Windows 11 operating system was released in October 2021. It is an incremental refinement of Windows 10 offering a familiar feel and experience with a few updates. Microsoft says it is a simplified design that aims to offer a modern, clean, creative experience. The most noticeable change is that the Windows Start Menu is now located in the center of the bottom of the screen rather than in the lower-left as with previous versions of Windows. You can put it back on the left of the screen if you prefer with a few clicks of your mouse, however.
While it is always wise to perform basic testing to confirm there are no issues following any change, software that runs on Windows 10 should all generally run without issue on Windows 11. And, because it is so important to keep your systems updated with the latest security patches, all new PCs you purchase should be deployed running Windows 11. Microsoft will be ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, which will be here before you know it.
Security Features:
- TPM Required – Windows 11 can only be deployed on computers that have TPM (Trusted Platform Module) installed. TPM 2.0 technology was introduced in 2014, and is a standard for a secure crypto-processor. TPM chips security generate, store and limit the use of cryptographic keys used to authenticate hardware. It is an important security feature of a PC that is like an alarm to prevent hackers or malware from infiltrating your data. If you have an older PC, it may not have a TPM chip. If this is the case, it is time to get a new modern computer.
- Secure Boot Technology – Windows 11 uses Secure boot technology to help prevent malicious software, known as rootkits, from inserting themselves into the PC startup process to bypass other security measures. Once again, the PC hardware needs to support this process, which most modern computers have.
User Experience:
- Update Efficiency – Microsoft streamlined their software update process beginning with Windows 11. This results in updates are expected to be 40% smaller, which help speed up the process of routine software updates.
- Customizable – Windows 11 offers a highly personalized user experience by allowing for a great degree of customization across various areas. Custom widgets, virtual desktop customization, and snap layouts are all examples of this. For example, the virtual desktop feature may be used by people working remotely to organize work and home activities into different virtual desktops. The snap layout can make it easier to organize your windows and find what you need quickly.
- Browser – Microsoft Edge is the default browser that comes with Windows 11. Internet Explorer is no longer available. If you wish to use an alternative browser, contact your IT for assistance setting this up.
Tips and Tricks:
- Integrated Chat Taskbar from Microsoft Teams – Now you can connect via chat, text, voice or video with all of your contacts regardless of which device or platform they are on. If your colleague does not have the Microsoft Teams app installed, you can still connect via SMS.
- Android Apps – Windows 11 will let you run Android applications on your PC. With remote work and BYOD becoming a norm, this integration will add a lot of value to users as they get seamless access to Android & Windows-based work applications across both, the PC and mobile device.
- Voice Typing – transcribe your voice to text effortlessly, with keyboard optional.
- Digital Pen – write or draw naturally. You can annotate a PDF, website or image.
- Intuitive touch gestures – No mouse is needed to enable some workflows. Use multi-finger gestures for quick navigation.
- Snap Groups and Snap Layouts – Collections of the apps you most commonly use can be grouped on the taskbar and launched or minimized at the same time for easier task switching. They also let you plug and unplug from a monitor easily, without losing where your open windows are located.
Are you ready to make the switch? You can check out all the system requirements needed before you upgrade to Windows 11 from Microsoft here: Windows 11 Specs and System Requirements | Microsoft. Only approved processors are supported, so it is best to consult with your IT first to make sure it goes smoothly.
This seems unlikely Microsoft propganda. [DK1]
