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Windows 11 Upgrade

Windows 11 logo

Overview

This page provides step-by-step instructions to upgrade your device to the Windows 11 operating system from Microsoft. If you prefer, you may schedule a time to have a technician from Pepperdine University upgrade your computer with you. For assistance, call Tech Central at 310.506.4357 (HELP).

Preparing to Upgrade

Before proceeding with the upgrade, ensure your device has at least 64 GB of available storage space. To check your storage capacity, open File Explorer, select “This PC” on the left, and review the available space on your hard drive.

device storage screen

If your computer's free storage space is below 64 GB, consider freeing up some space using one of these methods:

  • Delete old downloads, documents, or files you no longer need.
  • Transfer files to an external storage device such as a thumb drive or portable hard drive

How to Update to Windows 11

  1. Using the “Type here to search” bar on your computer, enter “Check for Updates” and click on the System settings application.
    check for updates screen

  2. Your device might have the following notification:
    Windows 11 upgrade notice

    ….but if it doesn’t, please click the “Check online for updates from Microsoft Update” text and the prompt might appear for you after briefly loading. If it continues to fail, please view the other options below.
    Microsoft up-to-date screen

  3. Click the “Download and install” icon and wait for the update to download and install. The device will prompt for a restart, but please schedule the restart and installation for a time that works best for you. The computer will take around 30 minutes or so to install and upgrade your system to Windows 11, so please schedule this installation when you are not going to be using your computer.

Update Challenges

If you encounter any problems with the update process:

  • Contact Tech Central either by calling 310.506.4357(HELP) or emailing techcentral@pepperdine.edu, and our technicians will be happy to schedule an appointment with you to upgrade your computer.
  • Please be patient and await further communication from the Information Technology (IT) department. IT will be updating your device within the forthcoming months.

FAQ

  Is the upgrade to Windows 11 mandatory?

Yes, the Windows 11 upgrade is mandatory to stay up-to-date with supported operating systems and stay up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.

  Can I still use Windows 10 after October 1, 2025?

No, you will not be able to use Windows 10 after October 1, 2025 as Pepperdine will stop supporting it on that date.

  What if my device needs Windows 10 in order to operate?

In certain limited scenarios, a device may not be capable of being upgraded to Windows 11. If you have reason to believe that your computer falls within these constraints, please contact the Tech Central Help Desk by either calling 310.506.4357(HELP) or emailing techcentral@pepperdine.edu. Upon contacting us, we will conduct an investigation to ascertain whether your device will require an update.

  What are the benefits in upgrading to Windows 11?

Upgrading to Windows 11 offers several benefits, including improved security, performance enhancements, and a refreshed user interface. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 which is requiring Pepperdine to upgrade.

 

Tech Central

Phone: 310.506.4357 (HELP)

Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

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