Upgrading To Windows 11: What Changes, New Features Can You Expect?

Does your business need to upgrade your Windows 10 devices to Windows 11 before Microsoft’s planned October 14th cut-off date for technical support, updates, and security patches.

If so, you may be wondering what changes you can expect after making the switch. Will your preferred application layouts stay the same? What apps or features are lost when upgrading to Windows 11? Are there any noticeable user interface differences?

In this article, we’ll discuss these and other Windows 11 features, benefits, and design changes you can expect. With this information, you’ll be able to better prepare you team ahead of the switch from Windows 10.

What Are Some Key Changes With The Windows 11 Operating System?

Although Microsoft officially released Windows 11 in 2021, many businesses and individuals have continued using Windows 10 since there was no real need to switch to the new operating system.

However, with the Windows 10 end-of-support (EOS) deadline looming, many businesses will have to upgrade their Windows 10 devices, perform a clean install of the new OS, or purchase new devices altogether.

Related Article: Windows 10 End of Life (EOL): Do Your Devices Support Windows 11?

As with any OS system upgrade, some elements will be altered or improved upon, but others will be discarded altogether. That’s the case with Windows 11. This means your employees will have to adjust to a new look and user experience with Windows 11.

The revamped Windows 11 presents a clean, modern design, as well as a number of new features and performance enhancements. It also features core coding changes to reduce bugs and glitches, and introduces new software and hardware-backed security controls to increase threat protection. 

It should be noted that many of the layout and design changes can be adjusted to your personal preferences by going to Settings.

For businesses switching to Windows 11, here are some other key differences between the two operating system user interfaces:

Taskbar:

• The taskbar itself has been permanently fixed in the bottom center of the screen, unlike with Windows 10 where users could move it to the top, bottom, left, or right.
  
  
• Users can access a customizable news and information widgets board on the taskbar (or with shortcut keys) to quickly see weather, traffic, stock market, sports, breaking news, or other personalized content.
  
  
• Microsoft Teams is integrated into the taskbar to make it easier to send an instant message or call at Windows 11 startup.
  
  
• The taskbar improves on the Windows 10 “Tablet Mode” touch-optimized taskbar, making it easier to use and personalize when using 2-in1 PCs and tablets.
  
  
• As with mobile devices, app icons now include notification badges that alert users to new messages and activity.
  
  
• Microsoft replaced its desktop button with its AI assistant Copilot, although users can enable the previous “Show Desktop” feature under Settings.

Start menu:

• The Start menu is now fixed in the middle of the taskbar.
  
  
• Aiming for a simpler, more uniform look, Microsoft replaced its live tiles on previous Windows versions with a grid of app icons and a new widgets feed. The size of the icons can’t be changed.
  
  
• It features pinned and recommended apps as well as paid ads. All of these features can be disabled or removed.

Deleted apps:

• Microsoft removed several Windows 10 apps bundled with Windows 10, including Internet Explorer, Paint 3D, Timeline, OneNote for Windows 10, 3D Viewer, and Skype. The latter 3 can still be installed from the Microsoft store.
  
  
• Microsoft officially ended support of its old search engine Internet Explorer in 2022, and permanently disabled it on certain Windows 10 versions. There is still a workaround to access it through its successor, Windows Edge, using Internet Explorer mode.
  
  
• Windows 10’s Groove app has been replaced with the Windows 11 Media Player app to handle both music and video (including 4k video).

Removed or replaced features:

• Microsoft’s new AI assistant, Microsoft 365 CoPilot, replaces Windows 10 Cortana, which is no longer supported as a standalone app. Designed to improve productivity and collaboration, the AI-powered intelligent chatbot is fully integrated into all Microsoft 365 apps, including Word, Excel, Outlook.

Related Article: What Does Vulnerability Scanning Tell You About Your Network Security?

• Microsoft replaced its popular Snip Tool with its new Snipping Tool in Windows 11. The new screenshot function is a little more complicated than the classic version, requiring users to press the Windows key + Shift + S. Another difference is that it can’t be used with the dark mode setting.
  
  
• The Clock app got an update with a new Focus Sessions feature to allow you to essentially set a “do not disturb” period.

Settings:

• In Windows 11, users can access their File History through the Control Panel instead of the Settings app as they did with Windows 10.
  
  
• All incompatible, preinstalled apps will be removed, including any default programs you created. These can later be re-installed after upgrading or switching to Windows 11.

System requirements:

• To support the Windows 11 in-place upgrade, devices must meet certain minimum system requirements that were not needed for Windows 10. They include:
  
  
• Devices must have 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor.
  
  
• Devices must have at least 4 GB of RAM, and at least 64 GB of available storage.
  
  
• In addition, the device must be running on Windows 10, no older than 2004.
  
  
• For a complete list of the system requirements, review the Microsoft checklist here.

What Are The Most Popular New Windows 11 Features?

The changes above are just a small snippet of the many updates and changes to its Windows 10 OS that Microsoft made, although some have been embraced more readily than others.

That said, there are several new Windows 11 features that users are raving about. Among the most welcome additions or improvements are:

Snap Layouts and Snap Groups:

This new feature simplifies the task of managing multiple windows and creating custom layouts for different tasks.

With this tool, you can pick from a selection of predefined window layouts, or you can customize the layout by resizing and repositioning windows on your screen and dragging them into position. You can then save these layouts and easily access them later on from the app taskbar icons.

Improved Virtual Desktops:

These changes make it easier to use and customize virtual desktops, allowing users to switch between workspaces when multitasking various projects and tasks.

Improved File Explorer:

A revamped File Explorer now has a simplified command bar and new features. These added elements include: a “Gallery” view to see your photos, along with tabs to allow you to switch between your folders and organize your content, such as documents, pictures, and music.

You can also pin folders for easy access, rearrange them, and search your files from your PC and cloud accounts. The command bar allows you to rename, cut, copy, paste, share, or delete, which are now labeled in File Explorer’s right click context menu.

Related Article: Why A Growing Number Of Businesses Are Choosing Hybrid Cloud

Phone Link:

The Phone Link app allows users to connect their iPhones or Android phones to their Windows 11 PCs for calls, messages, notifications, and other features.

The Bottom Line With Windows 11 Operating System Changes

When it comes to working on desktops, laptops, and tablets, many people loathe change.

Once they’ve gotten used to doing things a certain way and have grown accustomed to the design, layout, and functionality of their devices, they’re reluctant to change the way they perform tasks and create, store, and process information on their devices.

Of course, individual preference will dictate which new Windows 11 features and functionality changes your employees keep or adjust to their individual tastes.

Before you can get to that point, however, you have to first determine if your devices can support Windows 11. Do your organization’s devices meet the system requirements? Do you have an internal team of IT professionals who can check your devices and install or upgrade to the new OS? Do you have a plan for replacing outdated devices?

Once Microsoft stops supporting the legacy software, it can leave your devices vulnerable to threat actors looking for a chance to infiltrate your systems to steal or compromise your sensitive information.

Related Article: Device Management: Why You Need A Plan To Replace Your Business Tech

Only supported devices will be able to get the free Windows 11 upgrade. Microsoft has released the minimum system requirements devices will need to run Windows 11.

To see if your devices meet the requirements, or to manually refresh Windows 11 eligibility assessment, click here.

If you’re unsure if your devices can run Windows 11, or you need help installing the new OS on your devices, Kelser Corporation has years of experience helping clients seamlessly undertake similar system integrations.

We also offer Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) services to provide strategic insight, technology planning, and budgeting to help businesses align their technology needs and long-term business goals.

Contact us now to schedule a device compatibility assessment and upgrade your devices to Windows 11, or to get help with other IT or cybersecurity challenges. Click the button to get your no-cost Windows 11 upgrade guide.