Windows 11 Release Notice – Is Your PC Eligible?

Microsoft has now released Windows 11. The updated version will focus on increased security and reliability with a fresh clean look that will maximise productivity. Further updates for existing users of Windows 10 are expected by the start of 2022 with the feeling that it would be beneficial to postpone your upgrade until this time, avoiding any potential teething problems. New eligible devices will be offered the upgrade first.

Can everyone upgrade to Windows 11?

Although this latest release will provide a fresh look to the operating system, as well as updates and additions, it’s key to highlight that the update may not be suitable for your organisation at this point in time due to:

• Existing hardware not being suitable to run Windows 11
• 3rd party software and business applications not being compatible with Windows 11

Initially Microsoft declared you would require:

TPM 2.0 module and a relatively modern processor (8th Generation Intel, AMD Ryzen 2000 or newer) which rules out a high percentage of systems currently fit for Windows 10.

Upgrade will roll out dependent upon:

• Hardware eligibility
• Reliability metrics
• Age of device
• Other factors that will impact upon the upgrade experience

Users can check if they are ready for an upgrade by going to

1.  Settings
2. Windows Update
3. Select ‘Check for updates’

What has changed

Security

A combination of new features presented in Windows 11 have been shown to reduce malware by 60%. Windows support CPUs have an embedded TPM, support secure boot, support VBS and specific VBS capabilities.

Reliability

Windows 11 Pro will receive two years of support for each version release, increasing to three years of support if you hold the Enterprise licence.

Compatibility

Microsoft have designed Windows 11 to be compatible with the apps you use. It has the fundamentals of >1GHz, 2 core processors, 4GB of memory and 64GB of storage – this aligns with the minimum system requirements for Office and Microsoft Teams.

New Features

The most impressive change you will notice is on the Desktop. The Taskbar and Start button will now take centre stage, reflecting the current look of MacOS docks and ChromeOS. And the good news is that if you don’t like the new look you can revert to the old style.

‘Start’ will highlight recent files no matter what device you are viewing on.

The option to create individual backgrounds and themes for varying Desktops, separating ‘work’ and ‘personal’ is perfect for people working from home.

Teams has been a very beneficial integration to Microsoft throughout the pandemic and it will be integrated into Windows 11. Chat from MS Teams will be integrated into the Taskbar so you can connect with people instantly.

Snap Groups and Desktops will allow users to multitask and optimise screen space.

Widgets a new personalised feed (powered by AI) will provide a faster way to access important information.

Windows management for those of us who work on multiple windows and/or apps at the same time will love the new way it can handle multiple screens. You are presented with the option of various ‘snap layouts’. Windows 10 had this option, but Windows 11 will make this much easier.

Accessibility has been vastly improved. Everyone can take advantage of the new sound schemes; this will be particularly beneficial for the visually impaired. Users with sensitivity to light can access light and dark themes. While users with hearing impairments can enjoy the feature of ‘closed caption themes’ which are easy to customise and read.

What have Microsoft removed?

The Task View Timeline feature has been removed and Microsoft have tried to compensate this with improvements to the virtual Desktop.

Cortana will no longer be included in the first boot experience and no longer be pinned to the Taskbar.

The snipping tool will still be available but the old design and functionality in the Windows 10 version has been replaced with those of the app previously known as Snip and Sketch.

The Start button has significant changes that mean groups and folders of apps are no longer supported. The layout is not currently resizable. Pinned apps and sites will not migrate when upgrading from Windows 10 and live tiles will no longer be available.