Windows 11 Guide

We’re pleased to announce that starting this summer term, all devices will be upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This is part of our continued commitment to improving your IT experience and security. This upgrade brings a host of enhancements designed to make your day-to-day work more intuitive and efficient.

This upgrade also includes enhancements that will significantly improve your experience when working offsite or from home.

We have designed Windows 11 to keep the experience as similar as possible to Windows 10. We hope this will make the transition smooth and minimise disruption.

Windows 11 – What’s New & Why It Matters to You A SMOOTHER, SMARTER USER EXPERIENCE

Redesigned Start Menu

While the applications folder remains on the desktop, a new start menu - which has a cleaner, more intuitive layout focused on what you use most - will make it easier to find apps and files.

New Tabbed File Explorer

Work more efficiently with multiple tabs in a single window — just like a web browser.

Microsoft Edge – Our Recommended Browser

Windows 11 integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Edge, which offers:

• A faster, more secure browsing experience

• Single Sign-On (SSO) to Office 365 and other Microsoft services

• Cloud-synced favourites and settings — accessible from any Trust device

• Microsoft Wallet – a secure, built-in password manager. Generate and save strong passwords for external websites without the need to remember them.

• Microsoft edge has additional customisation options:

▶ Customise startup tabs to suit you

▶ Organise your tabs vertically

▶ Split screen browsing

Cloud Drive Mapper

Windows 11 has been designed to integrate with Cloud Drive Mapper, making it easier to access OneDrive files.

New Snipping Tool

• Press Ctrl + Shift + S to quickly capture part of your screen

• Snips now automatically save to your Pictures folder

ENHANCED REMOTE ACCESS

Always-On VPN – Staff Laptops

• Seamless and secure connection to the school network

• Automatically connects when you’re off-site — no manual steps needed

• More reliable and integrated with your device login, providing an improved remote working experience

ENHANCED SECURITY

• Microsoft Defender – Real-time protection against malware and threats, built in and always on

• USB Storage – More robust USB storage control in line with Trust policies

• Smarter Windows Updates – Less intrusive and more secure, keeping your system up to date with minimal disruption, both on and off site