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Windows 11 is the newest version of Microsoft’s operating system. While many things will feel familiar, there are some changes in look and layout that may affect your day-to-day work.
This guide covers the most noticeable changes for staff and faculty at Puget Sound.
I. Start Menu and Taskbar
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Centered icons: By default, the Start button and taskbar icons are centered at the bottom of the screen (you can move them back to the left in Settings).
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Simplified Start menu: The new Start menu shows pinned apps and recent files. Live Tiles (moving icons) are gone.
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System tray: Some icons may be grouped differently, but functions like Wi-Fi, sound, and battery remain in the lower-right corner.
II. Window Management
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Snap Layouts: Hover over the maximize button to quickly snap windows into side-by-side layouts for multitasking.
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Multiple Desktops: Easier to create and switch between multiple desktops — useful for separating teaching, research, and personal workspaces. More information can be found in Microsoft's documentation on the subject.
III. File Explorer
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Modern look: The ribbon menu at the top is simplified, with common actions (copy, paste, delete, share) now shown as icons.
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Context menus: Right-click menus are shorter; some options may appear under Show more options.
IV. Settings and Search
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Settings app redesign: Easier to navigate categories and find system preferences.
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Search: Integrated with the Start menu — type to quickly find apps, files, or settings.
V. What Hasn’t Changed
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Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook): No major changes — the apps function as before.
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Zoom: Works exactly the same for meetings and classes. The Zoom desktop app interface is unchanged.
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Papercut Printing: Your existing print queues and print release stations work as they did in Windows 10.
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GlobalProtect VPN: Connects and operates the same way for off-campus access to campus resources.
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Omnissa Horizon Client (virtual desktops): No functional differences; you’ll log in and access pools the same way.
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Web Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox): Your bookmarks, saved passwords, and browsing experience carry over without change.
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Campus logins and file access: Signing in with your Puget Sound username/password, accessing network drives, and opening shared folders all work as they did before.