Windows 11 FAQ: Everything You Should Know

Windows 11 FAQ: Everything You Should Know

Windows 11 is the next major version of the Windows Operating System (OS). Windows 11 isn’t an iterative update; it’s an overhaul of Windows 10 – the most popular desktop operating system in years. The shift from Windows 10 to Windows 11 may look subtle, but there’s a lot to like about what Microsoft has achieved with the new OS. Windows 11 is free for all Windows 10 users and includes many new features and improvements over the current version of Windows.

As Microsoft rolls out its newest OS, there are inevitably questions about what this is, how it will be supported, and what that means for you as a business. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about Windows 11.

What’s New for Windows 11?

Windows 11 offers new productivity features and functionality designed to support today’s hybrid work environment. It has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look and feel that helps you get more done with less stress. Windows 11 comes with a truckload of new features, such as the ability to download and run Android apps on your Windows PC and updates to Microsoft Teams, the Start menu, and the overall look of the software, which is cleaner and Mac-like in design.

Microsoft Teams will get integrated directly into the Windows 11 Taskbar, which is now centered on the display. The new OS also delivers an easier transition from the monitor to the laptop and better multitasking. It includes features called Snap Groups and Snap Layouts – collections of the apps you’re using at once that sit in the Taskbar and can come up or be minimized at the same time for easier task switching. It also lets you plug and unplug from a monitor more easily without losing where your open windows are located.

When Can I Get Windows 11?

Windows 11 is now generally available, and Microsoft has begun rolling out the update in a measured and phased approach. The rollout of the upgrade to Windows 10 devices already in use today will begin in 2022 through the first half of that year. Windows 11 is only available as a download from Microsoft or pre-installed on new computers. The newer your device is, the sooner you’re likely to have access to the update. The older your PC is, the longer you’ll probably have to wait. Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 will be free, but your device must be running Windows 10 version 2004 or later and meet the minimum requirements to upgrade.

What are the Minimum Requirements for Windows 11?

If your computer is three years old or less, it should run Windows 11 – computers older than three years will likely not be able to run the new OS. Microsoft has a minimum system and hardware requirements for installing Windows 11 on a PC. If your device does not meet these requirements, you may not be able to install Windows 11 on your device and might want to consider purchasing a new PC.

• Processor: 1GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). (You’ll need at least an 8th-gen Intel Core CPU or Ryzen 2000)
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB or larger storage device
• System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
• Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display resolution: High definition (720p) display greater than 9 inches diagonally, 8 bits per color channel

What Happens When Windows 10 Reaches End-of-Life?

Windows 10 will reach end-of-life in 2025. After that, you will still be able to use your computer, but you will not get new features or quality updates. Also, your Windows 10 PC will not get many security updates after 2025, leaving you more exposed to malicious attacks and viruses. You will have to pay for the extended support, as is happening with Windows 7 extended security updates if you want to continue using your Windows 10 computer.

Should I Upgrade to Windows 11?

Windows 11 computers are now available, but because new operating systems are inherently less stable, organizations should consider waiting at least three months before buying Windows 11 computers. There will likely be some stability and performance issues discovered once the OS is in wide use. You want to make sure that your staff can work uninterrupted, so it’s best to let the home users do the stability testing for you.

Besides, Windows 11 won’t be immediately available for many business systems. Most computer manufacturers typically spend several additional months testing the new operating system on their business-grade machines and will only start shipping their business-grade laptops once they are confident the systems are highly stable and reliable. You should also delay upgrading your eligible Windows 10 computers to Windows 11 for a few months to give Microsoft time to deploy stability, performance, and security improvements.

When Will Windows 11 Get Updated?

Windows 11 will receive patches and regular feature updates periodically, probably not much different than today. But Microsoft will drop Windows 10’s twice-a-year upgrade cadence and replace it with a once annually for Windows 11. Microsoft will update Windows 11 Pro annually in the fall. Microsoft has said that each current feature update will be supported for two years. Updating your PC to the latest version of Windows 11 will simply reset that support clock, of course. Essentially, if you continually update your PC, your PC will continue to be supported.

Atlantic-IT: Your Windows 11 Support Services Provider

Windows 11 promises to deliver value to businesses of all kinds as they look to capitalize on new opportunities in the post-pandemic landscape. It offers plenty for businesses to be excited about, from features that support new ways of working to additions designed to keep employees secure, no matter their location. To get the most out of Microsoft’s brand-new operating system, you need an IT partner who can help you get up to speed fast. Not only that, but you’ll want a team that can help you navigate the technicalities of the upgrade for both hardware and software.

At Atlantic-IT, we provide Windows 11 support to businesses in New Jersey, New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Ohio, North Carolina, and Metro DC. We can help you conduct a readiness test to identify machines that will be compatible and to determine what needs to be done with the machines that will not be compatible. Whether you’re migrating from Windows 7 or 10, our expert team is committed to helping you achieve a seamless migration and deployment of Windows 11 and will guide you throughout the entire process. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help you make the transition to Windows 11.