The 5 Biggest Questions about Windows 11 Answered

The 5 Biggest Questions about Windows 11 Answered

In this blog post, we will be covering the biggest questions asked about Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 11. Before you jump ship and upgrade to the new OS, please read on.

Microsoft has released the latest version of its Windows operating system six years after the last release. Windows 11 promises to deliver a better user experience to the ever-expanding market. Microsoft dubs the latest operating system as “Windows that brings you closer to what you love”.

You may have burning questions about Windows 11, features, functionalities, and most importantly – is it worth switching? Let’s jump into the five biggest questions you have about Windows 11.

THE FIVE QUESTIONS ABOUT WINDOWS 11

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WINDOWS 10 AND 11?

Windows 11 has better performance, more functionality, and has improved style in comparison with Windows 10. Here are key upgrades Microsoft made for the latest OS:

• Look & Feel Makeover: Windows gets a fresher look with sport tightly rounded corners and the taskbar icons are permanently centered. Generally, you get a nicer user interface with the new operating system. The iconic Start menu button is, however, here to stay.
• Better Productivity Functions: Windows 11 includes some small but significant upgrades to improve productivity. Your PC will now remember the last layout of your choice when docking, so you do not have to readjust. Your virtual desktops can now have different backgrounds. Surprisingly, widgets are also back! There is also a Snap Layout function that allows users to choose from a variety of layout options.
• New and Improved Microsoft Teams: Now that hybrid work is becoming the new normal, Microsoft has included several upgrades to the application. Teams is now integrated into Windows 11, which simplifies communication with family, friends, and colleagues.
• Better Gaming Experience: Microsoft OS is used beyond business and workers; thus, the gaming users are not left out. Gamers will enjoy playing games on Windows 11 with Xbox Game pass and Cloud gaming supported on the Xbox app in Windows 11.
• Android Apps Integration: Microsoft successfully integrated Android apps on the PC using the new operating system Windows 11. However, the question remains whether Android apps that were built for use on Android OS will work optimally on PCs. A lot more work needs to be done in this area.

DO I NEED TO UPGRADE MY HARDWARE TO SWITCH TO WINDOWS 11?

The hardware system requirements for Windows 11 to run smoothly are as below:

• At least a 1GHZ dual-core processor
• 4 GB of RAM
• At least 64 GB of storage
• A graphics card compatible with minimum DirectX 12, with a WDDM 2.0 driver
• 720p display with a minimum 9” diagonal size, with 8 bits per color channel
• TPM version 2.0
• UEFI, Secure Boot capable firmware

If your PC or laptop fulfills the above specification, you can safely upgrade to Windows 11 without any concern. However, if it does not meet the minimum criteria, it may be worth it to get your hardware upgraded or purchase a new device prior to the switch.

WOULD MICROSOFT OFFICE SUITE BE AVAILABLE ON WINDOWS 11?

If you are asking whether Microsoft Office Suite is part of Windows 11 – the answer is No. You must pay for a Microsoft Office subscription to use the software. However, if you have an existing subscription to Microsoft 365, then you are good to go. After upgrading to Windows 11, you just need to install the Microsoft Office Suite.

Do note that the support for older versions of Office (2010 and below) has been discontinued since 2020. If you are still using unsupported versions of Microsoft Office, we strongly suggest you upgrade to avoid making yourself vulnerable to security risks.

HOW TO SWITCH FROM WINDOWS 10 TO 11?

If you are upgrading from Windows 10 to 11, it is a simple procedure. Firstly, check the above hardware requirements to make sure that your device can support the new operating system. Then you just need to go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for Updates.” Windows 11 should be available in the upgrade section. Click the “Download and Install” button.

If your device qualifies for Windows 11 upgrade, it may also be prompted when you restart. If you get this prompt, it means that your device meets the minimum criteria for the OS and the upgrade is automatically provided to you. You will need to agree to the upgrade, and it will be downloaded in the background. Once it has completed the download, you will be prompted to install it. Allocate sufficient time for the installation process as it may take a while. You will not be able to use the laptop while the installation is taking place.

IS IT NECESSARY TO SWITCH TO WINDOWS 11?

Switching to Windows 11 is not compulsory. If your PC or laptop is not compatible or cannot run Windows 11 due to hardware limitations, you do not have to upgrade.

At the same time, if you find that the upgrade is not necessary for your current needs, there is nothing wrong with using Windows 10. If you are not ready to transition to the new operating system, it is okay to continue using Windows 10. Microsoft will offer support for Windows 10 until October 14th, 2025. This gives you ample time to think about upgrading to Windows 11.

TECHNOLOGY THAT WORKS FOR YOU

Microsoft has tried to understand its users’ pain points and addressed them in the new OS. Recent updates, better user experience, improved performance, integration with Teams is just some of the exciting upgrades in Windows 11. Technology when used efficiently is a tool to increase your productivity and efficiency.

If you are unsure whether Windows 11 is right for you at this point or have further questions on how it will fit your business, give MicroChannel a call at 1300 440 400. We can run through with you the pros and cons of switching (and not) to Windows 11, and what to expect when making both decisions.