The operating system that Microsoft said would never exist has landed. And like anything shiny and new you might be desperate to get hold of Windows 11. But before you jump in with both feet and upgrade to the new OS, we’d highly recommend you get answers to the biggest questions about Windows 11!
It’s finally here.
After six years, Microsoft has just released the latest version of its operating system — Windows 11.
Computers and technology are playing a more central role in our lives. This means technology companies are scrambling to deliver the best ever user experience.
Microsoft’s answer to the growing demand for better technology for home and business use is Windows 11.
Microsoft dubs their latest operating system as the “Windows that brings you closer to what you love.” But are they actually able to achieve that?
Here at Your IT Department we know you’ll have some burning questions about the latest offering from Microsoft. So without further ado, let’s jump right into answering the five biggest questions about Windows 11.
THE FIVE BIGGEST QUESTIONS ABOUT WINDOWS 11
QUESTION #1 – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WINDOWS 10 AND 11?
Windows 11 gets a significant boost in performance, functionality, and style compared to Windows 10. Here’s a small rundown of the critical upgrades Microsoft made for its latest OS:
- Windows gets a makeover: If you’ve used Apple before, you might see the similarities between the design of the macOS and the latest Windows model. Windows now sports rounded corners and the taskbar icons are permanently centered. But at least the ever-handy Start button is here to stay.
- Streamlined Productivity Functions: There are many small but significant upgrades in Windows 11. For one, your PC will now remember the last layout of your choice when docking. Each of your virtual desktops can also have a different background. And widgets are back like never before. Windows 11 also features a Snap Layout function that lets users choose from a variety of layout options at the click of a button.
- New and Improved Teams: With hybrid work becoming the ‘new normal’ (anybody else sick of that phrase!) around the world. Micorosft Teams entered the spotlight. Because of this, Windows 11 includes upgrades to the application. For example, Teams is now integrated into the operating system, making it easier to communicate with family, friends, and colleagues.
- Better Gaming Experience: It’s not just for businesses and offices! Gamers will love the fact that playing games on Windows is made even better. Xbox Game pass and Cloud gaming are both supported on the Xbox app in Windows 11.
- Android Apps on Your PC: Aside from offering better compatibility with the Xbox, Microsoft has successfully integrated Android apps on your PC using Windows 11. But there is a the catch: We’re not yet sure if Android apps will work optimally on a PC. This is sure to be an area that gets better over time.
QUESTION #2 – DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY COMPUTER TO SWITCH TO WINDOWS 11?
It depends. Here’s an essential checklist of what you need to have to run Windows 11 smoothly:
- At least a 1GHZ dual-core processor
- 4 GB of RAM
- At least 64 GB of storage
- A graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver
- 720p display, at least 9” diagonal size, with 8 bits per colour channel
- TPM version 2.0
- UEFI, Secure Boot capable firmware
If your PC or laptop covers or does more than what’s listed above, then you can safely upgrade to Windows 11, worry-free. On the other hand, you might have to make some hardware upgrades or buy a new device altogether if your current one does not meet the minimum requirements.
The TPM Version 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot capable firmware are likely to be the one’s that trip up some users. Even those with a relatively new computer. These enable some of the security features which are such a big part of Windows 11.
The good news is that if your not sure Microsoft have produced a handy tool for you to check your PC. The PC Health Checker is available on the Windows 11 page – you’ll have to scroll to the bottom of the page past all the pretty advertising!!
QUESTION #3 – IS THE MICROSOFT 365 AVAILABLE ON WINDOWS 11?
Absolutely! If you have an existing subscription to Microsoft 365, then you’re all set. You just need to install the Office suite after upgrading to Windows 11.
Note that support for older versions of Office (2010 and below) has been discontinued since last year. So if you’re still using that, we’d suggest you make necessary changes to avoid making yourself vulnerable to security risks.
QUESTION #4 – HOW DO I SWITCH FROM WINDOWS 10 TO 11?
If you’re looking to upgrade from Windows 10 to 11, you have nothing to worry about.
You just need to go to the Windows Update section of your Settings and click “Check for Updates.” Windows 11 will just be there available in the upgrade section.
Click the “Download and Install” button, and that’s it.
But before you do the REALLY big one of the questions about Windows 11 is still to come…….
QUESTION #5 – DO I REALLY NEED TO SWITCH TO WINDOWS 11?
This is probably the biggest of the questions about Windows 11!
And the simple answer is No.
If your computer is not compatible or can’t run Windows 11, you can’t upgrade. Your computer won’t stop working and everything will continue ‘as is’ for the foreseeable future.
On the other hand, if your PC is compatible with Windows 11 but you find the upgrades unnecessary for your current workflow, there’s nothing wrong with staying with Windows 10.
There have been no reports of major problems with upgrading so far, but Windows 11 is still in it’s infancy. With critical business machines we’d probably err on the side of caution to be honest.
Even Microsoft said that Windows 10 is still the right choice for those who aren’t ready to transition to a new operating system. In fact, they’ve scheduled a major update for Windows 10 for later this year. And they’ll continue supporting Windows 10 until October 14, 2025.
This gives you about four years to think about upgrading to Windows 11 or switching operating systems altogether.
One thing worth considering is that upgrades to Windows 11 are currently free. Microsoft have not indicated when this will end. Windows 10 free upgrades lasted a year, but the wording on Windows 11 is ambiguous to say the least “The Windows 11 upgrade will be delivered to qualifying devices late 2021 into 2022. Timing will vary by device.”
Every business and every situation will be different. We’d suggest starting to talk to your technology provider as soon as possible about what is best for you and your business.
TECHNOLOGY THAT WORKS FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS
The new era of Windows has finally arrived.
Microsoft made it a point to make their latest OS worth it for old and new Windows users. And with these new updates, it is clear that the company has made an effort to find out its users’ pain points and address them.
But despite these new features, you have to understand one thing:
Technology is just a tool used to increase our everyday productivity and efficiency.
That means you don’t need to jump ship to Windows 11 if you’re not ready to do so. Technology is only as effective as how much you use it. So if you’re already a master of Windows 10 and it makes you 100% productive, then change is unnecessary.
Now, suppose you’re seriously thinking about making the switch to Windows 11. You’ll want to know more about its hardware compatibility and security updates. In that case, you need an IT service provider that’s willing to talk you through it.
If you need any help in fully understanding the pros and cons of switching (or not) to Windows 11,please feel free to call us on 0115 8220200, if you’d rather we call you then complete our Contact Form, or book a time to chat in our calendar. There is no obligation to move beyond an initial call, and no obligation to buy anything, ever.
Article adapted from an original and used with permission from The Technology Press.