Windows 11 Release: What Does It Mean For Business?

Windows 11

Windows 11 Release: What Does It Mean For Business?

There has been a huge industry buzz around the release of Windows 11, the latest incarnation of Microsoft’s operating system and the first new version for six years.  Microsoft is calling it “the Windows that brings you closer to what you love.” But what’s different about it and what does it mean for your business?

We have compiled some FAQs, with more in-depth information about this new operating system and what it offers for the business consumer.

 

What’s Different about Windows 11?

1 – Design

Apple users might see similarities between the appearance of the macOS and Windows 11. Rounded corners and a useful Start button are reminiscent of the Apple OS. Each virtual desktop can also have a different background. Windows 11 has a Snap Layout function, which allows you to choose from a variety of layout options at the click of a button.

 

2 – Teams

Microsoft Teams became a familiar aspect of remote and collaborative working during the lockdowns and has continued in popularity. As part of the Microsoft 11 upgrade, Teams has been updated and is now fully integrated into the operating system.

 

3 – Android Apps

Microsoft has integrated Android apps for PC use, as part of Windows 11. However, it has not yet been confirmed if these Android apps will work optimally on a PC.

 

What Hardware Is Required to Run Windows 11?

Microsoft states that to run Windows 11, the following specifications are required:

· Minimum 1GHZ dual-core processor

· 4 GB of RAM

· minimum 64 GB storage

· graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with WDDM 2.0 driver

· 720p display, minimum 9” diagonal size, with 8 bits per colour channel

· TPM version 2.0

· UEFI, Secure Boot capable firmware.

 

If your business PCs and laptops already have these, then they can safely be upgraded to Windows 11. If they don’t, then upgrades or replacement devices will be necessary, dependent upon hardware and usage.

 

What is the process to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

· Go to the Windows Update section of the Settings menu and choose “Check for Updates.”

· Windows 11 will appear. Select “Download and Install.”

· With a current subscription to Microsoft 365, the latest version of Office can be obtained by simply downloading it in Windows 11. Otherwise, it will be necessary to purchase a new subscription to run Office applications.

Support for older (2010 or earlier) versions of Office has been withdrawn, so ideally these should be upgraded, for data security reasons.

 

Should You Upgrade Immediately?

There are certain situations where an immediate upgrade to Windows 11 might not be advisable.

For example, if your business devices are not compatible with Windows 11, it would not be feasible to upgrade without new hardware and equipment. Even where PCs or laptops are compatible with Windows 11, an upgrade might be unnecessary. If Windows 10 still meets all your business’s needs, then there is currently no urgency to upgrade.

Microsoft has scheduled a Windows 10 update later this year, and the company will also continue supporting it until October 14, 2025. This gives business customers time to consider upgrading or switching operating systems altogether.

 

Practical Advice

To make a big decision about the future OS requirements of your business, it is helpful to seek out expert advice.

Contact us today for an informal chat.