Windows 11 puts the user at the center of the Windows Experience.
In 2009 Microsoft released Windows 10 and since then all updates have been labelled Windows 10 Roll out x (insert date here).
Windows 10, from a Marketing perspective back then, was going to be the last stop and you would only need updates from then on. I guess the Marketing folks needed some excitement and we are going to be introduced to Windows 11 soon!
Popular Features Being Delivered with Windows 11
1. The new Windows Store will allow you to download android apps.
Microsoft confirmed a stewing rumour from late June at a Windows 11 event, that Android apps would be supported in Windows, starting with Windows 11. These apps, Instagram and TikTok for example, will install on your machine and run just like any other app, not like a mobile app running on your PC. You can drag it around, resize and minimize it.
"The apps have the ability to be locally installed and will function without the need for a smartphone, appearing native in your taskbar and Smart Menu." Microsoft to Bring Android Apps and Games to Windows 11 | Digital Trends
2. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
The new "Snap Navigator" menu drops down from an app window's maximize button when you hover over it. It lets you snap an app to a predetermined set of grid layouts which can be handy if you are working with one screen and want to keep things flowing with a few apps at the same time.
Watch this video for a demonstration of the new Snap Layouts.
3. The new Start Button will be "at the center" of your screen.
Microsoft wants Windows 11 to be centered around you and be at the center of all ecosystems.
Watch Satya Nadella's comments about Windows 11 and some of the new features.
Release Info
Microsoft says that it expects to begin shipping new Windows 11 PC's this fall, and existing Windows 10 users will be presented with the opportunity to upgrade too. This timing could mean the holiday season for many of us, and typically updates are rolled gradually by region and datacentre.
Upgrade to Windows 11 will be optional, meaning Windows 10 users can remain on Windows 10 until support is dropped in 2025.
Some people choose to delay the upgrade until they purchase a new PC and Windows 11 comes installed. I'll upgrade when my turn comes up as most current PCs can handle the upgrade.
Minimum System Requirements
A modern 1Ghz 64-bit dual-core processor
4GB RAM
64GB drive
9-inch display
1366 x 768 resolution
UEFI, Secure Boot & TPM 2.0 compatible
DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WWDM 2.x
These specs are quite common, but the TPM 2.0 is the one to look for. It means Trusted Platform Module 2.0 and without getting too technical, it is a chip that is designed to perform security operations that prevent malicious software from tampering with your system. What is TPM 2.0: how to know if you have it and how to activate it in the BIOS - Techidence
One of the other big changes to the system requirements with Windows 11 is that the OS is now only available on 64-bit processors. Microsoft is not releasing a 32-bit version of the OS, although 32-bit apps will continue to work just fine. Windows 11: Release date, price, and everything you need to know | Windows Central
To find out more about Windows 11, your migration options and other related Microsoft 365 options, please give us a call.
