Windows 11 made its public debut in October 2021, and most new personal computers since then have been delivered with this new operating system. Now OIT intends to upgrade our computer lab and classroom devices on campus with Windows 11 during our routine summer refreshment process. Whether you’ve used Windows 11 at home or have never used it before, here are a few things to expect once lab and instructional computers are upgraded.
Taskbar Changes
You may have heard about Microsoft’s decision to move the taskbar buttons to the center of the taskbar by default in Windows 11. However, to keep consistency with the current experience on our Windows 10 computers, OIT will be keeping the old standard of the Start button and other taskbar buttons appearing on the left of the taskbar.
New Settings Layout
Some settings may be in a different location than you are used to. In the Start menu, the settings (gear) button takes you to the Settings application, which provides multiple settings categories as well as a search option to find what you are looking for. The old Control Panel is still around, but don’t be surprised if it just routes you back to the Settings app for some settings!
Software? Same as it ever was!
Of course, we will always maintain the usual software you expect to find in computer labs across campus, barring any compatibility issues. If you run into any issues running a particular program on Windows 11 lab or instructional PCs, let us know so we can investigate!
