Windows 11 was officially announced by Microsoft on June 24, 2021. Do you know what it has in store for you?

A range of new features, an innovative interface, and a focus on balance between home and office settings will make this modern operating system an exciting platform on which you and your team can do your work. 

This platform is optimized for hybrid working, delivers a newly improved security focus across devices and the cloud, makes use of ARM processors and supports more efficient collaboration and productivity. Before you start your migration, however, you should know what the new OS offers, and whether your systems can support it. 

What Does Windows 11 Offer Your Organization?

“Windows has always existed to be a stage for the world’s innovation. It’s been the backbone of global businesses and where scrappy startups became household names,” said Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer at Microsoft, as a part of the Windows 11 announcement.

This new OS is designed with the modern worker (and their many workplace and devices) in mind. From productivity-based features to enhanced security, Windows 11 innovates the current professional workspace across the board.

Windows 11 Is Optimized For Hybrid Working

At the core of Windows 11 is a focus on supporting today’s hybrid worker. Its many new features make it easier for users to work between different apps, different devices, and different workplaces.  

Preferences, personalized configurations and more are kept consistent across devices and settings, ensuring users can enjoy a seamless experience set to their exact specifications. Furthermore, AI-powered widgets help to further focus the experience for users as they do their work. 

Security is also a key priority in the hybrid workspace. As users access their sensitive data from more devices and in different settings, it’s more important than ever to ensure the protection of that data. Windows 11 raises the bar by implementing new security standards that were just an option in previous years. 

Windows 11 Provides An Improved Security Focus

“Key security features like hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware prevention are turned on by default. We have also made going passwordless easier by simplifying the steps to deploy Windows Hello for Business,” said Microsoft.

Put simply, Windows 11 is the most secure Microsoft OS to date. It follows a zero-trust security model, ensuring ironclad security from the hardware chip level to Azure cloud apps and services. New security features include:

• Hardware-based isolation helps protect system integrity in this new operating system.

• Robust encryption prevents unauthorized parties from reading data while in transit or at rest.

• Advanced malware prevention further protects users against dangerous cybercriminal weapons. 

• Security credentials capabilities offer new protection at both the chip and cloud level.

• Prerequisite Trusted Platform Module capability provides a tamper-resistant environment to enable the generation, storage, and protection of encryption keys.

“And all these components work together in the background to keep users safe without sacrificing quality, performance or experience,” says Microsoft. 

Windows 11 Uses ARM Processors

Beyond the user experience and quality of life improvements made to Windows 11, the new OS will also make use of powerful ARM processors. Similar to how Apple has moved away from AMD and Intel processors, Windows 11 is designed to use this alternative chip technology, and run in what’s known as a “full-fat” OS arrangement.

These processors provide users with access to expandable storage, longer battery life, potentially faster speeds as well as less power expenditure, all of which is ideal for remote workers. With Windows 11 on ARM, users can run Windows and Android on the same tablet, as the OS will be able to run Android Apps from the Amazon app store. 

This is ideal for the modern user that’s working between different settings and on different devices for their work. These processors also benefit desktop users that require more robust memory and raw power, such as designers, video editors, and engineers that use BIM and CAD programs. 

Windows 11 Supports Modern Collaboration and Productivity

In light of its explosive popularity over the course of the pandemic, Microsoft has opted to directly integrate Teams into every aspect of Windows 11. Users will be able to launch directly into Teams chats and meetings from the Teams icon on the taskbar. Furthermore, Teams functions (such as a dedicated mute button) will be arranged in as accessible a manner as possible, helping to streamline work and tasks during video conferences. 

In order to support users’ productivity, Windows 11 also offers the new Snap Layout feature, which will allow for more personal configuration of apps on one or more screens. By organizing their apps according to their preferences, users will be able to navigate between them and multi-task more effectively.  

“These are new features designed to help you organize your windows and optimize your screen real estate so you can see what you need just the way you want in a layout that’s visually clean,” stated Microsoft as a part of the Windows 11 announcement.

Do Your Devices Meet The Minimum Refresh Requirements?

Although there are plenty of exciting new features that make the switch so attractive, it is important to note there are certain hardware requirements that need to be met in order to run Windows 11.

Do your devices meet these requirements?

• Modern CPUs: 2-core (2018 or newer)

  • Intel 8th Generation Core

  • AMD Ryzen Gen 2 (Zen+)

  • Qualcomm 7c, 8c, 8cx

• 4GB Memory

• 64GB Storage

• TPM 1.2 or greater / UEFI Secured Boot

• 64-bit OS only

• >9” with HD Resolution (1280 x 720 (720P) equivalent)

• DirectX 12 API compatible graphics / WDDM 2.0

• Internet connectivity

Need Help Making The Switch To Windows 11?

Many businesses that want to switch to Windows 11 might not yet be compatible with the minimum requirements. Call the happier IT team to see how we can help you make the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and find out if your current devices are capable of running Microsoft’s new OS.

Talk to a Microsoft Windows Expert Today: 1-888-974-2779.