Windows 11

The layout of the Windows 11 start menu now consists of 3 sections: the “Pinned” section, the “Recommended” section, and the “User Account & Power Button” section. The new layout improves the user’s ability to find, switch between, organize and resize/reposition open apps, as well as keep track of notifications and access frequently used system settings.

A new feature of Windows 11 is a notification tray that contains a history of app notifications and the calendar.

While there is a new Outlook app available in Windows 11 ITS recommends that you continue to use the legacy Outlook app installed as part of Microsoft O365.

Windows 11 also has enhanced security features, including Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0.

Shut Down, Restart, or Put Your Computer to Sleep:

1. On the Start menu, select Power.
2. Select the option you want: Sleep, Shut down, or Restart.

Lock your computer, change your account settings, sign out or switch your account:

1. On the Start menu, select your username.
2. Choose the option you want: Change account settings, Lock, or Sign out.

Search:

1. Type into the search bar to search for apps, files, and settings.
2. When initial search results are displayed, you can:
   1. Select Apps to find results for apps.
   2. Select Documents, including your documents, pictures, music, and videos.

Create Desktop Shortcuts in Windows 11

1. Right click on your Windows 11 Desktop.
2. Scroll down to New and select Shortcut.
3. Click Browse and select an application for which you would like a shortcut.
4. Click OK, then Next.
5. Name your Desktop Shortcut.
6. Click Finish to create the Desktop Shortcut.
7. When the application appears, right-click on it and select from the following options:
   1. Pin to Start, which will place the application conveniently in the panel next to your Start menu. (Note: This panel will include three sections auto-named "Office Apps," "Browsers," and "System Utils."
   2. Anything you pin will go into the fourth, unnamed section. We recommend you name this section "Favorites.”
   3. Pin to Taskbar, which will place the application shortcut on the toolbar that is visible on the bottom of your screen.

Using Tiles

In the right pane of the Start menu, you'll find tiles for common apps. To move a tile, click and drag it to another position. You can rearrange tiles within the pane. You can also drag apps between the tile view and the app list view.

Right-click a tile to display a menu for performing other actions with that tile, which may include:

• Unpin from Start
• Uninstall
• More

Switch Among Running Apps

1. Select “Task View” on the task bar (bottom left-hand corner).
2. Select the app you would like to view.

Create a New Virtual Desktop and switch among Virtual Desktops

Windows 11 treats VDIs much like apps. To create a new virtual desktop:

1. Select the Task View button on the taskbar.
2. Select New Desktop near the lower-right corner of the screen.

To switch among VDI interfaces, select the Task View button on the task bar, then simply select the thumbnail for the virtual desktop you want, as if you were choosing an app.

Access Application Commands

In Windows 11, select the Menu button on the upper left to do things like search, print, or change app settings. The options you will see will vary by application.

Use the Snap feature to View Multiple Windows on One Screen

• To snap two windows side by side:
  • Drag the title bar of one window to one side of the screen, until a half-screen outline of the window appears.
  • Release the mouse to snap the window into position.
  • Repeat these steps for the other window, using the other side of the screen. 
• To snap 4 windows in a two-by-two configuration on your screen:
  • Drag the title bar of the first window to the left or right side of the screen near a corner, until a quarter-screen outline of the window appears.
  • Release the mouse to snap the window into position.
  • Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other three windows, using the other corners of the screen.

Display the Quick Access Menu

The Quick Access menu provides access to advanced system tools such as “Power Options,” “Task Manager,” and “Control Panel.” To display the Quick Access menu, right-click the Start button on the far left of the task bar.

Change Your Account Picture

1. Go to Start, and then select Settings > Accounts.
2. Under Create your picture, select Browse for one.
3. Find the picture you want to use, select it, and then select Choose picture.

If you prefer to take a new account picture, select the Camera button.

Open the Action Center

To open the action center, select the Action Center icon in the notifications area at the far right of the taskbar. Within the action center, you'll find:

• A persistent list of notifications, so that you can view and address them at times of your choosing.
• Links for performing quick actions, such as turning Wi-Fi on or off.

What is Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the latest major release of Microsoft's Windows NT operating system.

Does Windows 11 require a Touch Screen?

No. While Windows 11 offers full touchscreen support, it also works with a mouse and keyboard. It also works with a standard LCD or CRT monitor.

Will all my apps still be there after I upgrade?

Upgrading your system from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will not erase your files. After the update is completed, you should have access to all user files that were previously available in Windows 10. Your apps will be there, but you will have to re-pin favorites to your task bar or the start menu. See the "How To's" section above for instructions on the creation of new desktop shortcuts

However, if you have any files saved to your desktop, be sure to save them to a shared drive prior to beginning an upgrade to Windows 11. These files will be lost when the upgrade is complete.

To expedite response to your Windows 11 upgrade technical questions, please email your questions directly to the Level 3 Configuration Support Team at [email protected].

For answers to Windows questions after your upgrade has been completed, contact the ITS Service Desk directly at 1-844-891-1786, through the ITSM Service Now Self-service portal, or chat online with a Service Desk representative.

Additional Resources

• Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
• Getting the Most Out of Microsoft Edge
• Enabling the PrinterLogic Extension in Google Chrome
• Meet Windows 11: The Basics