Windows 11 Getting Started for VPA
- Mikayla Heiss
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 vpahelp@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 the start menu is where you will now find the power button to lock, sleep, shutdown or restart the computer.
Meet Windows 11: A whole new look - Microsoft Support
Meet Windows 11 - Microsoft Support
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), use the information in the link below:
Change your screen resolution and layout in Windows - Microsoft Support
Adding Shared Mailbox to New Outlook for Windows
Select: In Outlook folder pane, right-click your account name and select “Add shared folder or mailbox”
Select: In the “Add shared folder or mailbox” window, type the name of the mailbox you want to access
Done
Adding shared mailboxes to other versions of Outlook: Connecting to a Shared Account in SUMail - Information Technology Support - Answers
Where is the Shared Mailbox?
Answer: There is a new folder called “shared with me.” When you click on it, the mailbox will be there.
Printer Setup for VPA Windows 11 Machines
Press the Windows key, type in “Printers” and select the “Printers & Scanners” setting
Click “Add printers”
Click “Add a new device manually”
Click “Select a shared printer by name”
Type in \\vpa-print.ad.syr.edu\
Select the VPA printer you would like to connect to and follow the prompts to add it
Zoom App Configuration
Please note: You can still use the web version if you prefer.
Locate Zoom – Windows key > “All Apps”
Login with SSO
If prompted, enter domain type “syracuseuniversity”
Locate your profile icon in upper right > Click “Check for Updates”
You should do this regularly to stay updated. It’s always a good step when you are done with Zoom after a meeting.
Dell Command Update
This will install the latest firmware and drivers. It 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
Microsoft MyAccess Portal
Microsoft Portal is used to request the standard suite of software applications that are installed and managed by IT. Microsoft Office and Edge are installed automatically by default. Microsoft Copilot request is for NEW requests ONLY. If you currently have a license, it is installed already to your Microsoft account.
Login to https://myaccess.microsoft.com
Choose “Access packages” on the left side
Click “Request” on the application(s) you’d like to install, and then choose “Request for myself” on the next screen
Once requested, you will receive an email confirmation that you can disregard; no further action is needed
Apps that you have requested or already installed are listed under “Active”
Company Portal
The Company Portal app allows users to view the status of your device(s) and applications assigned to you through Syracuse University’s management system. The app is installed by default and can be opened via a start menu search (type “Company Portal”).
Sync
The “Sync” option is used to manually start any pending actions, such as the installation of requested software. To initiate a sync:
Open the Company Portal app and go to “Settings” in the lower left
Click “Sync” in the “Settings” window
View Application Install Status
Go to “Downloads & Updates” in the left navigation pane to view the status of applications that are installed (or are currently installing).
How to Create Shortcuts to Taskbar
Locate the app and click and drag to the 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:/VPA
Security: How to Lock Your Computer Screen When You Walk Away
Windows logo key and the letter “L”
OR
Click Windows start button > Click power button in bottom right > Click “Lock”
Windows 11 Features
File Explorer Has Tabs
Just like we can open tabs in a web browser, File Explorer also lets you open or add new tabs. So, instead of opening multiple File Explorer windows, you can use tabs to open different folders, drives, etc. to ease your work. For this, you can:
Click on the add icon (or plus icon) available just next to a tab in File Explorer
Use Ctrl+T hotkey
Right-click on a folder or drive and use the “Open in new tab” option; a new tab will open immediately with that particular folder or drive
This option won’t be available when you have selected multiple tabs.
Alternative Sign-In Options
Alternative sign-in options may include PIN, Windows Hello or 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
You can move windows by having the window selected and using Windows key + arrow key to move the window to a snap or across screens. For a new snap layout, follow these instructions:
“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.
Microsoft Accessibility Tools
Meet Windows 11: Accessibility - Microsoft Support
Microsoft Speech Services
Microsoft includes a voice to text option to type. To get started, press the Windows key plus H key.