Summary

This article covers the process of upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on a USNH-managed Windows computer.

With the end of support for Windows 10 scheduled for October 14^th, 2025, you will receive an ET&S notification for upgrading to Windows 11. USNH-managed computers still running Windows 10 will receive a notification to upgrade the PC with options to run the upgrade or defer for one week.  You can continue using your computers during the installation process; however, you will be unable to do so while the system restarts to complete the Windows 11 installation. The entire upgrade process can take up to two hours.

You will see the following pop-up in the lower right prompting you to upgrade your computer to Windows 11 with two options:

• Upgrade Windows - starts a silent upgrade to Windows 11 while allowing you to continue to work on your computer. See detailed instructions below.
• Defer 1 Week - closes the notification until the next scheduled task.

How-To

Important: ET&S always recommends you do not store data locally on your computer and that you use OneDrive or another USNH network storage location to store your files so your data is backed up. If at any time your hard drive were to fail, ET&S and other data recovery providers may not be able to recover your data as all office computer hard drives are encrypted. To learn more about OneDrive, visit our knowledge articles on OneDrive: Accessing/Logging in to OneDrive and OneDrive: Synchronizing Files/Folders .

Instructions

Step 1 - Choose "Upgrade Windows" and the following pop-up will appear:

Step 2 - Click "OK" to start the background upgrade.  You may continue to work normally on your computer while the upgrade progresses.

Step 3 - After download, the computer will need a reboot.  A "Windows 11 Installation Assistant" pop-up will notify you of the restart with a 30-minute countdown. This reminds you to save your work before the computer reboots itself.

Click for full-size image

Step 4 - Important:  Save your work before restarting the computer. Close programs to be sure everything is saved.

Step 5 - You may select “Restart now” or “Restart later” at any time during the countdown. 

• If you choose “Restart Now”, the computer will restart to finalize the installation of Windows 11.
  • "Restart Now" is recommended as you have control over exactly when the computer restarts.
• If you choose “Restart Later”, this screen will pop-up again in 30 minutes. 
  • If you choose “Restart Later” a second time, the computer will restart automatically in 30 minutes. 
  • You cannot delay the restart more than two times.
• If you do nothing and the countdown reaches 0, the computer will automatically restart to finalize the installation.

Step 6 - After the reboot begins, leave your computer plugged into power while the installation completes. This step can take some time. After your computer restarts, Windows 11 will complete the set up.

Step 7 - Once you see the Windows sign-in screen, the upgrade has completed and your computer is ready to use.  

Outcome

You have upgraded your USNH-managed computer from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Further Readings

Installing Windows Updates or Version Upgrades

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11

OneDrive: Accessing/Logging in to OneDrive

OneDrive: Synchronizing Files/Folders

Need additional help?

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.