Windows 11

Microsoft Windows 11

We are now in the process of upgrading all staff with eligible devices to Windows 11 operating system. This page gives you information about the upgrade process and some of the key features of Windows 11.

What to Expect

Key Differences

Using Windows 11

Quick links

Windows 11 help

Windows 11 Upgrade - What to Expect

How the rollout works

Windows 11 will be rolled out across Flinders University in stages over several months.

Not all devices will be upgraded at the same time
You will receive the pop-up notification when your device is ready
This staged approach helps ensure a smooth and well supported rollout

How you will be notified

When your device is ready to upgrade, you will receive a pop-up notification on your device.

This is your signal that the upgrade is available
From this notification, you can choose how and when to complete the upgrade

You don’t have to upgrade your PC when you see this message. You can choose a time when you know you won’t be using your PC. You may start the upgrade and continue working, while it is installing in the background. After 20-60 minutes you will be asked to reboot. You will need to reboot your PC to complete the upgrade. You may find that, because a typical reboot only takes 20-60 minutes to complete, a lunch break is a perfect time to set the upgrade running.

If you would like to start this manually you can do from Software Centre, as shown below:

What happens during the upgrade

The upgrade requires a restart of your device
It typically takes 40–120 minutes to complete
You can schedule the restart at a convenient time

What will change

A refreshed look and layout (Start menu, taskbar, settings)
Improved performance and security

Your files, applications and access will remain the same

What you need to do

When your device is ready, you will have a few options:

Option 1 – Upgrade now

Select “Upgrade now” from the notification
Your device will begin the upgrade immediately

Option 2 – Schedule your upgrade

Choose a time that suits you
Your device will automatically upgrade at the scheduled time

Option 3 – Upgrade via Software Centre (when available)

Open Software Centre on your device
Select the Windows 11 upgrade

Start the upgrade when you’re ready

If no action is taken

If you haven’t upgraded by the deadline, the upgrade will occur automatically on that date. You will have 21 days to upgrade prior to the deadline.
Contact the IDS Service Desk if you need help

Why haven’t I received it yet?

Upgrades are being delivered progressively across the University.

Different devices are upgraded at different times
This helps ensure stability and allows issues to be resolved early

You will receive the pop-up notification when your device is ready

Key Differences Between Windows 10 and Windows 11

While Windows 11 may look different at first, many of the core functions remain the same. The update is designed to improve usability, security, and performance, with some changes to layout and navigation.

What’s changed

New look and layout
- The Start menu is now centred and simplified
- The taskbar has been redesigned for a cleaner appearance
- Settings menus have been reorganised and are easier to navigate
Improved multitasking tools
- Snap layouts make it easier to arrange multiple windows
- Virtual desktops are more flexible and easier to manage
Enhanced performance and speed
- Faster startup and improved responsiveness
- Better handling of multiple apps running at once
Stronger security requirements
- Built-in protections rely on more modern hardware
- Designed to better protect against evolving cyber threats

What stays the same

Your files, applications, and settings remain intact
Microsoft 365 apps (Outlook, Teams, Word, etc.) work as expected
You will still access systems using your FAN and standard login process
Day to day tasks (email, file access, printing, shared drives) remain unchanged

What you may need to get used to

The Start button location (now centred by default)
A slightly different right-click menu and file options
Updated Settings layout when changing system preferences

Using Windows 11

Taskbar

The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of your screen.

In Windows 11, the Start menu and icons are now centred by default
If you prefer, you can move them back to the left-hand side

To change this:

Right-click on the taskbar
Select Taskbar settings
Scroll down to Taskbar behaviours
Change Taskbar alignment to “Left”

You can also customise which icons appear on the taskbar from this settings menu.

Start menu

The Start menu has been updated with a cleaner layout.

Your pinned apps appear at the top
Your recent files appear underneath
Recent files may include documents from Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive

You can customise the Start menu:

Right-click on the Start menu
Select Start settings
Choose what appears and which folders (e.g. Documents, Pictures) are shown

Right-click menu (files and folders)

When you right-click on a file:

Not all options are visible straight away

To see more options:

Select Show more options

Task view and virtual desktops

Windows 11 makes it easier to organise your work.

Use Task View on the taskbar to switch between open apps
You can create multiple desktops to group different tasks or projects

This can help you keep your work organised, especially if you use multiple applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the objective of the Windows 11 rollout?

The goal is to upgrade all eligible staff and managed devices from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in phases, improving device security, performance, and supportability, while minimizing disruption and providing clear guidance to staff.

Who will be affected by this change?

All staff with eligible Windows devices will be upgraded in phases and notified when their device is ready.

How will I know when my device is ready to upgrade?

You will receive a system notification (pop-up) when your device is ready. There is no fixed schedule per user; upgrades are staggered for stability.

What will the upgrade process involve?

The upgrade is simple and requires a device restart
The process takes between 40–120 minutes and can be scheduled
Your files and applications will remain available after the upgrade

Will all devices be upgraded at the same time?

No, the rollout is gradual and staged over several months. Not all devices will be upgraded simultaneously.

What support is available if I have questions or issues?

Support is available via the IDS Service Desk.

What if I haven’t received an upgrade notification yet?

Upgrades are progressive. If you haven’t received a notification, your device is not yet scheduled. This is intentional to ensure a stable rollout.

Support for digital and IT services

Opening hours: 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays

After hours or when all staff are busy you will be given an option to leave a voicemail message. Voicemails will be accessed as soon as practical during business hours otherwise you may choose to log an IT support request.