Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
Below are instructions for upgrading eligible machines to Windows 11. This is an "in place upgrade" that typically takes approximately 1 hour to finish, so be sure to plan accordingly. Once the upgrade process starts, it cannot be canceled.
Instructions
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Ensure your laptop is plugged into AC power. Do not attempt to apply the update while running on battery power.
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Close all open applications.
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If you're off-campus, connect to the VPN. If not, continue with the steps while connected to the on-campus wired or wireless networks.
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Search for "Software Center" in the Start () menu and open the Software Center application.
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Select Operating Systems. The Windows 11 24H2 Upgrade should appear.
If the upgrade is not listed, please consult the More Information section below prior to contacting the Help Desk.
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Double-click on Windows 11 24H2 Upgrade - NBL. The following window will display:
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Click Install. The following window will appear:
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Click Install. The upgrade will download and install. This will take about 45-60 minutes, and your computer will restart several times throughout.
More information
If you don't see the Windows 11 upgrade listed under Operating Systems, try the following:
Check for available Windows Updates
On some machines, a pre-requisite Windows update may have failed to apply. To force a check of Windows Updates:
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Click the Start Menu ().
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Select Settings. ().
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Go to Update & Security.
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Click Windows Update on the left panel.
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Click Check for updates and allow available updates to install. Restart when completed.
If no updates were found, continue with the next set of steps.
Force a refresh of the Software Center
Refresh the Software Center by following these steps:
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Close the Software Center.
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Open Control Panel on your computer.
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Find and click on Configuration Manager (you might need to change the Control Panel view to "Large icons" or "Small icons" to see it).
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In the Configuration Manager Properties window, select the Actions tab.
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Select the Machine Policy Retrieval & Evaluation Cycle and click Run Now.
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Re-launch the Software Center.
If the upgrade still refuses to appear after trying the above steps, or if you encounter any errors during or after the upgrade, please open a Help Desk ticket using the form linked to this knowledge base article.