Windows 11: Everything your business needs to know

Windows 11: Everything your business needs to know

The Windows 10 operating system (OS) has enjoyed success since its launch in 2015, with over 1.3 billion devices currently running the OS. Building on Windows 10's success, Microsoft plans to release a new version of the OS called Windows 11. This news has raised many questions among current Microsoft users, so we’ve compiled everything there is to know about it in this blog.

When is the Windows 11 release date?

Windows 11 will be released to the public on October 5, 2021. As with past Windows releases, the OS will be rolled out in phases. Windows 11 will be offered to new eligible devices first, then it will be available to other in-market devices over time.

Is Windows 11 free?

Windows 11 will be a free upgrade for PCs that are running the latest version of Windows 10. It will also come pre-loaded on new PCs later this year.

Windows 11 will be a free upgrade for PCs that are running the latest version of Windows 10.

What are the system requirements for Windows 11?

To get the most out of Windows 11, you will need the following:

  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster 64-bit processor or system on a chip
  • RAM: At least 4 GB
  • Storage: At least 64 GB
  • Display: High-definition (1280x720) display, 9" or greater monitor
  • Security: TPM 2.0, UEFI firmware, Secure Boot capable

You can download Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to verify if your PCs are compatible with Windows 11. You can run Windows 11 on incompatible devices, but they may not be eligible for updates.

Will I be forced to upgrade my PCs to Windows 11?

No. You can keep using Windows 10 until its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 is still scheduled to get feature updates later this year, but it’s not currently known if there will be updates after that.

What kind of support does Windows 11 offer?

Instead of biannual updates like on Windows 10, Windows 11 will only get one feature update per year. What’s more, its Home and Pro editions will get 24 months of support, while Enterprise and Education editions will be supported for 36 months.

What’s new in Windows 11?

Windows 11 has a slew of new features that businesses can take advantage of, including:

1. Improved user interface (UI)

Windows 11’s design aims to improve on Windows 10’s user experience. For instance, the Start button and app icons on the taskbar will now be centered instead of aligned on the bottom-left corner. This reduces the time your mouse has to travel across the screen to launch apps. If you prefer the old left-aligned icon layout, however, you can always switch back.

Microsoft has also redesigned the Start menu. Instead of having an app list on the left and Live Tiles on the right, the Windows 11 Start menu features pinned apps and a “Recommended” section. The latter shows your recently opened files and offers recommendations for various apps.

The window borders in Windows 11 also have rounded corners. According to Microsoft, this makes an app’s UI much easier to scan and more engaging to users.

2. Optimized performance and security

Windows 11 will have faster startup times, streamlined background updates, and more reliable logins. Microsoft assures businesses that their apps will work seamlessly on Windows 11. What’s more, Windows 11 boasts a zero trust-ready configuration to protect data and access across devices.

3. Snap layouts

Windows 11 enables you to select preset layouts that will automatically snap windows into various areas of the screen. You can put windows side by side, in quadrants, or into more complex arrangements. This feature makes it easier to compare documents and do multiple tasks at the same time.

4. Better virtual desktops

Microsoft’s newest OS will allow you to set up multiple virtual desktops to organize your screen. For example, you can have one virtual desktop designated for work and another for your personal life, each with their own name and wallpaper.

5. Improved external monitor support

Windows 11 can now remember the locations of the windows that you placed on an external display. This means that the next time you reconnect a monitor to your laptop, all the windows previously placed on the external display will automatically return to their original position.

6. Microsoft Teams integration

Microsoft Teams will be built into the Windows 11 taskbar. This enables you to start a chat, voice call, or video call, and share files with your contacts across different platforms or devices. So even if the person you’re talking to has an Android or iOS device, you can easily communicate with them on your Windows 11 PC.

7. Widgets

Widgets are small gadgets on your computer that provide updates on things that you care about, such as the news, stocks, weather, photos, and more. On Windows 11, widgets can be customized according to your preferences so you can work more efficiently.

8. Improved Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store now features a larger collection of apps available for download. For instance, you can now get apps such as WinZip, OBS Studio, Zoom, Canva, and Adobe Acrobat Reader right from the store, eliminating the need to download them using a web browser.

Android app support is also expected in 2022.

Need help preparing your California business for Windows 11? Turn to Complete Document Solutions. As a Microsoft Certified Partner, we will ensure seamless upgrades for your PCs and that all of your hardware and software will be compatible with it. Talk to us today.

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