Technology
Windows 11 Overview
Last modified 9/27/2023
On this page you can find everything you need to get to know Windows 11.
Install Windows 11
To upgrade to Windows 11 follow the steps in this article:
https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu/technology/support-topics/device-support/windows/windows-11-overview/upgrading-to-windows-11-through-software-center
What's New in Windows 11
Taskbar
The first thing you will notice in Windows 11 is that a lot of things look different, especially the taskbar. If you would like to move the taskbar to the left side, like it was in Windows 10, follow the steps in this article:
https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu/technology/support-topics/device-support/windows/windows-11-overview/how-to-move-the-windows-11-taskbar
Right Click Menu
The menu that pops up when you right click something has become more minimal. To get to know it better, follow the steps in this article:
https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu/technology/support-topics/device-support/windows/windows-11-overview/windows-11-right-click-menu-copy-paste-rename
Snap Layouts
If you are used to dragging a window to the side of your screen to make it snap to that half of the screen, you may enjoy this update. With Snap Layouts Windows 11 brings a new way to organize your windows. If you would like more information on this, visit this article:
https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu/technology/support-topics/device-support/windows/windows-11-overview/windows-11-snap-layouts-fancy-zones
Helpful Tips and Tricks
In these articles you can find some helpful tips and tricks that you may not have known about. These articles could help you customize your Windows experience or improve you productivity.
Change Desktop Wallpaper
For directions on how to change your desktop wallpaper, follow the steps in this article:
https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu/technology/support-topics/device-support/windows/windows-11-overview/windows-11-changing-the-desktop-wallpaper
Change Windows Theme
If you want to change the way Windows looks, light or dark theme, lock screen image, color of your taskbar, and many more, visit this article to learn how:
https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu/technology/support-topics/device-support/windows/windows-11-overview/changing-the-theme-in-windows-11-dark-mode
Change Default Browser and PDF Viewer
If you would like to change what browser pops up when you click a link or what application opens when you want to view/edit a PDF, follow the steps in this article:
https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu/technology/support-topics/device-support/windows/windows-11-overview/changing-your-default-browser-and-pdf-viewer-in-windows-11
Map a Printer (Student Affairs Only)
If there is a printer that you need to print to and it doesn't appear in your available printers, you may need to map that printer to your computer. To do this, follow these quick steps in this article:
https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu/technology/support-topics/printing/student-affairs-sait-how-to-map-a-printer
Pin and Unpin Apps to Taskbar
If you have frequently used apps that you don't want to go to your desktop for, or have to search for them every time, you may want to pin them to your taskbar. To learn the different ways to do this, view this article:
https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu/technology/support-topics/device-support/windows/windows-11-overview/pin-and-unpin-apps-to-the-taskbar-in-windows-11
Rearrange Monitors and Change Main Monitor
You recently added a new monitor to your setup, or you would like to use your laptop with a monitor, but the placement isn't quite right, Follow this article to learn how to manage your screens in Windows:
https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu/technology/support-topics/device-support/windows/windows-11-overview/rearranging-and-changing-your-primary-monitor-in-windows-11
Setup Biometric Login
If you would like to use your laptop's built in fingerprint reader in order to login faster, follow the steps in this article:
https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu/technology/support-topics/device-support/windows/windows-11-overview/setting-up-biometric-login-in-windows-11
Software Center
Software Center is the place where all of the approved software for your department is available to add to your computer. This is also where you will be able to update certain apps. For more information, visit this article:
- Student Affairs Supported Faculty/Staff: Student Affairs - Software Center
- All Faculty/Staff : Software Center for Windows
Snagit
If you frequently use Snagit or would like to, Windows 11 doesn't allow Snagit to take control of the print screen option on your device by default. Follow the steps in this article to fix that:
https://help-test.illinoisstate.edu/technology/support-topics/device-support/windows/windows-11-overview/setting-snagit-as-default-print-screen-for-windows-11