Windows 11: Getting to Know Your New Operating System

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.

 

Improved Collaboration and Communication

• Microsoft Teams Integration: Chat, call, and collaborate directly from the taskbar with Microsoft Teams.
• Universal Mute Button: Quickly mute your microphone across all apps using the new mute button in the taskbar.

 

Widgets for Personalized Information

• Access news, weather, calendar, and more quickly with customizable widgets.

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.

Private Drive System to Microsoft OneDrive Transition

GVSU has chosen to move away from the individual private drive system and will transition to using Microsoft OneDrive for file storage. This change is to enhance the ease of storing, accessing, and backing up your data. It also allows data to be accessed from any internet-connected device on campus. Shared department drives will not be changing and are still accessible. The files on your private drive have already been migrated to OneDrive via the SharePoint Migration Manager. Working with files that sync with Microsoft OneDrive can be a delicate process. Understanding OneDrive and how files within it react to changes is more important than ever in Windows 11. For information about Microsoft 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 below.

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 OneDrive 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 in 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 these steps.

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.

Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts

Additional Resources

For additional information about Windows 11, please click the links below.