Introducing Windows 11

Windows 11 plus Logo, over blue wave background

Deployment for Windows 11 devices has begun! It has been announced that Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 by the end of 2025, so CIS is proactively initialing our Windows 11 deployment process to stay ahead of the curve.

While Windows 11 has been available for a couple of years now, we understand that it may be new to some of you who have not yet upgraded. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition for all users. With this, you can find many helpful resources below!

Windows 11 Wiki Documentation

Documentation for Windows 11 is now available on the SPU Wiki as we begin processing deployments. This may serve as a valuable resource for anyone needing guidance on navigating the new system. Additionally, we have provided walkthrough videos to assist you in familiarizing yourself with Windows 11.

Microsoft Copilot

We are also going to introduce Microsoft Copilot, and encourage faculty and staff to consider leveraging this powerful AI tool within their work processes. Copilot can significantly enhance workflow efficiency, and understanding its functionality is increasingly valuable in today's AI-driven landscape. Documentation for Copilot is also accessible on the SPU Wiki for those interested in learning more.

Upgrade Checklist

To ensure a seamless transition during the deployment of updated Windows 11 devices, we've prepared a checklist for you to review before your visit to the HelpDesk. Once you've completed the checklist, there will be a link to schedule an appointment to receive your upgraded Windows 11 device. Please note that your previous laptop will be retained for one week to ensure that all data has been transferred successfully.

Faculty and Staff will be notified by the HelpDesk when to begin preparing for their device upgrades via email. 

Windows 11 and Copilot Tips and Tricks

As deployment commences, we will be posting a weekly series of tips and tricks to help guide you through the transition and discover new efficient ways to enhance your work productivity. You can find the series of tips and tricks for Windows 11 and MS Copilot below:

Similar to Windows 10, Windows 11 features Snap Layouts. While you can still drag windows to the sides and corners for half- and quarter-screen layouts, Windows 11 introduces a new hover menu over the Maximize button, offering various layout options.

snap-hoverblog.png

For instance, you can choose to have one large window on the left and two stacked on the right or opt for three windows in a row. The available choices depend on the size of your display.

To select your preferred formation, simply click and then arrange your apps accordingly. If you’d prefer, you can disable this behavior in Settings. Additionally, there are keyboard shortcuts available for quickly snapping windows. For example, pressing Windows Key-Left Arrow snaps a window to the left half of the screen.

For more information, please refer to the Snap Layouts and Snap Groups wiki page.

Virtual desktops are designed to help users organize windows and enhance multitasking, similar to how snap layouts work. Virtual desktops offer a flexible workspace where users can group related tasks or applications together, switch between different projects or workflows seamlessly, and maintain a clutter-free desktop environment. With virtual desktops, users can efficiently manage their workflow and productivity by allocating specific applications or tasks to different desktops, thereby streamlining their work and optimizing their desktop experience.

Microsoft has replaced the old Task View button with a redesigned icon on the taskbar, making it easier to create and manage multiple desktops in Windows 11. Hovering over the icon reveals any open virtual desktops or allows you to create a new one effortlessly.

These desktops can then be rearranged as needed, and apps from one desktop can be seamlessly dragged into another. You can also toggle between multiple desktops with ease by using the shortcut Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow.

In Windows 11, you also have the option to use different wallpapers for each virtual desktop. Simply right-click on the desktop, choose Personalize, then Background, and select a unique image for each desktop. It's important to note that this feature only applies to the Background choice and not to Themes. If you select a Theme, it applies to all virtual desktops; however, you can still customize the background per desktop after applying a theme. When you make this adjustment, you'll notice a smooth cross-fade effect between the two backgrounds when switching between virtual desktops.

For more information, please refer to the Virtual Desktops wiki page.

The most noticeable change in Windows 11 is the relocation of the Start button. Traditionally situated in the lower-left corner of the screen, it's now centered along with the other icons on the taskbar.

However, if you prefer the classic layout, you can easily revert it. To do so, simply right-click on the taskbar and choose Taskbar Settings. From there, select the Taskbar Behaviors drop-down menu and adjust the Taskbar Alignment to Left.

By making this adjustment, your taskbar icons will shift to the left, and the Start button will return to its original position. Additionally, you can further personalize your taskbar by pinning and adjusting apps. For more advanced customization options, refer to the taskbar personalization settings within the Settings app. To access these settings, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.

For additional information and guidance, please refer to the Start Menu and Taskbar wiki page.

Sticky Notes in Windows 11 serve as versatile digital reminders and note-taking companions, seamlessly integrated into your desktop experience. Accessed via the search bar or the Windows Accessories folder, Sticky Notes can provide a convenient platform to jot down quick thoughts, to-do lists, and important reminders right on your desktop. With a simple click or shortcut (Ctrl + N), you can create new notes, which can be easily customized in terms of color, size, and text formatting to suit your personal style and organizational preferences. What sets Sticky Notes apart is their seamless synchronization across devices through your Microsoft account, ensuring that your notes are always accessible whenever and wherever you need them, whether you're on your PC, tablet, or mobile device.

Furthermore, Sticky Notes offer advanced features to enhance your productivity, such as insights and keyboard shortcuts, accessible through the settings menu. By pinning notes to your desktop or keeping them minimized in the taskbar, you can keep essential information at your fingertips without cluttering your workspace. To get to the Sticky Notes settings menu, Right-Click on the Sticky Notes app within the taskbar and then go to Settings.

Use the snipping tool to take quick photos or screenshots (WIN+SHIFT+S).

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is a versatile and user-friendly tool designed to capture and annotate screenshots with ease. Accessible through the Start menu or by searching, the Snipping Tool offers various snipping modes, including rectangular, freeform, window, and full-screen, allowing you to capture exactly what you need with precision and flexibility. With its intuitive interface, you can quickly capture screenshots of specific windows, regions, or the entire screen, providing a seamless way to document and share information.

Once captured, the Snipping Tool offers a range of annotation tools, including pens, highlighters, and text boxes, enabling you to add notes, highlights, and explanations directly onto your screenshots. Whether you're highlighting key information, circling important details, or adding context to your screenshots, the Snipping Tool empowers you to communicate effectively and efficiently. Additionally, you can save your snips in various formats, including PNG, JPEG, and GIF, or easily share them via email, messaging apps, or social media platforms, making collaboration and communication a breeze.