Windows 11 is the biggest release of a new Windows operating system in six years. It looks amazing. And it should be here next month.
Microsoft announced the launch of Windows 11 back in June, at an online event. Since then, it’s been difficult to avoid new info and updates on the brand new OS.
If you’re even remotely interested, you’ve probably already seen sneak previews of the sleek new design. If you haven’t, Google it.
And the great news is, if you’re already using Windows 10, you’ll be able to upgrade for free.
Yes, there’s a bit of a wait to upgrade from Windows 10, but since there are new hardware requirements, the extra time may be helpful.
To work with Windows 11, your machines will need to have:
- A 1GHz, 64-bit processor with two or more cores.
- 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB of hard drive storage.
- Oh, and Microsoft has said you’ll also need a Trusted Platform Model (TPM) chip, which is a security chip to run the software. TPM 2.0 is recommended, but not a necessity.
And with the stylish new look comes a load of new tools that we can’t wait to see. Here are four my team and I are excited about.
Teams
Since the way we work has changed so much in the last 18 months, Teams has been worth its weight in gold. And Microsoft knows it. So, Teams will be integrated into the OS. You’ll be able to access it directly from the taskbar.
Your desktop on any Windows 11 device
There will be better virtual desktop support. That means you can access your profile on any device that has Windows 11, making it even easier for you to work anywhere at any time. This is excellent news for people hot desking; hybrid workers; or for switching between your personal and work profiles.
Widgets
Although widgets aren’t new, they’ve been given a makeover, making them more accessible directly from your taskbar. You’ll even be able to personalize them, making it simpler to access the ones you need at a click.
Android apps
Windows 11 will support Android apps. Hooray!
Gone are the days you had to make do with the limited selection of apps on offer. You’ll be able to use the Amazon Appstore to access a huge range of apps, making your life easier.
It’s packed with exciting new stuff, and that means saying goodbye to some old things as well.
First, we’ll be saying farewell to Cortana, the voice assistant. Though if you’re really attached, you’ll be able to use her… she just won’t be pinned to the taskbar.
This next one may come as a bit of a surprise, but Skype will no longer be integrated. That’s because Teams has taken over as the primary way to video call in Windows. Again, if you can’t live without it, you’ll be able to add it to your device as an app.
Some of the taskbar functionality will change, too. For example, you’ll only be able to have it positioned along the bottom of the screen.
Lastly – and this may come as no surprise – after being in every version of Windows since 1995, Internet Explorer is out. It will, of course, be replaced by Microsoft Edge as the preferred browser.
It may seem as though there are going to be massive differences between Windows 10 and 11, but I believe it should still be intuitive and easy to navigate. It looks like Microsoft has created a better user experience.
Do you use any of these things right now? Will you miss them?
For additional information or to schedule an appointment to assist your business, call 928-719-7724 or visit www.northernazit.com. QCBN
By Theo Soumilas
Theo Soumilas is the owner of Northern Arizona IT, servicing Arizona.