Beginning October 14, 2025 Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10. Upgrading to Windows 11 is necessary to keep our data environment safe.
While previous operating system upgrades have been painful. The good news is, Windows 11 only has changes to the user interface. All of the software you use currently will mostly look and act exactly the same.
The biggest difference you will notice at first is, the Windows button and search bar are now in the center. This can be changed by
1. Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar. A context menu will appear.
2. From the context menu, select "Taskbar settings." The Taskbar settings window will open.
3. In the Taskbar settings window, find the "Taskbar alignment" option.
4. Click on the dropdown menu next to "Taskbar alignment" and select "Left."
5. Once you select "Left," the taskbar will automatically move to the left side of the screen.
Start menu\Windows button is different.
When you press on the Windows button only "Pinned Apps" are seen. Unfortunately there is not a classic view.
To see all installed apps, click the "All >" button in the top right of the window.
You can then pin your apps to the Start menu.
Or to your task bar.
Adding Shortcuts to you desktop is not as convenient. Copy and Paste to your desktop from the file location.
(Tip: Pin your frequently used apps to your Task Bar like Outlook and your occasionally used apps to the Start Menu like the Snipping Tool or Calculator)
Right Click\Context Menu
This is the most controversial change to Windows 11. When you click on "Show more options" it will display the classic menu.
(Tip: Once you become accustom, it is better.)
Shut Down\Restart\Log Off
Press the Windows\Start button and at the bottom are the controls.
To Shut down or Restart To Sign Out
