What is new in Windows 11 | Computing Australia

Windows 11- What to Expect

What is new in Windows 11 | Computing Australia

Windows 11- What to Expect

Windows 11- What to Expect

The “next generation of Windows” officially starts on October 5th, 2021, with Windows 11. According to Microsoft, Windows 11 will be the harbinger of a massive shift in the UX, complete with android support and a new store. To quote the official statement, this version of Windows is designed to “bring you closer to what you love” . So, what is new in Windows 11? Should you upgrade to Windows 11? Our experts from Perth explain what we know about it so far.

When and how will the Windows upgrade begin?

Microsoft says that the free upgrade (for eligible systems) to Windows 11 will begin on October 5th, 2021. The revised, updated version aims to facilitate your creativity and improve your productivity. It is estimated that by mid-2022, all eligible devices will have the option to upgrade to Windows 11.

The system requirements for the upgrade include:

  • Multicore 64-bit processor with a minimum speed of 1 GHz
  • 4GB RAM
  • 64 GB system storage
  • High definition (720p display)
  • Graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 or later version with WDDM 2.0 driver
  • Microsoft account
  • Internet connectivity

Along with these, certain requirements are specific to the features you wish to enable. To know more about the requirements,
click here.

So, how will you know if your system is eligible for the upgrade? Just go to “Settings”, select “Windows Update”, and click on “Check for updates”. The message will show if your PC is eligible for updates.

What are the highlights of Windows 11?

The highlights - The Computing Australia Group

While Windows 11 is built in the same core structure as its predecessor, the features vary hugely. The UX overhaul in Windows 11 is predicted to make the OS more touch-friendly. But UX isn’t the only focus of the much-anticipated release.

The highlights of Windows 11 are:

  • Enhanced visual experience. This release comes with a sleek and classy design that promises “a sense of calm and ease”. The colours and icons have been refreshed. The pop-up windows will have rounded corners. It also has the most inclusive Windows design with accessibility improvements that cater to people with disabilities.
  • Multitasking will be made easy via the added Snap layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops. By hovering over the maximize button, you’ll be able to change the layout options. These features will help you optimize your screen for improved productivity, especially if you use ultra-wide monitors.
  • The Start menu will have changes to make your content more centred. The Start menu will use cloud functionality and features of Microsoft 365 to show your recent files from all the related devices.
  • Taskbar’s modification includes the integration of Microsoft Teams chat. This inclusion will allow you to connect and communicate faster. You will also have a mute/unmute button in the taskbar, along with the option to start the screen presentation. The Settings app has undergone extensive reworking as well.
  • Among the most beneficial features is the Widgets pane, an AI-powered personalized feed that will give you the latest information on topics you follow. This is a feature partnered by Microsoft Edge’s productivity options.
  • Hardware-assisted security is mandatory as opposed to its optional functionality in Windows 10. Secure Boot and device encryption are now available by default to prevent cyberattacks.
  • You can now unlock the full gaming potential of your system with DirectX12 Ultimate, DirectStorage and Auto HDR. If you have an Xbox Game Pass for PC, you’ll have access to 100+ high-quality PC games at a monthly rate.
  • Windows 11 comes with a significant update to the Store. The Microsoft Store will have a new design that will make it easier to search for your favourite apps, games, and movies. The update will also allow third-party developers and independent software vendors to make their apps available to download via the Store. Microsoft has also partnered with Amazon to integrate the Amazon Appstore as well.
  • The latest version of Windows OS is also secure and has optimized speed, efficiency, and voice functions.

Windows 11 is one of the most-awaited launches of the year. From what Microsoft has released to the public, it seems like this release could be revolutionary, especially when work from home is becoming increasingly common. Snap Assists and Store modifications are the features that many are looking forward to.

That’s a snapshot of what’s new in Windows 11. We’ll talk about it in more detail in the coming weeks – keep watching this space. It’s up to you to decide if you should upgrade your OS or not. Our recommendation – go for it. It is the best yet from Microsoft. If you are unsure whether your PC will support Windows 11 or need a new PC, reach out to us through our Contact page or email us at helpdesk@computingaustralia.group. Our team at Perth will be available around the clock to answer your queries.

Jargon Buster

UX: User experience (UX) refers to the process of creating products that provide meaningful and valuable experiences to its users.
Snap assist: Snap assist is a tool that provides quick and easy ways to arrange your windows on the screen.
Graphics card: A piece of computer hardware responsible for producing the images on your display device.

Gordon Murdoch | Blog author | Computing Australia

Gordon Murdoch

Gordon is the Service Delivery Manager at The Computing Australia Group, he is responsible for the delivery of all The CAG technical support services. It is a busy portfolio to manage as we have a lot of techs and our clients generate thousands of new tickets every day. If you are looking for a tech company that is passionate about service delivery, give The Computing Australia Group a go. Many of our clients have been with us for all of our last 20 years of operation which is something we are all proud of here. 

Gordon Murdoch | Blog author | Computing Australia

Gordon Murdoch

Gordon is the Service Delivery Manager at The Computing Australia Group, he is responsible for the delivery of all Computing Australia technical support services. It is a busy portfolio to manage as we have a lot of techs and our clients generate thousands of new tickets every day. If you are looking for a tech company that is passionate about service delivery, give The Computing Australia Group a go. Many of our clients have been with us for all of our last 20 years of operation which is something we are all proud of here.