Using Student Computers on Campus

Essential Information for Windows 11 Users

Please be aware of the following:

• Storage: While you will have access to OneDrive to store files.
• Microsoft Office: The Office version installed on Windows 11 machines will be Office 365. This automatically syncs with the same office tools provided by Office 365 for the web meaning your work is accessible from anywhere via a web browser.

Key Differences from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Below are the main differences between Windows 10 and 11

• OneDrive will be the default location for file storage (5GB limit), 
• Google Drive will still be available via a browser at https://drive.google.com.
• Microsoft Edge will be your default browser.
• Redesigned user interface, the start button is now positioned in the centre of the screen.
• Office 365 will replace Office 19.
• Apps Anywhere will be available from your system tray (or via a browser at https://appsanywhere@port.ac.uk.
• Microsoft Copilot Chat will be available.

OneDrive

OneDrive is the primary location for storage when we transition to Microsoft 365 later this year, you will receive further instructions and support during that migration process.

Your O Drive will be mapped to OneDrive and will be available via File Explorer. 

Windows 11 Support

If you require any support with Windows 11 after your upgrade please contact Service Desk. The Contact IT Support article contains detailed  information on how to reach the Service Desk.

LinkedIn Learning Windows 11 Training

As a member of staff you currently have access to LinkedIn Learning.  For more information, view this article

Windows 11 Essential Training: This is a comprehensive course that contains chapters on:

• Getting Started with W11
• Launching and Using Applications
• File Explorer
• Working with the Desktop
• Working with Bundled Applications (including Edge)
• Using Search Tools
• Managing Notifications
• Using Accessibility Features

Windows 11 Quick Tips: Lots of quick tips to get the most of Windows 11.  This course includes videos on:

• General Interface tips
• Modifying the Taskbar
• File Management
• Working with applications

Start Menu

The Start Menu is in the centre next to the search bar.  Click here to view image

To open an application:

1. Click on the Start Menu
2. Once opened you will see Pinned Apps
3. Click on View apps to show all apps
4. Select the App to open
5. To Pin an app so it is visible when you click on the start menu right click the app  and select Pin

Search Bar

The search bar can be used for various types of searches. Here are some examples:

• Find and open an app – Type the name of an app to locate and launch it.
• Search for a file – Enter the file name or keywords from the file, then select the Document filter at the top of the search results.
• Perform an internet search – Type your query to search the web directly

Changing the Location of the Start Menu

1. Right-click on an empty space in the taskbar
2. Select Taskbar settings
3. Click Taskbar behaviours in the right pane
4. Select the Taskbar alignment drop-down
5. Change the alignment from Centre to Left

Shutdown and Restart

It is always advisable to shut down Windows 11 each night after you finish work.

If it has been some time since you last properly shut down, we recommend restarting to ensure all software can be updated if needed.

1. Click on the Start Button (to the left of the search bar on the task bar)
2. At the bottom left of the dialogue box a power button will display, click on to display options:

• Lock
• Sleep
• Shut down
• Restart

Multiple Desktops

Task View is available on the Task Bar. View Image

Having multiple desktops allows you to separate your tasks into different places, which can be especially handy if you need to multitask.

Task View is made up of two sections. View Image

• The top allows of the screen show all the applications and browser windows you have running on a desktop. You can open a window by clicking on the thumbnail
• The Second part of the screen contains virtual desktops, click the + symbol to create a new virtual desktop.

For more information, please view this Microsoft article

Snap layouts

Snap layouts are preconfigured ways to organise windows on your screen

1. Hover over the minimise or maximise button in the upper-right corner of your window to launch the Snap layout box
2. Select the layout you wish to use

For more information view Windows 11 Snapping article

Themes

A theme is a combination of desktop background pictures, window colours, and sounds.

1. Click on the Start button
2. Click on Settings
3. Select Personalisation
4. Select Themes
5. In the Current Theme section, choose a theme to select it
6. Close the Screen

View Image

Accessibility in Windows 11

To access the accessibility options:

1. Click on the Start Menu
2. Click on Settings
3. Select Accessibility in the panel on the left
4. Accessibility Options will display

Accessibility Options are listed in three categories:

Vision

• Text Size
• Visual Effects (Scroll bars, transparency, etc)
• Mouse Pointer and Touch
• Text Cursor
• Magnifier
• Colour filters
• Contrast themes
• Narrator: This is a screen reader 

Hearing

• Audio 
• Captions  (option to turn Audio and Video Captions live on your screen)

Interaction

• Speech (Allows you to control your device via voice)
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Eye Control

For more information, please view the Microsoft Accessibility in Windows 11 article

Microsoft Edge

After upgrading to Windows 11, we recommend using Microsoft Edge as your browser. Microsoft Edge offers many benefits, including:

• Seamless integration with Microsoft products for a smooth user experience.
• Productivity-enhancing features such as Collections, screenshot tools, advanced search and Copilot Chat.
• Customization options like vertical tabs for a personalised browsing experience.
• Chromium-based foundation for compatibility with a wide range of websites and services

For more information, please view the Microsoft Edge article.

Printing Basics

1. To print select the VR-STUDENT-PRINT printer, your printing will be held in a queue.
2. To print to the large format printers, you will need to choose the queue 'student-large-format.
3. To release your printing swipe your student card at an available printer.
4. Any printing not released after 24 hours will be cancelled.
5. Your printing is managed via your PaperCut Printing Account where you can top up your print credits and manage your printing.

For more information on printing including printing costs please see the Printing on campus article.

Changing the location of the Start Button

1. Right-click on an empty space in the taskbar
2. Select Taskbar settings
3. Click Taskbar Behaviours in the right pane
4. Select the Taskbar alignment drop-down
5. Change the alignment from Centre to Left

Turn on Dark Mode

1. Using the search bar at the bottom of the screen, search for the settings
2. Settings (with a cog)  will appear as a Best Match
3. Select Personalisation from the left menu
4. Select Colours
5. In the Choose Your Mode section, select Dark from the drop-down menu