Is it worth updating from Windows 10 to 11? 

Is it worth updating from Windows 10 to 11?

Adjusting to Windows 11 shouldn’t be hard. Windows 11 is user-friendly, so it isn’t a problem to streamline one’s tasks with the new OS.

Microsoft recently released Windows 11, their latest operating system, and has added new features & functionalities compared to the previous versions. The new features can improve your productivity and provide a better user experience.

Using Windows 11 will give you an improved experience over its predecessors. An example will be the refinement of several household features including video conferencing and video management. Other enhancements include notetaking, data input, and a friendlier interface to help you complete your task more efficiently.

There are many more features in Windows 11 that can increase your productivity and we will uncover them in detail below.

What’s New in Windows 11

#1 New Taskbar

Earlier versions of Windows feature the iconic taskbar, which can be clunky at times. The new Windows 11 taskbar hides clutter while streamlining several useful features. Various apps can be arranged on the taskbar with related functions and pinned to speed up navigation between websites. A search bar is also available for internet searching.

The new taskbar has a fresh look with clean lines and widgets that display essential information (e.g. weather, photos, and news). This is an improvement from the earlier taskbar.

#2 Windows Grouping and Snapping

Windows 11 has enhanced Snap Group and Snap Layout that allow you to resize and manage your windows easily. This means that you can group your apps for faster access.

Simply hover the mouse over the maximise button on the desired application to see the layout options. You can choose from four app grids or a side-by-side layout, depending on your preferences. If you need to perform basic window management, you can still grab and pull windows to the edge of the screen.

This helps with desktop organisation, especially for those who are working on two or more monitors. You can reduce clutter and enable you to focus on your tasks.

#3 Improved Accessibility

Windows 11 is following in the footsteps of many smartphones to simplify settings and make it more accessible with fewer clicks. You can now pull up your control panel with just one tap or click on the taskbar corner.

The new Windows 11 app features aesthetic curved corners and the setting incorporates more options to make further tweaks. Blind or visually impaired users can take advantage of the cutting-edge audio cues. There are also desktop themes to help to reduce eye strain which is a helpful feature for those who work on the desktop for long hours.

The new operating system also has revamped voice typing which can be activated with a simple keyboard shortcut. It supports most major languages including English, Italian, German, Spanish, French, Simplified Chinese, and Portuguese.

#4 Better App Store

Windows 11 comes with a better app store that helps you to find more apps that can help enhance workplace productivity. Besides universal apps, you can check out apps that are compatible with your device. It can also handle programs from third-party stores and manage app installation on the internet.

#5 Better Notetaking

If you are used to taking notes using a touchscreen device, this new feature in Windows 11 will be of significant help to you. You now have haptic feedback to generate physical sensations when drawing lines on the screen or checking boxes on your pen.

The Ink Workspace allows you to add preferred apps instead of using the standard snipping tool and Whiteboard. It also gives you easy access to creativity tools the moment you pull out your pen.

What Features Were Not Included in Windows 11?

#1 Taskbar Customisation

If you are used to Windows 10’s ability to move your taskbar from horizontal to the left, right or upper part of the screen, you are not able to do that with Windows 11. The taskbar in the new operating system is fixed at the bottom of the screen and you cannot customise its dimension.

Additionally, you can no longer move Time and Date on your taskbar in Windows 11. The previous version allows you to toggle off the Clock feature in your Settings.

#2 Drag and Drop Features

In the previous operating system, you can drag several items to change their positions. An example would be the ability to drag a Word document onto your Word icon on the taskbar to open it. This feature is no longer available in Windows 11.

#3 Cortana

Cortana is a voice assistant like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Some people have relied on it and are disappointed that it is not included in Windows 11. It is also not available on the Start menu. The good news is that Cortana can still be found albeit hidden away. You can enable it by going to Settings and navigating to Apps & Features.

Moving to Windows 11

Windows 11 maybe have removed some features that you have been using in the previous versions, yet it is still an excellent platform to increase your productivity. The new Windows 11 is the culmination of features to help you get more tasks better and more efficiently.

If you are looking to incorporate Windows 11 to boost the productivity of your organisation, contact us. We can have a 15 minute chat to help you address key productivity issues by using Windows 11