Updating to Windows 11

by | Jan 22, 2025 | Microsoft 365

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Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. After this time, your system won’t get security updates, making it vulnerable. Updating to Windows 11 keeps your computer secure, improves performance, and adds new features.

This guide will help you check for and install the update.

How to Check if You’re Running Windows 11

If you’re not sure whether you’re already running Windows 11, you can quickly check by following these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard at the same time. This will open the Run dialog box.

2. Type winver into the box and select OK.

3. A window will pop up displaying information about your Windows version. If it says “Windows 11” in the version name, you’re already running Windows 11. If it says Windows 10 or anything else then you need to update your Windows.

How to Install Windows 11

Step 1: Check for the Update

1. Open Settings on your computer:

    • Click the Start button (the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
    • In the menu that appears, click the gear icon labeled Settings.
    • Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings directly.

2. Go to Update & Security (or Windows Update on newer versions).

3. Click Check for updates.

4. If the Windows 11 update is available, it will appear as an option to download and install.

NOTE: If your computer shows that it cannot update to Windows 11, please contact our support team by emailing us at [email protected] or calling/texting us at (615) 475-0145 for assistance.

Step 2: Start the Update

1. Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the update.

2. The computer may restart several times during the installation.

3. Allow the process to complete without interruptions.

Step 3: Post-Update Tasks

1. Once Windows 11 is installed, go to Settings > Windows Update and check for any additional updates.

2. Ensure your software and devices are working as expected.

3. Contact Keylink IT if anything is not working as expected by emailing us at [email protected] and include a screenshot or description of your issue or by calling/texting us at (615) 475-0145.

Note: The image above is a placeholder showing a computer upgrading its Windows. It does not reflect the actual Windows Update process. Don’t worry if your screen doesn’t look like this during the update—it’s just an example image.

 

Step 4: Update Drivers

1. Once Windows 11 is installed, open Settings again.

2. Go to Windows Update.

3. Select Advanced Options > Optional Updates.

4. Click on the toggle icon to view all optional driver updates.

Select all options

5. Click Download and Install to install the selected updates.

Optional: Adjusting Your Taskbar Alignment in Windows 11

If you’re new to Windows 11 and miss how the taskbar looked on older systems, don’t worry—you can make it look familiar again by adjusting the taskbar alignment. Windows 11 introduces a centered taskbar option, but if you prefer the classic left-aligned look, it’s easy to switch back. Here’s how:

What’s the Difference?

Left Alignment:

This is how the taskbar looked in all previous versions of Windows. The Start button and app icons are positioned in the lower-left corner, making it familiar for longtime Windows users.

Center Alignment:

This is a new feature in Windows 11. The Start button and app icons are centered, giving the screen a balanced and modern feel. It may take some getting used to but works well on larger or wider screens.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Go to the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.

2. Right-click anywhere on the taskbar.

3. A menu will pop up—select Taskbar Settings.

4. Scroll down to the section labeled Taskbar behaviors.

5. Under Taskbar Alignment, you’ll see two options in the dropdown menu:

    • Center: This places the Start menu and icons in the middle of the screen for a modern look.
    • Left: This moves the Start menu and icons to the bottom-left corner, just like older versions of Windows.

6. Select Left if you want the classic look, or stick with Center for the new style.

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