Your Guide to Windows 11: Everything You Need to Know.
Windows 11 is here and it’s the most important update to Windows since Windows 10.
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This guide will cover everything that you need to know about Windows 11. Learn about the new features, whether or not it’s worth upgrading from your current operating system, and more.
What's Windows 11 like?
Windows 11 is a major update for Windows 10, and has been in development since before Windows 10 was released. It’s designed to be the operating system that bridges the gap between traditional PCs and mobile devices, as well as an important driver of innovation in the field of artificial intelligence.
Windows 11 includes a variety of new features that makes it easier to use. The best part? You can use them across all supported devices with Microsoft 365.
The first thing you’ll notice is a new user interface. And not just any UI: Windows 11 will take advantage of AI to make your PC smarter and easier to use than ever before. For example, if you lose your phone, the PC will be able to help you find it by locking or deleting your private information from your phone.
On top of that, Windows 11 will also include features like an improved start menu and window management. Plus, there's now a dark theme!
Why upgrade to Windows 11?
Windows 11 brings a lot of new features to the Windows family. Some of these new features include:
A more secure operating system, with improved malware protection and a total of six years of free updates
The option to sign in to your device with an “online account” or a “local account”
More personalization options for your PC, including a digital assistant called Cortana
Improved touchscreen controls and easier navigation via keyboard shortcuts
An all-new Virtual Desktop feature that lets you have different desktops for running apps, so you can keep things tidy and organized on your PC
But what if I don't want to upgrade? Upgrading to Windows 11 is optional—it's up to you whether or not it's worth the time and money to make the switch. You can continue using your current operating system as long as you like. However, even though Windows 10 will be supported until 2026, this doesn't mean that it will be completely error-free. By upgrading now, we'll ensure that we're ready for any upcoming changes in technology and security breaches. You won't have any problems because by upgrading now you'll be prepared!
What’s new in Windows 11?
Windows 11 offers a number of new features that you can use to streamline your tasks and improve your productivity, such as Windows Ink.
The new update also has a redesigned Start Menu, which makes it easier to organize and scroll through your apps. If you often find yourself getting lost in the different menus and options, then this update is perfect for you.
The Windows Store is also more organized and has improved navigation. It’s now easier than ever to find what you’re looking for in the store and purchase products quickly and easily.
There are also a number of new games available through the Windows Store, ranging from puzzles to driving simulators. The games are created with touch screens in mind, so they can be played on smartphones or tablets as well as laptops or desktops.
What if I don’t want to upgrade?
If you are not planning on upgrading to Windows 11, then you don’t need to worry about the next release of Windows.
However, it is worth noting that there are a lot of benefits to upgrading your operating system.
By upgrading, you will have access to all the new features and improvements with Windows 11. You will also have an easier time keeping your operating system up-to-date.
There will always be third party upgrades available for older versions of Windows, but they may come with some limitations or security risks. To ensure that your data and devices are secure and up-to-date, it’s best to upgrade your operating system when a new version is released.
If you don’t want to upgrade, we recommend using a third party upgrade service like Macrium Reflect Free Edition which allows for easy backup and recovery of all your important files and data should anything happen during the upgrade process.
Wasn't Windows 10 the 'last ever' version of Windows?
Windows 10, the last “final” version of Windows, was released in 2015. This has led some people to believe that Windows 11 is just another incremental update from Microsoft. When it comes to the naming convention, the release of Windows 11 would be a break from how Microsoft names its operating systems.
However, this doesn't mean that it's an insignificant upgrade or one you can skip. In fact, Windows 11 is a major upgrade with many new features and improvements. It will help ensure your devices are safe and secure and keep them running smoothly so you can do all of your favorite things.
So what's new in Windows 11? Well, we recommend reading our blog post for all the details on what's coming in this release!
Will my current PC / laptop run Windows 11?
One of the most common questions people have about Windows 11 is whether or not their current PC or laptop will be able to run it.
The answer to that question is very simple. Unless you’re using an extremely old PC, then your PC will most likely be able to run Windows 11.
Windows 11 is compatible with all PCs made since 2009, which means almost every single computer in the world will be able to use Windows 11. If you do happen to have a computer that was made before 2009, then you’ll need to upgrade your hardware before upgrading your operating system.
This isn’t just for Windows lovers either - if you have a Mac, then you can also use VirtualBox on your Mac and install Windows in a virtual machine. No matter what kind of computer you have, there are ways for you to download and install Windows 11 on it!
Android apps on Windows 11
Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 will include the ability to run Android apps. This is exciting news for Android users who want to access their favourite apps on a Windows computer.
One of the biggest features of Windows 11 is the ability to run Android apps. The new OS includes a compatibility layer that makes it possible for you to download and install all your favourite Android apps from the Google Play Store.
Android apps will be available through the unified Windows Store, which means they can be easily installed and uninstalled like any other app. If you’re running Windows 10 S, you'll even be able to use the Google Play store.
Besides just being an alternative way to use your favourite Android apps, this also means that developers now have two options for distributing their app—and they're both great!
This is excellent news for developers. Previously, there was no clear answer as to whether or not you should develop an app for Android or Windows 10 S because it seemed like Microsoft was pushing people towards developing for its own platform rather than considering consumers' needs. Now, developers have more choices in where they decide to distribute their apps without having to choose between one or the other.
Learn how to get the Google Play Store to work with Windows 11 in our blog post.
Conclusion
Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft. It’s packed with new features and there are a lot of reasons you might want to upgrade.
However, there are a few considerations to be made before you upgrade.
If your PC is running Windows XP or Vista, you won’t be able to upgrade to Windows 11. You’ll need a PC with a 64-bit processor and a minimum of 2 GB of RAM in order to use Windows 11.
If you don’t have a PC with these specifications, it may be easier to buy a new laptop or PC that can run Windows 11.
If your laptop or PC is more than five years old, it may not be worth upgrading. It might be more cost-effective to buy a new device that has the specs needed to use Windows 11.
If you do decide to upgrade, you can install Windows 11 from scratch or do a system refresh on your current device.
For the sake of your sanity and productivity, we suggest upgrading to Windows 11 and enjoying all of the new features it offers.
