Initially, Microsoft had indicated that Windows 10 would be “it” until another major operating system (OS) overhaul happened. But it just announced that a smaller OS version would be coming around the holiday season this year.
What makes Windows 11 different from when Windows 10 was released?
Windows 10 was a major change of the entire operating system of Windows. Thus, users had a completely different experience when upgrading to the new operating system. This was also such a big upgrade that many users needed to be re-trained on how to use their computers.
Windows 11 won’t be quite as drastic of an upgrade. It’s focused on doing things more easily, finding things faster, and has several productivity benefits. But you won’t feel like you’ve just entered alien territory when you boot up after the upgrade.
Is the upgrade worth it? What are the new features? How much does it cost? Can you upgrade?
I’ll go over all those questions and answers below so you can make an informed decision by the time the new OS is released later this year.
How Much Does the Upgrade Cost?
Good news for those that are worried about the cost of upgrading. For example, maybe you just purchased an HP computer with Windows 10, and now you’re looking at it already being outdated in a few months.
No worries! You won’t have to pay anything extra to upgrade to Windows 11 if you have a compatible system. Because this isn’t a major operating system overhaul, like Windows 10, Microsoft is allowing Windows 10 users to upgrade for free to Windows 11.
Is My System Compatible?
Windows 11 will have different system requirements than Windows 10. This means some older computers might not have the hardware specifications needed to be upgraded.
Windows 11 specifications might look confusing if you’re unsure what each of these terms means. Here’s what Microsoft lists as minimum system requirements:
Processor 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a 64-bit processor or SoC
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Storage: 64 GB or larger
System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM: Trusted Platform Module version 2.0
Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics
Display >9” with HD
Internet connection
How do you know if your PC is compatible with all those specs?
Microsoft has a tool you can download to check your PC called PC Health Check. You download this, run it, and it looks at your system and tells you immediately if it’s compatible or not.
You can also contact me, and I’ll be happy to help you determine system compatibility and tutor you personally on the upcoming Windows 11 features.
Should you ditch your 4-year-old Dell if it can’t upgrade and buy a new computer that can support Windows 11? I’ll go through all the features next so you can decide.
What New Features Does Windows 11 Offer?
If you’d like to do things more easily, such as putting up windows on your PC side-by-side or get custom information about the weather, your to-do list, and more in a click, then Windows 11 might be worth the upgrade.
Here are some of the key new features, which are designed to streamline the user experience and make things like video calls and working on your computer easier.
Streamlined Start Menu
The Start menu is the menu you get when you click that Windows icon key that is at the far left of the taskbar.
The menu was improved in Windows 10 and is now getting a simpler, distraction-free upgrade in Windows 11.
It’s going to look less “busy” and give you the things you use the most at the top. Also, you’ll find it in the middle of the taskbar now, instead of far left. You’ll also see that the large search bar that was in the bottom taskbar is now inside the Start menu, at the top.
Organize Windows with Snap Layouts
Have you ever struggled with trying to arrange different app or browser windows on your computer screen at the same time? Then you’ll really like the Snap Layouts feature.
You can arrange windows in a click using six pre-set layouts, and your open windows will snap into position.
Customized Widgets & Feed
If you use Widgets on an iPhone, then you’ll already be familiar with the concept. Windows 11 is adding a personalized feed that you can get to from your desktop.
It displays the information you choose, such as:
Local weather
Calendar
To-do list
Stocks
Photos
Internet search bar
News
And much more
You can choose what you want to see in your feed by adding different widgets that will populate chosen information.
Easier Video Calls with Integrated Teams
One feature that might make you decide the upgrade is worth it is the integration of Microsoft Teams.
You’ll see the Teams icon show up on the taskbar and you can click to instantly begin a video or voice call with friends and family. You don’t have to open a completely different app to initiate the call, which is a big time saver!
Other Features
Some of the other new features you’ll find in Windows 11 include:
New background themes
Enhanced gaming experience
Availability on any device (mobile, included!)
More accessibility options, like filters for color blindness, captions, and audio notifications
Schedule Your Professional Upgrade Now for Windows 11
Upgrading to a new operating system can get tricky if you aren’t sure what to do if you hit a snag. CompuTara offers expert computer assistance and can be there every step of the way to help you with your upgrade.
Schedule a computer session today! Call or text me at: 862-368-4893 or Email me here.
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