Back when Windows 10 was introduced in 2015, Microsoft said that it was going to be the last version of Windows. The operating system (OS) was meant to evolve through biannual feature updates. This 2021, however, the software giant changed its mind, and has introduced a successor: Windows 11.
As a business owner, here are the things you should know about the upcoming OS.
1. Windows 11 will be available this October
Windows 11 will be available to the public starting October 5, 2021. Newer devices will get the OS first followed by other in-market PCs.
Windows 11 will be a free upgrade for PCs that are running the latest version of Windows 10.
2. Windows 11 will have slightly higher system requirements
The minimum system requirements needed to run Windows 11 is higher than those of Windows 10. You can compare their differences below:
| Windows 11 | Windows 10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster 64-bit processor or system on a chip | 1 GHz or faster processor or system on a chip |
| RAM | At least 4 GB | 1 GB for 32-bit systems, 2 GB for 64-bit systems |
| Storage | At least 64 GB | 16 GB for 32-bit systems, 20 GB for 64-bit systems |
| System firmware | UEFI, Secure Boot capable | N/A |
| Trusted Platform Module (TPM) | TPM 2.0 | N/A |
| Display | 1280x720 display, 9" or larger monitor | 800x600 display |
| Internet access requirement | Yes | No |
You can download Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to check your PCs’ compatibility with Windows 11. You can run the OS on unsupported hardware, but they may not receive updates, so you may have to invest on upgrades.
3. Windows 11 will be an optional feature update
You can keep using Windows 10 until its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. After this date, however, Microsoft won’t release further security patches for Windows 10, so you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 11.
4. The new OS will have improved support
Windows 11 will have one feature update per year. Home and Pro editions of the OS will get 24 months of support while Education and Enterprise versions will qualify for 36 months of support.
5. It will feature a new user interface
The Start button and app icons on the taskbar on Windows 11 will now be centered instead of left-aligned. This eliminates the need for the mouse to travel across the screen to open the Start menu and launch apps. If you prefer the classic icon layout, however, you can switch back.
The Start menu has also been simplified. It features a search bar, pinned apps, recent files, and power options.
What’s more, open windows will have rounded corners. According to Microsoft, this makes applications feel more engaging and easier to interact with.
6. Snap and virtual desktop features will be improved
A new feature on Windows 11 called Snap Layouts lets you better organize open windows on the screen by grouping them together on preset arrangements, such as side by side, into three columns, and into quadrants, among other layouts.
Windows 11 also makes it easy for you to create multiple virtual desktops. You can make separate desktops for work and personal use, each with their own wallpaper and name.
7. Microsoft Teams will be integrated into the OS
Launching Microsoft Teams on Windows 11 is as easy as clicking on the “Chat” icon on the taskbar. This makes it easy for users to start a chat, voice call, or video call with your contacts without the need to download Teams.
8. Widgets will provide useful information at a glance
Widgets are a group of small apps that provide updates on things that matter to you, such as news, stocks, weather, and sports scores. The widgets menu can be customized to your liking and includes a Bing search bar that will display results in a new browser window.
9. The new Microsoft Store will make it easier to get apps
The Microsoft Store now boasts a larger number of apps for users to download. You can download applications like Reddit, Zoom, WinZip, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and Canva without the need to open a web browser. Support for Android apps will also be available in 2022.
10. Windows 11 will boast better security
The new OS features powerful zero trust security configurations to protect business data and access across devices. Features such as malware prevention, encryption, and hardware-based isolation are also turned on by default.
11. The new OS will have optimized performance
Windows 11 will have performance improvements, including:
- Faster startup times
- More reliable logins via Windows Hello
- Simplified background updates
- Better power efficiency to prolong battery life
- Touch-, pen-, and voice-optimized experience
Need to know how your business can get the most out of Windows 11? Call Founders Technology Group today. We won’t just ensure that your PCs are compatible with the OS, but we will also help you with the upgrade process.