Welcome to Windows 11
Windows 11 is here to transform the way you work and connect with colleagues. With a fresh design, new features, and a focus on productivity, your new operating system is a powerhouse at your fingertips. As with any update, the way you used to do things may have changed compared to Windows 10; please review the sections below to become acquainted with Windows 11.
New Features in Windows 11
Modern and Intuitive Design
- Centered Taskbar and Start Menu: A fresh, centered look makes navigation intuitive and declutters the desktop. The Start menu has been redesigned with a minimalist interface and recommended apps for quick access.
- Rounded Corners: Windows and menus now have smooth, rounded corners for a more polished and modern aesthetic.
- Enhanced Themes: New light and dark themes provide a visually stunning experience tailored to your preferences.
Enhanced Productivity
- Snap Layouts: Arrange open windows into preset layouts (e.g., side-by-side, grid) for multitasking with ease. Simply hover over the maximize button to access layout options.
- Snap Groups: Save groups of apps together to reopen later, maintaining your workspace exactly as you left it.
- Virtual Desktops: Easily switch between desktops for work or personal tasks, now with custom backgrounds for each desktop.
- Focus Sessions in Clock App: Integrated with Spotify, the Clock app now helps you stay on task while enjoying your favorite tunes.
Optimized Performance
- Faster Boot Times: Experience quicker startup and app load times compared to Windows 10.
- Energy Efficiency: Windows 11 is optimized for improved battery life on laptops.
Widgets for Personalized Information
- Access news, weather, calendars, and much more with customizable widgets.
Enhanced Security
- TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot: Built-in hardware-based security features protect your system from modern threats.
- Windows Hello Passwordless Login: Faster and safer login using facial recognition or a PIN.
Advantages of Windows 11 Over Windows 10
| Feature |
Windows 10 |
Windows 11 |
| User Interface |
Traditional taskbar and menu |
Centered taskbar, modern design |
| Multitasking |
Snap Assist |
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups |
| Performance |
Standard |
Faster, optimized for battery life |
| Teams Integration |
Separate download |
Built-in |
| Security |
Basic |
TPM 2.0, Secure Boot |
Windows Hello
Windows 11 offers several new ways to sign into your computer. To learn more about these additional sign-in methods, please review the Windows 11: Windows Hello knowledge document.
GlobalProtect VPN Client
The GlobalProtect VPN (Virtual Private Network) client by Palo Alto Networks is a tool that allows you to securely access the university's network and resources from anywhere, whether you're working from home, traveling, or off-campus. To learn more about GlobalProtect, please review the GlobalProtect VPN Overview knowledge document.
Dell Command Update
Dell Command Update (DCU) is an application used to update drivers, BIOS, and firmware for Dell computers. GVSU has deployed this software to all Windows 11-compatible devices to keep them up to date. Standard Windows updates will still be delivered through the Windows Update section of the Settings app. To learn more about DCU, please review the Dell Command Update Overview knowledge document.
Private Drive System to Microsoft OneDrive Transition
GVSU is transitioning from individual private drives to Microsoft OneDrive for file storage. This change aims to improve the ease of storing, accessing, and backing up your data. With OneDrive, you can access your files from any internet-connected device on campus. Please note that shared department drives will remain unchanged and will continue to be accessible. Your files from the private drive have already been migrated to OneDrive using the SharePoint Migration Manager, access to your private drive will now be removed within two weeks. To ensure a smooth transition, please:
-
Verify that all your data has been correctly transferred.
-
Stop making changes to files still stored in your private drive.
Working with files that sync to OneDrive requires careful attention. Familiarizing yourself with the application and understanding how files respond to changes is especially important in Windows 11. For information about OneDrive, please click this link.
The Benefits of Using OneDrive
OneDrive offers several benefits that make it a reliable choice for managing and backing up your files. First, it ensures that your data is always available, even if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Files stored in OneDrive can be accessed from any internet-connected device, so you’ll never lose access to important documents.
Another significant advantage is OneDrive’s version history feature. This tool allows you to view and restore previous versions of a file, which is especially helpful if you accidentally overwrite something or make a mistake while editing. For example, if you’re working on a report and realize you need an earlier version, you can easily recover it using OneDrive.
Where Are My Files?
All files from your private drive and old computer have been migrated to Microsoft OneDrive. The files from the Documents folder on the private drive have also been merged with the Documents folder in Windows 11 to allow for a seamless transition. To access your files, please follow the steps in the expandable sections below.
Accessing Your Files
1. Open the Windows File Explorer.
2. Click on the Microsoft OneDrive folder.
Note: The folder will have a blue cloud for the icon, and the name will follow this naming convention: Your first name - Grand Valley State University.
3. There will be a new folder inside the OneDrive folder named Backup Private Drive. Click on the folder to access all files that have been migrated from your private drive.
Using an Internet-Connected Device to Access Your Files
1. Open a web browser on the device you're using and navigate to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/online-cloud-storage.
2. Click the Sign in button.
3. Enter your GVSU email address into the Email, phone, or Skype field, then click the Next button.
4. Enter your password into the Password field, then click the Sign in button.
5. Click the Don't show this again checkbox, then click the Yes button.
6. On the left side navigation panel, click on My files. All files synced to your OneDrive will be available in this folder.
Installing Network Printers in Windows 11
The process of adding network printers has changed with the move to Windows 11. To add a network printer, please follow the steps in the expandable section below.
Printer Installation Guide
1. Click on the Campus Printing shortcut on the desktop.
2. Double-click the relative location (Allendale or Grand Rapids) of the building that contains the printer you are trying to add. If the printer is a Xerox printer, please choose Xerox Printers.
3. Double-click on the building name.
Note: For this example, we will be adding a printer from CHS 100.
4. Double-click on the printer you would like to add.
5. A new window titled GVSU Printer Installation Utility will appear. This window will remain onscreen while the printer installs.
6. Once the process has been completed, click the Close button to finish the installation.
Requesting Administrator Access
By default, any account on a GVSU-managed Windows 11 computer will be a standard user account, not an administrator. If you need to install a program, change a setting, or perform any other action that requires administrator-level access, please click the Windows 11 Administrator Access button inside of this knowledge document: Windows 11 Administrator Access. Administrator privileges last for 24 hours, and requests are fulfilled the same day they are placed.
Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
Full List of Keyboard Shortcuts
General Shortcuts
| Shortcut |
Action |
| Ctrl + C |
Copy the selected item. |
| Ctrl + X |
Cut the selected item. |
| Ctrl + V |
Paste the copied or cut item. |
| Ctrl + Z |
Undo an action. |
| Ctrl + Y |
Redo an action. |
| Ctrl + A |
Select all items in a document or window. |
| Alt + Tab |
Switch between open apps. |
| Alt + F4 |
Close the active window. |
| Windows |
Open or close the Start menu. |
| Windows + D |
Show or hide the desktop. |
| Windows + L |
Lock your PC. |
| Windows + S |
Open Search. |
| Windows + R |
Open the Run dialog box. |
| Windows + A |
Open Quick Settings (Wi-Fi, brightness, volume, etc.). |
| Windows + N |
Open Notification Center. |
| Windows + W |
Open the Widgets panel. |
| Windows + I |
Open the Settings app. |
| Windows + E |
Open File Explorer. |
File Explorer Shortcuts
| Shortcut |
Action |
| Windows + E |
Open File Explorer. |
| Alt + D |
Focus on the address bar. |
| Ctrl + Shift + N |
Create a new folder. |
| Alt + Enter |
Show properties for the selected item. |
| F2 |
Rename the selected item. |
| F5 |
Refresh the active window. |
Taskbar and Window Management
| Shortcut |
Action |
| Windows + Z |
Open Snap Layouts. |
| Windows + Up Arrow |
Maximize the current window. |
| Windows + Down Arrow |
Minimize the current window. |
| Windows + Left Arrow |
Snap the current window to the left. |
| Windows + Right Arrow |
Snap the current window to the right. |
| Windows + Tab |
Open Task View for virtual desktops. |
| Ctrl + Windows + D |
Create a new virtual desktop. |
| Ctrl + Windows + F4 |
Close the current virtual desktop. |
| Ctrl + Windows + Left Arrow
|
Switch to the virtual desktop on the left. |
| Ctrl + Windows + Right Arrow |
Switch to the virtual desktop on the right. |
| Windows + T |
Cycle through apps on the taskbar. |
| Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B |
Restart the graphics driver. |
Accessibility Shortcuts
| Shortcut |
Action |
| Windows + U |
Open the Accessibility settings. |
| Windows + Ctrl + O |
Turn the on-screen keyboard on or off. |
| Windows + + (Plus) |
Zoom in using the Magnifier. |
| Windows + - (Minus) |
Zoom out using the Magnifier. |
| Windows + Esc |
Close the Magnifier. |
| Windows + H |
Activate voice typing. |
Multimedia and Capture Shortcuts
| Shortcut |
Action |
| Windows + PrtScn |
Take a screenshot and save it to the Pictures > Screenshots folder. |
| Alt + PrtScn |
Take a screenshot of the active window. |
| Windows + Shift + S |
Open Snip & Sketch for selecting and capturing a portion of the screen. |
| Windows + M |
Minimize all windows. |
Settings and System Controls
| Shortcut |
Action |
| Windows + I |
Open Settings. |
| Windows + A |
Open Quick Settings (Wi-Fi, brightness, sound). |
| Windows + N |
Open Notification Center. |
| Windows + P |
Open display projection options. |
| Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B |
Restart your graphics driver. |
| Windows + X |
Open the Quick Link menu (equivalent to right-clicking the Start button). |
Microsoft Teams Shortcuts
| Shortcut |
Action |
| Windows + C |
Open Microsoft Teams chat. |
File and System Management
| Shortcut |
Action |
| Windows + X |
Open the Power User menu (Quick Link menu). |
| Windows + P |
Open display projection options. |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc |
Open Task Manager. |
Other Useful Shortcuts
| Shortcut |
Action |
| Ctrl + Shift + T |
Reopen the last closed tab in browsers. |
| Ctrl + P |
Print the current document or page. |
| F11 |
Toggle full-screen mode in browsers and File Explorer. |
| Windows + T |
Cycle through taskbar apps. |
| Windows + K |
Open the Connect panel for wireless displays or audio. |
Upgrade Today and Experience the Future of Windows
Windows 11 isn’t just an operating system; it’s a productivity powerhouse that delivers speed, security, and style. It is designed to elevate your everyday tasks and bring a new level of joy to your PC. Upgrade now to enjoy a faster, more secure, and beautifully redesigned operating system.
To find out how to upgrade your PC to Windows 11, click here.
Additional Resources
For additional information about Windows 11, please click the links below.