Purpose of knowledge article

BACKUP YOUR DATA and VERIFY IT BEFORE DOING THE UPGRADE

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  1. Preparing for a Windows 11 Upgrade 

    1. Perform a Computer Assessment

      AssessmentConsiderations

      Software Assessment



      What applications will be needed in Windows 11?

      Are any applications now redundant because of new Windows 11 features?

      Are all applications compatible with Windows 11?

      https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/ready-for-windows#/

      Also, consider checking the vendor's website for Windows 11 compatibility information.

      Please note that it is not always possible to determine ahead of time whether a given application will operate as expected in Windows 11.

      Do you have the software installation media if you need to reinstall after the upgrade?

      Do you have the software license keys for reactivation if required after the upgrade?
      Procure any Windows 11 compatible software if needed

      Hardware Assessment

      Is all computer and peripheral hardware compatible with Windows 11? 

      https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications?r=1
      Are drivers available for specialized peripherals and devices?
      Run hardware diagnostics to ensure the hardware is sound for Dell equipment, see https://www.dell.com/support/home/ca/en/cabsdt1/quicktest
      Procure any Windows 11-compatible hardware if needed

      Data Assessment

      		What data is currently on the system?
      Where is the data stored?
      How much storage is needed?
      Do you have the adequate backup capacity to prepare for the upgrade?

    2. Back up all data

      OptionDescription

      Recommended for most users: Druva inSync Backup

      • For most users, the best way to back up the files you need is to use Druva InSync, the Lab's recommended desktop backup solution.
      • By default, Druva will only back up data in a few select locations. Review the Druva settings and compare them to the Data Assessment performed earlier.
      • Information on purchasing and configuring Druva is available here: Workstation Backups - Druva
      • Druva keeps all data for at least 90 days
      Copy to external hard drive
      • Copying select files and folders to an external hard drive can be an inexpensive option, particularly for users with a lot of data to back up. External drives are easily purchased through the eBuy Staples or CDW-G stores.
      • Unlike Druva backups, external hard drives cannot be accessed over the web, which may be an added convenience.
      Clone the original hard drive
      • Advanced users may prefer to clone the entire hard drive.
      • Cloning the original disk ensures the ability to revert to the original hard drive if something goes wrong with the upgrade to Windows 11, but it requires more advanced skills to avoid damaging your system.
      • Before commencing this process, ensure that the new drive is of equal size or larger than the original drive. Hard drives and docking bays are easily purchased through the eBuy Staples or CDW-G stores.
      • Berkeley Lab IT recommends Clonezilla as a free, open-source tool for cloning drives.

    3. Windows 11 Licensing - In many cases, the Microsoft Windows license that was provided with your computer can be used to activate Windows 11 at no cost. For example, most Dell computers purchased by the Lab with Windows 10 Professional can be upgraded at no cost. 
      For systems that do not have an eligible license, a Windows 11 Professional license can be purchased from software.lbl.gov.

    4. Ensure that Windows 10 is fully patched before upgrading

      1. Using Windows Update, install all available Windows 10 patches. This may require several hours to install and involve multiple reboots. This step is highly recommended and will increase the chances of a successful upgrade.

  2. Upgrade to Windows 11 

    1

    Check that your local hard disk has at least 10 GB of free space

    2

    Make sure Windows 10 has all the available updates - see Run Windows Update on Windows 10


    Note: The computer might need to restart after some updates


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    3

    Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

    4

    Under the Windows 11 Installation Assistant section, click the Download Now button to download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

    5

    Run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant tool

    BACKUP YOUR DATA and VERIFY IT BEFORE DOING THE UPGRADE

    6

    Click Accept and install

    7

    The Windows 11 Installation Assistant tool will do its 3-step process. At the end of the 3rd step, click Restart now to start the Windows 11 in-place upgrade


    8

    Once the Windows 11 in-place upgrade is complete and upon the first Windows 11 startup, you will be asked about privacy settings. Toggle the slider to No or Off for all of them

  3. Post-Upgrade Steps