Before Upgrading to Windows 11
Before you upgrade your computer, please be sure to back up your data from your local hard drive. Your laptop will also need to be connected to a laptop docking station at either the Blue Bell or Pottstown campus before you start and during the entire upgrade process. You may not upgrade your computer from WIFI on campus.
Backing up Files
Backup all needed data that is located on the local hard drive of your laptop
While it is not common for users to save critical documents to the local hard drive of the laptop, it is important to backup any documents that may be stored locally to prevent loss of data when upgrading your computer to Windows 11.
- Please be sure that you save any needed files that are on the local hard drive to OneDrive before you begin the upgrade. Instructions for moving files from your local Computer to OneDrive are included in this LINK.
- Files that are stored in the Desktop or Documents folder are stored on the H drive and not local on the hard drive. These do not need to be backed up. Please review "Post Upgrade FAQs" below.
- The Downloads folder is stored on the local hard drive and these files would need to be backed-up if they are still needed.
Backup any web browser bookmarks/favorites that you need
Chrome, Edge and Firefox bookmarks/favorites are saved on the local hard drive unless you login to the browser with an account and sync is enabled for you bookmark/favorites. Please be sure you backup any needed bookmarks that are not being synced.
Please see the following articles for assistance:
Upgrade Process
Please reference this knowledgebase article to guide you through the steps to start the upgrade to Windows 11.
Please ensure that you back up your data and your laptop is connected to a docking station on campus before completing this process.
This process will typically take less than 45 minutes to complete. Note that your computer may reboot several times during this upgrade.
- Remote upgrades are not supported. Fully remote employees must contact the IT Service Desk and make arrangements for the upgrade. Please email helpdesk@mc3.edu.
- Can I leave my computer with the IT department and have them complete the upgrade?The upgrade process does not provide the capability to leave your computer with the IT department during the upgrade. You must initiate and complete the upgrade by signing in with your MC3 username and password for the system to associate your account with your required applications and licenses
- Click on the Service Desk folder on the desktop.
- Select Software Center.
- Within Software Center, click on Operating Systems on the left side.
- Click Windows 11 install then click Install.
- Read the warning message and then click the Install button when ready.
- Typically, within 20 minutes the computer will ask you to select the country or region and select yes.
- On the Lets set things up for your work or school page, enter your college email address and click next.
- Enter your password for your college email account and click Sign In.
- The next page will prompt for multi factor authentication. Complete the multi factor authentication process.
- If your hardware supports camera unlock, you will be prompted with the option to set it up. Note that this is optional.
- Last, you will be prompted to Create a PIN. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this process.
Post Upgrade FAQs
Where are my files that were stored on my Desktop and Documents?
Your desktop and documents files will be directed to your college OneDrive account instead of your Home Drive (H: Drive). These OneDrive locations may be empty if you have not previously setup or saved files to your OneDrive.
- Home Drive access will be read-only beginning May 12, 2025: Write and modify access to files in your Home Drive will be disabled. You will still be able to read, open, and copy files to another location such as your OneDrive account during this time frame.
- Home Drive access will be disabled December 31, 2025: Read access will be disabled and your content will be inaccessible.
What should I do if I had an application on Windows 10 and I no longer see it after the Windows 11 upgrade?
The applications that you had installed on your Windows 10 operating system are not automatically installed when installing Windows 11. If you do not see the software installed on your computer, open the Company Portal application on your computer. This application includes a list of commonly used applications that can be installed with the click of a button. If you do not see the needed application listed, please contact the Montco Service desk to request the needed application.
What should I do if my 3CX Phone software is showing Not Connected after my Windows 11 upgrade?
Please reach out to the Montco Service Desk and they can assist with reconfiguring your 3CX phone client.