on your behalf, then make your preference known and we will run the upgrade for you. It can be scheduled to run overnight.

Will all my programs still work?

Every program tested works in Windows 11 after the upgrade. Default staff/faculty programs like Chrome, Firefox, Office Suite, Adobe Suite, Panopto, Zoom, Mitel, Ivanti, VMware. Also verified: Matlab, SAS, SPSS, VLC, EG 8.3, ArcGIS, Notepad++.

If there are unique programs you have installed that you're concerned about, you can reach out to ITS before the upgrade and provide information on the program so it can be tested in a Windows 11 environment.

How do I go about getting the upgrade?

If ITS hasn’t contacted you, please email helpdesk@binghamton.edu and say you want to upgrade your university-owned computer to Windows 11. We’ll verify that your computer meets the hardware requirements, then either schedule a time to do the upgrade or make it available for you to run at your convenience.

What if my computer can’t run Windows 11?

If your computer does not meet Microsoft’s hardware requirements, then an in-place upgrade is not possible. Windows 11 can still be installed on your computer, however it would require wiping the hard drive.

ITS would need to coordinate with you on solutions. This could mean backing up your data, re-imaging your computer and re-installing any unique programs, then transferring your data back onto the freshly imaged computer. It could also mean arranging for a refurbished computer that does meet the hardware requirements and helping transfer your data from the old computer to the replacement computer.

Can ITS do the upgrade for me?

Yes. If you prefer to have it done on your behalf, then make your preference known and we will run the upgrade for you. It can be scheduled to run overnight.

If you want your data backed up as a precaution, then please do this yourself beforehand. You are the prime authority on which files are considered important enough to warrant backing up.

Can I do the upgrade myself?

Yes, but you still need to contact ITS so that it can be made available to your computer. Once made available, the process of running the upgrade yourself can be found in the section above titled "How to upgrade your computer".

For further assistance, you can email helpdesk@binghamton.edu or call 607-777-6420. If you already have an open support ticket, then please direct comments there so that the technician helping with your upgrade can assist faster.

Windows 11 Upgrade

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