Faculty and staff may be able to upgrade to Windows 11 on their own schedule, through the use of Microsoft Software Center. Note:  the Windows 11 upgrade must be made available in Software Center by your IT support team in order for this method to work. Please contact your IT team if you do not see Windows 11 available to you in Software Center. 

How to Upgrade

Open Software Center from the Start Menu. You may also type Software Center into the Search field in the Windows taskbar.

Once you have opened Software Center, select the Updates tab on the left. If your machine is eligible to upgrade, you will find the Windows 11 update available here.
NOTE: You may need to be on the latest version of Windows 10 (21H2) before you are able to proceed with the Windows 11 upgrade.

Select the update from the list, and you will be prompted with the option to install it.

Clicking Install will begin the download. This process may take up to 2 hours to complete, and you can continue to use your computer as normal while it downloads in the background.

After Windows 11 has finished downloading and installing in the background, you will be prompted by Software Center to restart your computer:

The restart will take some time - typically 30 minutes to an hour. Your PC will NOT be usable during the restart.

Time Required

Downloading & Installing in the background:  up to 2 hours (PC usable)
Restart & Upgrade:  up to1 hour (PC not usable)

How to Get Help

For technical assistance, please Submit a Help Ticket, or contact the Technology Support Center at (309) 438-4357, by email at SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu, or by LiveChat at Help.IllinoisState.edu/get-it-help/.

Changes to expect after upgrading

Getting to Know Windows 11