Windows 11 Upgrade

Setting up OneDrive

OneDrive is already loaded onto your new Windows 11 computer. Please follow these quick and easy steps to login to OneDrive and begin syncing files. View more detailed instructions on this page about using OneDrive.

A note about OneDrive: You may need to restart your computer for OneDrive changes to apply to your computer. Please also allow time for OneDrive files to sync to your computer, depending upon the amount of data.

1. Although you can always search for OneDrive in the Windows search bar, the easiest way to Connect to OneDrive is by clicking the icon in the taskbar on the lower right-hand side of your screen. If you can’t see the OneDrive icon, click the arrow button to view more apps:

2. Login using your BlueKey credentials.

3. Select the folders you would like backed up on OneDrive.

After setup, you can always manage the folders that are backed up. Review your backup options, by clicking on the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar, selecting the gear icon and clicking Settings. In Settings, click Manage backup. From here you can select folders and file locations that are backed up on OneDrive. Some folders are automatically backed up and cannot be unchecked, such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures.

4. After logging into your OneDrive account and syncing all of your files, manage OneDrive files by clicking on the cloud icon in the taskbar.

From here, you can view files online ("View online" option), view them in File Explorer, which is the file navigator on your computer ("Open folder" option), and also change settings (gear icon) like which folders should be synced.

Log in to your BlueKey account on any Microsoft 365 app to save files directly to OneDrive. View this video about saving files to OneDrive.

Saving options include:

1. Selecting the “AutoSave” option and a OneDrive file location in a Microsoft 365 app like Word.
2. Using “File > Save as” in other apps and selecting a folder location in OneDrive.
3. Using “File > Save as” in other apps and selecting a folder that is backed up in OneDrive.

Not sure which folders are backed up on OneDrive?

Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar, click the gear icon and Settings. In Settings, click Manage backup. From here you can view and select folders that are backed up on OneDrive. Some folders are automatically backed up and cannot be unchecked, such as Desktop, Pictures, and Documents.

Manage OneDrive Backup and Sync in the Settings menu

Select syncing options by searching for sync and backup in the Windows menu search bar.

How do I know if my files are backed up in OneDrive?

All files on your Windows 11 computer will display a OneDrive icon. Review the graphic below to see what symbols mean with backed up files.

Many DePaul faculty and staff members likely use various software and applications to perform their work. Although these apps may work on an older Windows computer, please review the version of the software, check whether it needs to be updated to work on Windows 11, and make sure the software is compatible with Windows 11. It's possible that some applications haven't been updated in a while. Although outdated apps might work on an older Windows version, it's possible that they won't work on Windows 11. Outdated apps are a security risk to computers, employees, and the university. Unfortunately, this may result in some challenges using older versions of applications after upgrading to Windows 11.

In order to minimize inconvenience, please check your application licenses. Make sure you are running the newest version of software and check if this software works with Windows 11. Please check software compatilibity before upgrading to Windows 11. Being proactive will make the upgrade process much more seamless.

If you have been notified that your Windows work computer is eligible to be upgraded to Windows 11, watch for another pop-message on your computer that allows you to plan the upgrade. You will have the option to upgrade immediately, schedule a time, or delay the upgrade.

Please don't delay the upgrade until the deadline. Be proactive about backing up files and checking application compatibility before the deadline to move to Windows 11. This will allow more time and flexibility for this process.

Although there is rarely a perfect time to plan a computer upgrade, it's always easier to plan ahead and prepare. Expect the whole process to take at least two hours. Thank you for helping the university be more secure and up-to-date with its software and computer requirements.

It is critical to completely restart (reboot) your computer BEFORE you upgrade to Windows 11. Please perform a full restart/reboot of your computer before beginning the upgrade process.