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Upgrading Your Operating System

Upgrading Your Operating System

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Before You Start

  1. Complete a backup of your key data.

  2. Make sure your computer has been updated fully prior to the upgrade using the following articles from Apple and Microsoft:

    1. Macs

    2. Windows

  3. Quit all your open applications.

  4. Connect to a fast and reliable internet connection, such as the eduroam wifi or the wired internet connection in your office.

  5. Connect your device to power and make sure your power cables are securely connected at both ends.

 

How long will it take to perform the upgrade?

This Upgrade requires a large data download and times can vary depending on computer hardware and your internet connection. In our testing, the upgrade finishes fastest when done on campus. On average, newer computers take about an hour to complete on campus. Older hardware that is off campus may take several hours or more to complete.

To prevent the upgrade from interrupting your work, we suggest starting the upgrade at the end of a workday, and making certain the upgrade is running before leaving it to run overnight.

Upgrade Windows 10

What version of Windows am I running?

Check to see what version of Windows you're currently running with the winver command. 

  1. Click on the Windows Search Circle or Search Field in the lower left hand corner of the screen.

  2. Type:   winver  and press the Enter key

  3. Check the 'About Windows' popup to see if the version of Windows that you're running is current (20H2). 

  4. Follow the instructions below if the version doesn't say 20H2.

Manual Method (recommended)

  1. Click here to Download the Windows 20H2 Updater.

  2. Find the Installer file that you just downloaded (most likely in your Downloads folder or on your Desktop).

  3. Right-click this file, click on "Open with..." and choose Windows Explorer.

  4. Double-click "Setup" (or Setup.exe).

  5. Proceed through the installer prompts.

  6. Run any remaining Windows Updates to bring your computer completely up to date.

Software Center Method

  1. If you attempting the upgrade off campus, open a VPN connection.

  2. Open Software Center

    1. Click on the Windows Search Circle or Search Field in the lower left hand corner of the screen. (Or right-click on the Windows Logo, then click on 'Search') and type:  Software Center

      1. or

      2. Software Center
        Software Center

  3. Click on Software Center in the list that comes up.

  4. Select Operating Systems from the left hand column.

  5. Click Upgrade Windows 10

  6. Click the Install button.

  7. A window will pop up to confirm you are ready to upgrade. To proceed, click the Install button.

  8. After a minute you will see a progress bar as the computer updates.

    1. The upgrade process may take an hour or more.

    2. Your device may restart more than once during this process. This is normal.

    3. Once the upgrade has completed, log in to your computer and follow any onscreen prompts.

  9. Run any remaining software updates to bring your computer completely up to date.

Upgrade macOS

This is for all macOS machines with version 10.15.7 and under that can support Big Sur from a hardware standpoint.

  1. Open CIT Self Service (click the magnifying glass icon🔎 in the top right-hand corner of the screen and type in CIT Self Service).



  2. The upgrade will appear on the Featured tab, or you can click the OS tab.

  3. Click on the Upgrade button for Upgrade macOS.

  4. Review the upgrade notification, and when ready to proceed, click the Upgrade button.

    1. Your device may restart more than once during this process; this is normal.

  5. Once the upgrade has completed, log in to your computer and follow any onscreen prompts.

Troubleshooting

Upgrade is running slowly

The speed of the upgrade depends on a variety of factors including your internet connection, the age of the computer that's being upgraded, and the age of the OS that the computer is currently running. To prevent the upgrade from interrupting your work, we suggest starting the upgrade at the end of a workday, and making certain the upgrade is running.

What will happen if I do not upgrade by the deadline?

macOS

macOS will offer the user a one time option for postponing the upgrade at the deadline. The Mac will then perform the upgrade at the new time. If the Mac is off at the time when it has been postponed, it will perform the upgrade the next time it has been turned on.

Windows