Windows 11: Here’s everything you need to know

Windows 11: Here’s everything you need to know

There are plenty of reasons to get excited over Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system (OS). Being released six years after its predecessor, Windows 10, became available to the public, the new OS promises remarkable improvements in both performance and user experience. In this blog, we give you a glimpse of what Windows 11 has to offer.

When is Windows 11’s release date?

Some users have had the opportunity to test out Windows 11 as early as the final week of June, but the official release date is October 5, 2021. The new OS becomes available to both new and existing PCs in a “measured and phased” manner, which means it won’t be available to all users at the same time. If you are a Windows 10 user, the new OS will be a free upgrade as long as your machine meets the system requirements.

What are the minimum system requirements?

For a machine to be eligible, it has to at least meet the following specifications:

  • Processor – 64-bit at 1 GHz
  • RAM – 4 GB
  • Storage – 64 GB
  • Display – 9 inches diagonal at 720p
  • Resolution – 1280 x 720
  • System firmware – UEFI, Secure Boot-capable
  • TPM – TPM 2.0
  • Graphics – DirectX 12-compatible graphics/WDDM 2.x

Microsoft also limited supported PCs to just those that run 8th generation and high-end 7th generation Intel processors. Moreover, Windows 11 won’t be available to machines with 32-bit processors, although apps running on 32-bit will reportedly function without issues.

If you are a Windows 10 user, the new OS will be a free upgrade as long as your machine meets the system requirements.

How is Windows 11 different from Windows 10?

Windows 11 features changes from Windows 10, as well as adds new features absent in its predecessor. Here are some of them:

Design

While Windows 10 uses windows with sharp edges, its successor’s windows have rounded edges that are almost similar to what you see in Macs. What’s more, the Start button is much larger in Windows 11 and is placed at the center of the taskbar. You can, however, move it to the bottom left corner as it appears in Windows 10.

Android apps

On Windows 10, accessing Android apps is possible only if you own an eligible Samsung Galaxy phone, or have emulators like BlueStacks or Nox installed. This is made simpler with Windows 11, as it is set to feature native Android app support through the Amazon Appstore.

Virtual desktops

With Windows 11, virtual desktops are as easy to set up and use as with Mac systems. Toggling between multiple desktops has been made easier in the new OS, making it much friendlier to multitaskers.

Tablet mode

Windows 10’s tablet mode was designed to make touch-capable laptops easier to use. This mode is nowhere in Windows 11. For users who want to use their laptop as a tablet, Windows 11 will provide an optimized experience similar to what the iPad offers.

Teams

Teams has replaced Windows 10 Meet Now, which was powered by Skype, and occupies a spot in the Windows 11 taskbar. This makes it simpler for Teams users to access the communication platform should they need to send chat messages or make video conference calls.

Widgets

This is an AI-powered feed that you can customize to give you the information you want at a glance. These include weather, news, your calendar and to-do lists, and recent photos, among others. Widgets is similar to the news and interests panel recently added to Windows 10.

Snap Layouts

This new feature allows you to organize apps and windows on your screen, letting you view multiple windows at the same time. Although you can also technically do this with Windows 10, what makes Snap Layouts different is that you can save the windows and apps in your preferred arrangement. You can then minimize and enlarge your chosen layout as needed.

Windows 11 has a lot of new things to offer and you’re probably wondering what all these new features and capabilities mean for your business. Don’t worry, our specialists at Quicktech can help you make this new OS work for your business. Meanwhile, discover how our services can boost productivity and drive business growth when you download this free eBook today.