Microsoft’s New Windows 11

Microsoft’s New Windows 11

Windows 11 will be perfect for businesses of all sizes in any location with increased measures in security.

Microsoft has revealed a new version of Windows, Windows 11, which will be released later this year. According to Microsoft, this new version promises to “bring you closer to the people and things you love”. There are some new features, a new rejuvenated Start menu, new colors, and a few functions that will not be available anymore.

Windows 11 will be perfect for businesses of all sizes in any location with increased measures in security. It has also been designed for either type of workforce; in-house, remote, or a hybrid of the 2. If you are excited about getting Windows 11 there are some system requirements and things you can do now to prepare.

Windows 11

There will be several differences between Windows 11 and all previous versions. New tools have been created or updated, such as Snap layouts, Desktops, and a new redocking tool. With Microsoft Edge, the new Microsoft Store, and several personalized new Widgets, you can easily find apps you use often, like your calendar, and quickly stay up to date on news, information, and entertainment.

The new Windows 11 promises to be more productive and collaborative for businesses. Built-in assistance features will help you reach your individual and team goals. Microsoft has improved familiar visuals and has added a “Snap Assist” that will save your window layouts across screens so you can easily pick up where you left off.

Windows 11 has made video conferencing more convenient as well. You will be able to turn your microphone on and off from the taskbar. You will also be able to share any window from your taskbar during your conference and your taskbar will still be accessible. Microsoft Teams will now be available on any device, and you can call or chat anytime, instantly, for free, all from your taskbar.

Windows 11 includes over 40 full localization languages in over 40 countries. It will also take gaming to a whole new level with amazing graphics. You will have access to over 100 high-quality games through the Xbox Game Pass.

Security

From the silicon to the cloud, Windows 11 will be the most secure Windows yet. It will allow you to increase your security with hardware-based integrity protection through Secured-core PCs. Secured-core PCs feature integrated hardware, firmware, and software to ensure enhanced security for devices, identities, and data.

You will be able to go passwordless with the new Windows 11. Passwordless authentication will help with the need to constantly create long and complicated passwords that are hard for end users to create, store, or remember. Through new standards, such as Web Authentication API and Fast Identity Online, passwordless authentication will be enabled across many platforms.

Windows 11 will be perfect for remote work. Through cloud configuration, you will be able to give your staff a corporate-owned device secured by your company policy. You will be able to apply a uniform set of configurations that transforms devices into streamlined endpoints. With built-in security, Microsoft 365 and Windows will help protect your staff, your data, and your company assets.

System Requirements

If your device is currently running Windows 10, you may be able to simply just upgrade to Windows 11. You’ll have to run a compatibility assessment to make sure Windows 11 can operate on your device. To do this, you can use the PC Health Check app, or you can check with your PC Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). If your device does not meet the requirements, you will have to consider purchasing a new PC. These are the basic requirements to install Windows 11 on a PC:

• Processor – 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
• RAM – 4 gigabytes (GB).
• Storage – 64 GB or a larger storage device.
• System Firmware – UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
• TPM – Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
• Graphics Card – Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0 driver.
• Display – High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
• Internet Connection and Microsoft Accounts – To complete the device setup on its first use, Windows 11 requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account. For all updates and to take advantage of some features, internet access is required. Some features require a Microsoft account as well.

Feature Requirements

In order to utilize Windows 11 to its fullest potential, your device will need to meet some feature requirements as well. Some features in Windows 11 have specific requirements beyond the system requirements above. These are just a few of the additional requirements for some key features:

• 5G Support – Requires a 5G capable modem.
• Cortana – Requires a microphone and speaker and is currently available on Windows 11 for approximately 13 countries, including the United States.
• DirectStorage – Requires an NVMe SSD to store and run games that use the “Standard NVM Express Controller” driver and a DirectX12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support.
• Presence – Requires sensor that can detect human distance from device or intent to interact with the device.
• Intelligent Video Conferencing – Requires video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output).
• Multiple Voice Assistant (MVA) – Requires a microphone and speaker.
• Mute/Unmute from Taskbar – Requires video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output). The app must be compatible with the feature to enable global mute/unmute.
• Teams – Requires video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output).
• Touch – Requires a screen or monitor that supports multi-touch.
• Two-factor Authentication – Requires use of a PIN, biometric (fingerprint reader or illuminated infrared camera), or a phone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities.
• Voice Typing – Requires a PC with a microphone.
• Wi-Fi 6E – Requires new WLAN IGV hardware and driver and a Wi-Fi 6E capable AP/router.

If you plan on upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 or installing an update to Windows 11, some features may be deprecated or removed completely as well. Additionally, 3D Viewer, OneNote for Windows 10, Paint 3D, and Skype will no longer be installed on new devices, but they will be available for download from the Store.

If you are considering Windows 11, then you will need an experienced IT services partner who can help you integrate it into your work environment. ExcalTech has been making IT simple for over 28 years and they can make the new Windows integration simple for you. Call one of our experts today at 833-EXCALTECH or send an email over to sales@excaltech.com.