Windows 11- FAQs

Welcome to Windows 11.  The look and feel are a little different but functions the same. Here are some steps to take to complete your computer setup.  If you need assistance, you can schedule an appointment with us by emailing soehelp@syr.edu

New Look and Feel

The Windows Start button and search box are now located in the center at the bottom (instead of bottom far left).  When you click the Windows Start button, it shows you pinned apps and recommended files, but you can click the “All” button in the upper right to get to the full alphabetic listing of applications.  In the bottom lower right corner of that Start menu, is where you will now find the Power button to Lock, Sleep, Shutdown or Restart the computer.

Connecting laptop to monitor(s) for the first time after Windows 11

By default, your laptop will mirror your display to be the same on monitor as is on your laptops.  To adjust your display to extend your desktop to your monitor(s), see this information:

Change your screen resolution and layout in Windows - Microsoft Support

Printer Setup- This is timing dependent, so at the initial setup you may not see printers right away

Verify Printers are installed

Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners 

Select your primary printer, then select Set as default.

Adobe Installation-

Open Adobe Creative Cloud
Login to Adobe with SU Email and follow multi-factor authentication steps
Locate Adobe Acrobat > Install
Make Adobe Acrobat Default Viewer: Set Acrobat Reader or Acrobat as default PDF viewer

Zoom App Configuration
(you can still use the web version if you prefer)

Locate Zoom – Windows>All Apps

Login with SSO

Locate your Profile icon in upper right > Click check for Updates

You should do this regularly, to stay updated.  Always a good step when you are done with Zoom after a meeting.

Dell Command Update - This will install the latest firmware and drivers and should be done at least monthly

If you have one, first connect to your office monitor to include that in your updates

Use the Search box after the Windows Start button and type Dell Command > click Dell Command Update OR Windows Start button > All > Dell Command Update

Check for Updates > Install Updates

Restart your computer

Run Windows update - This will install the latest OS updates and should be done monthly.  Windows will do these regularly if you don’t.

Use the Search box after the Windows Start button and type Windows Update /Click Check for Updates OR Settings >Windows Update / Click Check for Updates

Restart your computer

How to Adjust Sound and Notifications

With Windows 11 the default sound notification are on and if you’d prefer to turn them off here’s how

Settings>System>Sound>Advanced>More Sounds Settings>Sounds Tab>Uncheck Play Windows Startup Sound

Settings>System>Notifications>Click down arrow (carat) next to On, to find the other settings and uncheck “Allow Notifications to play sounds” or locate specific apps in the list below and adjust desired settings.

How to create shortcuts to taskbar

Locate the App and click and drag to Taskbar

Or Locate the App>right click>click Pin to Taskbar

How to get to the G: drive

Open File Explorer (yellow folder icon) >Click the carat symbol ( > ) next to This PC and locate G:/SOE

Security - How to lock your computer screen when you walk away 

Windows logo key and the letter L together OR    Click Windows Start button > click Power button in bottom right > click Lock

Windows 11 Features-

Alternative Sign in Options - PIN / Windows Hello / FingerPrint (not all hardware has Hello or FingerPrint)

These options allow you to login to your computer without typing your SU password and can save time.  The downside is that you don’t stay as familiar with your SU password.

Settings>Accounts>Sign in Options> Choose an option that you want and follow directions

Snap layouts

How to Use Snap Layouts | Microsoft Windows

New Win Snap Layouts-Settings > System > Multitasking. You can toggle Snap windows on and off,

Select Windows logo key + Z to launch the Snap layout box.

Hover over the minimize or maximize button in the upper-right corner of your window to launch the Snap layout box.

Drag a window to the top center of your screen to launch the Snap layout box

 Multiple desktops

Stay Organized by Using Multiple Desktops | Microsoft