Previously Microsoft had stated that Windows 10 would be the final version of the Operating System and we were fully anticipating that Microsoft would move to a subscription based OS with ongoing patching and updates. The rumours of an entirely new OS started some months ago and were confirmed at its own special Windows 11 announcement event on the 24th June.
The new operating system has rounded corners everywhere you look and a centrally positioned Start menu, which you return to the side if you want to.
There’s a new widgets panel which can show the weather, stocks, news and other things – seemingly replacing the old Start menu’s live tiles – and improved grouping and snapping of open Windows so you can focus more easily on what you’re trying to do.
Windows 11 on tablets is much improved thanks to the introduction of gestures and a new on-screen keyboard much more similar to the one on your phone.
You can even install and use Android apps, via the Amazon Appstore.
The official release will be towards the end of the year, rumoured to be October 20th. Microsoft are likely to offer a free upgrade for an initial period, as they did with Windows 10. However, minimum system requirements make make this impossible for many old, and not so old, machines.
Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11
Microsoft have been roundly criticised for a lack of clarity on system requirements. What is seemingly becoming clear is that they are aiming this as an Operating System for new PC’s, laptops and tablets. It will be possible to upgrade but not on ‘older’ machines.
The requirement for a Trusted Platform Module Chip 2.0 is likely to be a stumbling block for some. Even some processors released less than two years ago, and still on the market, do not have this technology. Initially Microsoft launched a ‘PC Health Check’ on their website. This allowed you to check if your PC was Windows 11 compatible. It’s since been removed. Microsoft has revealed that some processors with TPM 2.0 might still not be compatible! A long list of processors has been produced and Microsoft say this is the definitive list. They also say ‘this could be added to’! Confused? So is everyone else!
The good news is that Windows 10 support runs to at least October 2025. Windows 10 remains a robust, secure OS. It’s likely that rather than rushing to upgrade most will wait and bring in new Windows 11 machines as they refresh their equipment. There is plenty of time to do this.
Preparing for Change
Over the next few months we’ll keep you up to date as more clarity is provided around system requirements and beta testing shows new features and bugs!
We’ll be ensuring that we supply only Windows 11 compatible machines. We’ll also be working with existing clients to see which machines can be upgraded. Where existing equipment is compatible we’ll help clients decide if a Windows 11 upgrade is desirable.
Need any more information? Get in touch.