Windows Self-Service Upgrade Instructions

This document explains how to update to the latest version of Windows for University-owned workstations. These instructions apply to Windows 10 & 11 64-bit systems.

You may have received an alert similar to the one below.

You will continue to receive this message intermittently until you install the update OR it is automatically pushed to your computer on the date shown in the message.  To install the update at a convenient time please follow the instructions below.

Before you begin: 

• Back up your files if necessary! Even though data will be migrated, we strongly recommend backing up your data files to an external storage device, Google Drive, Box, or Crashplan before upgrading. For more information see KB0013178. 
• Save your work and close all applications.
• Remove/disconnect all external storage (USB flash media, SD cards, etc.).
• Connection to a wired network is recommended.
• You should be connected to the AC power source, or ensure your battery has a full charge.
• Your computer must be joined to the ADND domain.

Note: This upgrade may take up to 2 hours to complete, longer if you are off campus. Please plan accordingly.

Instructions to perform the upgrade:

1. The Windows 10 and WIndow2 11 upgrade may be launched from the Software Center.
   
   1. To access the Software Center position your cursor in the search bar beside the Windows button.
   2. Type Software Center and click on the application that appears
      
      
      Note: If the Software Center isn’t displayed, you will not be able to upgrade your computer on your own. Contact your departmental IT Support staff to help you upgrade to the latest version.
      
      
2. Once the Software Center opens, you will be presented with a list of available applications.
   
   
   
   
3. In the menu on the left, click on Operating Systems.
   
   
   
   
4. Click on “Upgrade Windows 10 to (current build number).", or "Upgrade to Windows 11"
   
   
   Note: If the upgrade is not listed under Operating Systems it may be under Updates, proceed to step 8
   
   
5. Then click Install.
   
   
   
   
6. Verify that you receive the following message. It should state that this is an upgrade and that your current programs and data will be migrated to Windows 10.
   
   
   
   
7. Click Install to begin the upgrade. Note: This may take a couple of hours and your computer will reboot several times throughout the process.
   
8. If the upgrade was not listed under Operating Systems, click on the Updates tab on the left.
9. Under Updates look for Windows 11, version 24H2 x64 2025-07B and click on it.
   
10. Click Install
    
11. Click Install to continue
    
12. The upgrade will begin downloading and then install, once complete you will be prompted to restart to complete the installation.
13. Until the restart you can use your computer normally though performance may be impacted.
14. When notified to restart you can return to the Software Center and the update and click Restart
    
15. When the upgrade is complete, the computer will display a login screen.
    

Things you will notice following the upgrade:

• Microsoft Edge is set as the default web browser (you may need to reset your preferred browser)
• Microsoft Edge is set as the default .pdf viewer (you may need to reset your preferred viewer)
• Desktop icons have been rearranged
• The desktop background will have changed and old background will no longer be listed in the control panel
• The first time a Microsoft Office program is launched Office suite will reconfigure itself for the new operating system. This should complete automatically within a few minutes.

If you are experiencing issues or are seeing messages in Windows 10 that you do not understand, please contact the Service Desk, 574-631-8111, servicedesk@nd.edu or chat online at: servicenow.nd.edu.