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IT Support

Windows 11 Upgrade

Note: These requirements are for staff only. Students do not need to follow this process.

Whats Happening?

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. 

This means that all Windows PCs and laptops managed by The University of Greater Manchester must be upgraded before this date.

Over the summer of 2025, all managed staff laptops and Windows 10 workstation PCs will be upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

What do I need to do?

Staff Workstations
Our IT Services team will contact you to schedule upgrades to workstations within staff areas. 

Classroom and Student PCs:
Upgrades for desktops within classrooms and learning zones will take place during the summer break and quiet periods. No action required on your part.

  • Already on Windows 11?
    If your PC is already running Windows 11, you’re all set. No further steps needed.

Backup Your Bookmarks:
Export your browser favourites/bookmarks (Edge, Chrome, etc).  Learn more here.

Laptop Upgrades

All managed staff laptops and library loan devices should be brought to the IT Services Desk in Peter Marsh Library for the Windows 11 upgrade.

Please use the contact form or phone number on the right to arrange your Windows 11 upgrade drop-off and collection.

Alternatively, you can drop your laptop during our drop-in hours:
Monday – Friday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
and we will contact you when it’s ready to collect.

The upgrade takes up to 3 hours, during which your laptop won't be available for use. 

FAQ

What if I don't upgrade before the deadline?

What about my bookmarks?

What happens to my software and icons?

Contact IT Support

Submit your IT Request
Call 01204 903444

In-Person Support

Monday - Friday (Drop in)
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Where?: 
Peter Marsh Library
(next to Out of Hours entrance)

Prefer to book a time?

Appointments available between 09:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Book your Appointment
Term time only
(excluding bank holidays & closures)

FAQ and Support

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about the Windows 11 upgrade, this section covers common concerns and helps guide you through the process.

Jump to a question:
  • What if I don't upgrade before the deadline?
  • What about my bookmarks?
  • What happens to my software and icons?

What if I don't upgrade before the deadline?

Upgrades are managed manually by IT Services, and everyone must be on Windows 11 to remain secure and supported.

If you don’t complete your upgrade by the deadline:

  • Your device will fall out of compliance with university security policies, which could lead to restricted access to networks and services.
  • You’ll stop receiving critical security patches and feature updates, increasing the risk of vulnerabilities and software bugs.
  • Certain applications and tools may cease to function correctly on unsupported operating systems.

What about my bookmarks?

Browser favourites and bookmarks do not automatically transfer during the upgrade process. To avoid losing important links, you must back them up beforehand:

  1. Open your browser’s bookmark or favourites manager (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
  2. Select the “Export” option and save the exported HTML to OneDrive or your Documents folder.
  3. After the upgrade, import the file back into your browser to restore your saved links.
    • How to export bookmarks in Chrome
    • How to export favourites in Microsoft Edge

What happens to my software and icons?

During the upgrade, most applications are installed, including:

  • Microsoft 365 – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
  • Adobe Creative Cloud – including Acrobat, but you may need to log in again with your Adobe ID.
  • SPSS and NVivo
  • Your desktop shortcuts and Start Menu icons for standard applications will be preserved so you can pick up where you left off.

Other specialist software (such as engineering or computing tools) will be managed directly by your department. If you rely on a specific application and are unsure whether it will be included, please check with IT Support.

For any third-party or personal software, we recommend:

  1. Making a list of all non-standard applications you use, including version numbers and licence keys.
  2. Backing up any related settings or configuration files.

If something is missing or not working properly after your upgrade, log a ticket with IT Support and include your device name and software list.

Further Support

If you need support with the upgrade or want to learn more about Windows 11, these links will help you get started:

  • Windows 11 Overview – Microsoft Support
  • Windows 10 vs 11 – Feature Comparison
  • Customise the Taskbar in Windows 11
  • Customise the Start Menu

Still need help? Contact IT Support

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Tel: +44 (0)1204 900600

Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk

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