Windows 11 is coming to your open access PCs & computer labs.
When you return for the new academic year, you’ll notice that the university open-access PCs and computer lab PCs have been upgraded to Windows 11.
Windows 11 provides a modern, secure and more productive computing experience while keeping the university applications and services you use every day. This page explains what’s changing, what stays the same, and how to get started.
Upgrades happening during the summer break — no action needed from you.
Digital Services will complete the Windows 11 upgrades during the summer vacation while teaching spaces are less busy.
There is no action required before you leave for the summer. When you return, simply sign in using your usual university account and Windows 11 will be ready for you to use.
The Start menu is now centred at the bottom of your screen. Pinned apps are at the top; recent files appear below. You can right-click the taskbar to move it back to the left if you prefer.
Notifications are consolidated into a cleaner panel. Focus assist lets you block distractions during study sessions and set quiet hours.
Your files, Microsoft 365 apps, and university software will all be carried over. You won’t lose anything.
Sign in with the same university username and password as before. Nothing changes about how you access university systems.
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneDrive all work exactly as before and are already installed on your upgraded device.
No. Your files are stored on OneDrive and will be accessible as soon as you log in. We strongly recommend making sure your OneDrive is synced and up to date before you leave for summer, just to be safe.
No action is required from you. However, it is good practice to make sure your important files are saved to OneDrive rather than just the local desktop or Downloads folder, so they are safe during the upgrade.
This upgrade only applies to university-owned devices. If you use your own laptop or computer, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your device is compatible.
All standard university software has been tested and confirmed compatible with Windows 11. If you use specialist tools specific to your course, your department will confirm compatibility. Contact your department or Digital Services if you are unsure.
The Start menu is now centred at the bottom of the screen. Click the Windows icon to see your pinned apps and recent files. You can right-click the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings to move it to the left if you prefer the classic layout.
Snap layouts lets you quickly arrange multiple app windows side-by-side. Hover your mouse over the maximise button (the square icon at the top of any window) and choose a layout. It is really useful for researching and writing at the same time.
If you experience any issues:
