After 6 years with Windows 10, Microsoft will be releasing the new Windows 11 later this year. It comes with more power and security than Windows 10, plus a cool, new look. The new design, tools and sounds, are a new, refreshing experience for users.
But what does this really mean for people who are thinking of upgrading when Windows 11 gets released? What are the differences and is it worth upgrading?
Security
A big draw card for Windows 11 are the added security measures. There are no passwords, it’s ‘passwordless’ authentication and can be accessed using your face or biometrics. They have developed it to assume breaches with passwords, so it really needs to be you accessing the operating system. Which gives the information and systems that are available through that device an added level of security.
A new look and feel
The new look and feel of Windows 11 provides a more pleasant user experience but some tools have moved and will require you to adjust the way you access these. Some of the changes include:
- the placement of the Start button has moved. The Start button has always been placed in the bottom left of the screen but in Windows 11 it’s in the middle of the taskbar, but to the left of all programs. The more tasks you have open that pushes the Start button more to the left and maybe this will move it over to its original spot.
- the Start menu has been redesigned. The frequently used icons are placed at the bottom, and less used ones higher up the screen, with all apps being accessed by a further click.
- File explorer icons have gotten a face lift. Folders are different colours (not just yellow) and the ribbon at the top is simpler and easier to access. There is a ‘new’ button at the top left which allows you to quickly add a new folder or document from the Explorer view.
- Microsoft Teams will be integrated into the taskbar and has received a face lift too. It is being seen as competing more with the likes of FaceTime but can be run on other operating systems too including Mac, Android, iOS and Windows PCs.
Accessibility Tools
Windows 11 is the most inclusively designed version of Windows yet and this was considered from the start. It has all the familiar assistive technologies like Narrator, Magnifier, Closed Captions and Windows Speech Recognition, but it will also support other popular screen readers, CART services and speech commanding technologies. If you or one of your team have a visual or hearing impairment, or even light sensitivity, there will be an assistive technology or settings to help you work more efficiently and effectively with Windows 11.
New store and Android apps
The Windows’ Microsoft Store interface has been redesigned making it more appealing and easy to use. You will still be able to purchase apps for your PC, movies, TV shows and games (which you can do now). But one of the new features of the operating system and the Store is being able purchase and run Android apps on your device. This will be life-changing for some users who rely on Android apps.
What you need to run it?
A lot of people expected it to need a device with high specs, but this isn’t the case. To run Windows 11, you need a device with:
- 1GHz CPU
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB storage
- high-definition display (720p).
Most devices purchased in the last 4 years will tick off these requirements, which is a relief to many businesses and users. From these specs the CPU maybe a problem if your device is older than that. The good news is that if your device doesn’t tick all the specs, Microsoft will support Windows 10 till 2025, so don’t rush out to buy a new fleet of devices till you need to upgrade.
Is it worth upgrading?
Transitioning your business from one operating system to another can be a lengthy process, so don’t expect it to happen overnight, or try to rush it. Your data and systems need to be tested using the new operating system and ensuring your printers and other devices all work together, like they do now. You want to minimise any possible business disruption.
Windows 11 will provide a better user experience for you and your business with its new design, tools and functions, and the accessibility improvements are getting great applause.
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Thanks for the content, looks great!
I can’t wait for this update! We’re a small company so the update process shouldn’t be that hard or time consuming. Still, I’m going to wait until I see some positive feedback.
Same here! Taking my sweet time before upgrading the whole office, I got burned quite badly with Win8, like everyone else I guess…
I am not sure if we should move to Windows 11 at this time or wait a bit until things settle down. We’re doing great with Windows 10 and this whole move might be a little time consuming and I am not sure if it’s a must right now. Don’t get me wrong, we are going to do it at some point, but maybe wait it out a bit.