Geek Guru Blog

New year, new operating system? For some of us, the new year will bring with it new technology, systems and updates. One of these major updates is Windows 11.

Whether you or your organisation choose to upgrade to Windows 11 now or a year or two down the line, it’s wise to learn what you can in advance of installing it. Released in October of 2021, Windows 11 is now rolling out and becoming a reality for many users. We’re putting together some information about its most prominent features so that when the times comes, you’re ready for the update.

Read about something you like, or something that sounds useful? You might even want to bring your projected upgrade dates forward. If the Geeks here at Geek-Guru are managing or supporting your systems, give us a call or drop us an email and have a chat to us about it, and we’ll give you some advice and support, and see what we can do to help.

Hardware Requirements

Like other versions of Windows before it, Windows 11 has some requirements that your systems must meet before you can install it. We’ll be going into a bit more detail about what these requirements are, why they are in place, and what they may mean for you or your organisation.

New and Better Features

The developers of Windows 10 have decided not to try to reinvent the wheel this time; instead, they’ve built on the solid foundation and structure of Windows 10 to bring some improved features, enhanced security, better compatibility, and a more intuitive interface. Windows 11 is much more like a major patch for Windows 10 than a complete upgrade to a different operating system version, and most of it will be familiar to users coming from Windows 10, or even some earlier versions of Windows.

Windows 11 is built with the remote working environment in mind – so much has changed since 2019, especially about how we work, communicate, and connect with others – and it’s clear that Microsoft feels it is important that our Windows devices reflect this. Whether using a Desktop, Laptop or Surface, streamlined multi-device workflows, even between operating systems, can now be more easily achieved.

Here are some of the most prominent and interesting features of Windows 11 that we’ll be going into over the coming weeks:

• New Start Menu.
• Cleaner and more user-friendly, intuitive Desktop environment.
• Support for Widgets – Originally a feature of Windows Vista and 7, Widgets have been adjusted and are making a reappearance in W11.
• Enhanced features and integrations with Teams to better support remote working environments.
• Better virus and malware scanning and protection, built in.
• Enhanced Security Options.
• Virtual Desktops – Create separate spaces for your Work, Home and Personal life by using different desktops.
• Snap layouts and Snap groups – Organise your space and multitask more easily.
• Gaming performance and connectivity improvements.
• Run Android apps natively on your desktop with Amazon App Store.

We’ll be covering all of these topics and more in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled, and have a great start to the new year!

Want to upgrade your systems? Need help with advice on hardware or software? We can help! Give us a call on 0121 312 1500 or email us at info@geek-guru.co.uk