Windows 11 is Coming. Here’s What Businesses Need to Know.

Introduction

Back in 2015, Microsoft confirmed that there will be no Windows 11.

Or, at least, that’s what they wanted us to believe… until now.

That’s because, on June 24^th 2021, Microsoft announced the successor to Windows 10 at a dedicated virtual event.

Despite the many conflicting rumours and information that has leaked out and been analysed to death over the years, the truth is finally here – and it’s called, quite appropriately, Windows 11.

So, what does this long-awaited operating system have to offer users in terms of features? And, more importantly for us, how can businesses benefit from Windows 11?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the full successor to the Windows 10 operating system.

Designed for use on PC desktop and laptop computers, the OS is a full visual refresh for Windows, making several core changes to the experience – including the Start Menu. Windows 11 also brings with it improvements to the touch-screen experience, meaning it’ll be cross-functional for laptop/desktop machines and tablets.

While Microsoft employee Jerry Nixon claimed in 2015 that Windows 10 would be the “last version of Windows”, that clearly is not the case. So what changed their mind? And which features could be so essential that they’ve pushed Microsoft to release an all-new OS?

Well, let’s take a look at the feature list, so you can decide that for yourself.

Which new features does Windows 11 offer?

During the announcement, Microsoft detailed a number of new features for Windows 11.

Here are the highlights you need to know:

The Start Menu has been almost entirely redesigned and moved from the lower-left corner of the screen to the centre. The Start Menu is now a more full-featured ‘mission control’ section, where users can find apps, files, and documents from the local computer and cloud-based services like OneDrive.

Deep Microsoft 365 integration is a natural step for Windows 11, especially after the global events of the last year or two. Microsoft 365 is now deeply integrated across Windows 11, meaning you can open a file, like a Word doc, on one device, then re-open it immediately from a real-time ‘recent files’ list on Windows 11 and continue where you left off. Likewise, Microsoft Teams is now built into the operating system directly, and it’s accessible from the Start Menu anytime.

Snap Layouts are a new addition which can help you work more efficiently when you have lots of windows open at once. Available from the upper-right corner of a window, Snap Layouts are presets for organising your windows. For example, you might want to tile four windows across the screen horizontally, or have each one take up a corner. Windows 11 will then remember your setup for future reference.

Snap Groups are an extension of Snap Layouts, but they remember your apps, too. So, for example, if you had your laptop plugged into a second screen with your unique mix of apps (browser, word processor, email client, etc.), then unplugged the screen – those apps wouldn’t simply be pushed onto your laptop screen as they would on Windows 10. Instead, Windows 11 will combine your setup into a Snap Group which you can click into to restore on your primary screen, or which will pop back up when you plug in your screen again. Simple.

Windows Widgets are an evolution of an idea which actually started back in Windows Vista (remember the clock and Post-It notes?). Widgets act a bit like your current Action Centre, in that you can pull the pane out from the side of the screen and access a curated feed of what’s happening with your computer. With Widgets, however, everything is connected, so you’ll see Microsoft 365 activity, news, weather, photos, and anything else that matters to you.

Will Windows 11 be a free upgrade?

One of the more interesting tidbits of info about Windows 11 is that it will be free for every Windows 10 license holder. Just like a regular Windows 10 update, you will simply download Windows 11 and install it, then you’re off to the races.

Microsoft has stated that the rollout of the Windows 11 update will begin around December 2021.

How long can you stick with Windows 10?

Of course, as with any new operating system, you might want to hold off until you upgrade to Windows 11. You might even want to stick with Windows 10 altogether.

Whatever the case, Microsoft is offering full support for Windows 10 until October 14^th 2025, so there’s certainly no rush to make the update. It’ll be there when you’re ready.

What are the technical requirements of Windows 11?

Naturally, with a new OS, you might be interested to know if your hardware is up to the task. Luckily, Microsoft has released the hardware requirements for Windows 11, and they’re as follows:

• Processor: 1GHz or faster CPU with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor (more on this below).
• RAM: 4GB or greater.
• Storage: 64GB or more available storage is required to install the OS.
• Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with the most recent Windows-approved driver.

In addition to these standard aspects of computer hardware, it’s also worth noting the following (and slightly more technical) requirements:

• TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 is required. Most modern business PCs will have this equipped already, but it may need to be activated manually for some machines.
• UEFI Secure Boot capability is a requirement, and ensures that only trusted software (in this case, Windows 11) can be run on the machine. If you’re not sure about this setting, just ask a member of the Get Support team.
• Intel Core CPUs must be 8^th generation or newer. If you have an older Intel processor, your machine may not work with Windows 11… for now. Microsoft has promised to expand support over time, but our team will be able to advise on this based on the latest updates. We can also advise on other CPU manufacturers, such as AMD.

Want to get ahead of the curve with Windows 11?

To get the most out of Microsoft’s brand-new operating system, you need an IT partner who can help you get up to speed fast. Not only that, but you’ll want a team which can help you navigate the technicalities of the upgrade for both hardware and software.

As a direct Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider, our expert team is perfectly placed to help you hit the ground running with Windows 11.

To learn more about the road to Windows 11, and how your business can get on board, call us today on 01865 59 4000 – or just leave your details via the form below.