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.
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:
Related Article: What Does Vulnerability Scanning Tell You About Your Network Security?
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:
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.
These changes make it easier to use and customize virtual desktops, allowing users to switch between workspaces when multitasking various projects and tasks.
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
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.
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.