5 Biggest Questions About Windows 11 Answered
Microsoft’s latest operating system is starting to take the world by storm. But before jumping in and upgrading to the new OS, take a look at these frequently asked questions and answers.
5 Biggest Questions About Windows 11 Answered
Microsoft’s latest operating system is starting to take the world by storm. But before jumping in and upgrading to the new OS, take a look at these frequently asked questions and answers.
I know you may have many questions about this latest OS from Microsoft. So we’ll help by answering some within this post.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WINDOWS 10 AND 11?
Windows 11 gets a boost in performance, functionality, and style compared to Windows 10. Here’s a rundown of the upgrades Microsoft has made for its latest OS:
• Windows gets a makeover: If you’ve used Apple before, you’ll see similarities between the design of the macOS and the latest Windows model. Windows now have sport tightly rounded corners and the taskbar icons centered (this is optional), But the handy Start button is here to stay.
• Streamlined Productivity Functions: There are many small but significant upgrades that Microsoft did for Windows 11. For one, your PC will now remember the last layout of your choice when docking. Each of your virtual desktops can also have a different background. Also, widgets are back like never before. Windows 11 features a Snap Layout function that lets you to choose from a variety of layout options.
• New and Improved Teams: With hybrid work becoming the new normal around the world. Teams entered the spotlight. Because of this, Microsoft made sure to include reasonable upgrades to the application. For example, Teams is now integrated into the operating system, making it easier to communicate with family, friends, and colleagues. You can use the keyboard shortcut of ‘Windows + C’ which will open a way to chat to your Teams contacts.
• Better Gaming Experience: Microsoft made sure to think about not just business people and workers when designing the new Windows 11. Gamers will love the fact that playing games on Windows is made even better, with Xbox Game pass and Cloud gaming supported on the Xbox app in Windows 11.
• Android Apps on Your PC: Aside from offering better compatibility with the Xbox, Microsoft has successfully integrated Android apps on your PC using Windows 11.
I know you might have a lot of questions about this latest OS from Microsoft. So hopefully we can help by answering some within this post.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WINDOWS 10 AND 11?
Windows 11 gets a significant boost in performance, functionality, and style compared to Windows 10. Here’s a small rundown of the critical upgrades Microsoft made for its latest OS:
• Windows gets a makeover: If you’ve used Apple before, you’ll see similarities between the design of the macOS and the latest Windows model. Windows now have sport tightly rounded corners and the taskbar icons centered (this is optional), But the handy Start button is here to stay.
• Streamlined Productivity Functions: There are many small but significant upgrades that Microsoft did for Windows 11. For one, your PC will now remember the last layout of your choice when docking. Each of your virtual desktops can also have a different background. Also, widgets are back like never before. Windows 11 features a Snap Layout function that lets you to choose from a variety of layout options.
• New and Improved Teams: With hybrid work becoming the new normal around the world. Teams entered the spotlight. Because of this, Microsoft made sure to include reasonable upgrades to the application. For example, Teams is now integrated into the operating system, making it easier to communicate with family, friends, and colleagues. You can use the keyboard shortcut of ‘Windows + C’ which will open a way to chat to your Teams contacts.
• Better Gaming Experience: Microsoft made sure to think about not just business people and workers when designing the new Windows 11. Gamers will love the fact that playing games on Windows is made even better, with Xbox Game pass and Cloud gaming supported on the Xbox app in Windows 11.
• Android Apps on Your PC: Aside from offering better compatibility with the Xbox, Microsoft has successfully integrated Android apps on your PC using Windows 11.
DO I NEED TO MAKE HARDWARE CHANGES TO SWITCH TO WINDOWS 11?
It depends. Here’s a checklist of what you need to have to run Windows 11 smoothly:
• At least a 1GHZ dual-core processor
• 4 GB of RAM
• At least 64 GB of storage
• A graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver
• 720p display, at least 9” diagonal size, with 8 bits per colour channel
• TPM version 2.0
• UEFI, Secure Boot capable firmware
If your PC or laptop covers or does more than what’s listed above, then you can safely upgrade to Windows 11, worry-free.
On the other hand, you might have to make some hardware upgrades or buy a new device altogether if your current one does not meet the minimum requirements.
IS THE MICROSOFT OFFICE SUITE AVAILABLE ON WINDOWS 11?
No. You have to pay for a Microsoft Office subscription first.
But if you have an existing subscription to Microsoft 365, then you’re all set. You just need to install the Office suite after upgrading to Windows 11.
Note that support for older versions of Office (2010 and below) has been discontinued since last year. So if you’re still using that, I suggest you make changes to avoid making yourself vulnerable to security risks.
HOW CAN I SWITCH FROM WINDOWS 10 TO 11?
If you’re looking to upgrade from Windows 10 to 11, you have nothing to worry about.
You just need to go to the Windows Update section of your Settings and click “Check for Updates.” Windows 11 will just be there available in the upgrade section.
Click the “Download and Install” button, and that’s it.*
*We will be moving all of our clients over to Windows 11 soon, we want to ensure there are no problems or bugs before hand.
SHOULD I SWITCH TO WINDOWS 11?
No. If your computer is not compatible or can’t run Windows 11, you don’t have to upgrade.
On the other hand, if your PC is compatible with Windows 11 but you find the upgrades unnecessary for your current workflow, there’s nothing wrong with staying with Windows 10.
Even Microsoft said that Windows 10 is still the right choice for those who aren’t ready to transition to a new operating system. In fact, they made sure of this by scheduling an update for Windows 10 later this year. At the same time, the company will continue supporting Windows 10 until October 14, 2025.
This gives you about four years to think about upgrading to Windows 11 or switching operating systems altogether.
See What Others Think.
When the new OS from Microsoft was released, a couple of members from our team here at Reformed IT went ahead and updated to Windows 11. We asked them what they like most, dislike and found out ultimately whether the Windows 11 update is right for you.
Get In Touch.
If you have any questions about Windows 11, feel free to contact us by calling 01158 244 824 or email us using the button below.
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