6 Biggest Questions About Windows 11 Answered

Microsoft’s latest operating system is now available to all Windows 10 users. However, before you jump and start upgrading you better read this first.

Windows 11 is here.

It’s been six years in the making and Microsoft has just released the latest version of its operating system — Windows 11.

In a time when computers and technology play a more central role in human lives, tech companies are scrambling to deliver the best user experience possible.

Windows 11 is Microsoft’s answer to the growing demand for better technology at home and in business.

Microsoft’s latest operating system’s motto is the “Windows that brings you closer to what you love.” But does it really?

Microsoft dubs their newest edition of Windows as one in which users are able to feel more connected with themselves and others. However, I’m not so sure if this is actually achievable for all folks across the world who use Microsoft devices every day.

We’ve been looking at the newest operating system from Microsoft and we can think of six questions that pop into your head. Jump right in!

THE SIX BIG QUESTIONS ABOUT WINDOWS 11

QUESTION #1 – WHAT’RE THE BIG CHANGES BETWEEN WINDOWS 11 AND 10?

Windows 11 is a modern, sleek design that will have you hooked from the start. With these upgrades to performance and functionality, you’ll certainly be interested in upgrading.

• Windows gets a stylish makeover: If you’ve used Apple Macs before, you might see the similarities between the design of Apple’s operating system and Windows 11. Windows now also have tightly rounded corners and the taskbar icons are permanently centred. However, the always present Start button isn’t going anywhere.
• More Productivity Functions: There are many significant upgrades that Microsoft did for Windows 11 to help with productivity. For example, your PC will now remember the last layout of your choice when docking. Phew! Also, each of your virtual desktops can also have a different background. Nice! Also, widgets are back like never before. Ummm, ok…And Windows 11 introduces a Snap Layout function that lets users choose from a number of layouts at the click of a button. Yay!
• New and Improved Teams: With hybrid work here to stay, Teams gets more time in the spotlight. Due to this, MS made sure to include upgrades to the application. One such upgrade is Teams is now integrated into the OS, making it easier to communicate with your team as you all work in a hybrid for the entirely remote situations.
• (Amazon) 🙁 Android Apps on Your PC: Microsoft has successfully integrated Android apps on your PC using Windows 11, but with a catch, it only works for Amazon’s App Store. It’s a shame it’s so limited but we hope will expand in time.

QUESTION #2 – DO I NEED A NEWER PC TO MAKE THE CHANGE TO WINDOWS 11?

Well, it needs to be newer than 3 years old if you want it to run well. Here are Microsoft’s minimum requirements (which are never enough

• At minimum, a 1GHZ dual-core processor
• Four (4) GB of Memory
• TPM version 2.0
• At least 64 GB of storage space
• UEFI, Secure Boot capable firmware

If your computer specs met or exceed the above, well then yes, then you can upgrade to Windows 11, but that said, 4 GB of RAM is not a lot, and you should be looking to upgrade your computer rather than try and make it work with such little memory.

QUESTION #3 – IS THE OFFICE SUITE AVAILABLE ON WINDOWS 11 FOR FREE?

No. You have to hand over your hard-earned for a Microsoft Office subscription first.

But if you already use Microsoft 365 (email or office, or both), then you’ll be fine. You just need to reinstall the Office suite after your upgrade is finished. If you’re not on Microsoft 365 for email already, take a look at how much it will cost to move your email and files for business across.

Please note that support for older versions of Office (2010 and below) has been discontinued since last year. So if you’re still using that, you definitely need to upgrade to make sure you minimise your security risk.

QUESTION #4 – WHAT’S THE PROCESS TO UPGRADE FROM WINDOWS 10 TO 11?

If you’re already on Windows 10, moving to Windows 11 is pretty straightforward.

Just go to Windows Update inside of Settings, then click “Check for Updates.” You should see Windows 11 there as an available option under the upgrade section.

When you see it, click the “Download and Install” button, and that’s it. Remember: Don’t do this on a critical work computer before speaking to us first.

QUESTION #5 – SHOULD I MAKE THE SWITCH TO WINDOWS 11?

Eventually, yes. Right now? No. Updated 5/3/2023

It’s been over 2 years now since we wrote this blog post and Windows 11 is far more stable than when it was first released. There have been many updates and enhancements, and with our careful deployment and testing with our clients, we’ve found no issues that warrant your business to stay away from Windows 11. So Intuitive IT’s recommendation has changed, and yes, we certainly recommend Windows 11 now.

Even Microsoft, yes that’s right Microsoft said that Windows 10 is still the right choice for most businesses. Microsoft will support Windows 10 right up until October 14, 2025, for 4 years away from the time of writing.

This gives you plenty of time to get your ducks in a row about upgrading to Windows 11 or switching operating systems altogether. 

As an Australian based business, this should be plenty of time to prepare to upgrade.

QUESTION #6 – DOES INTUITIVE IT RECOMMEND WINDOWS 11?

Right now, no, especially if you are a business. Updated 5/3/2023. See question #5 above.

With anything new, there are bugs to sort out before it becomes stable to run on a fleet of business computers. You don’t want issues to arise that weren’t a problem before for you and your staff, as that will affect productivity with little gain.

Hang tight and wait at least 6 months. Then, we can look at upgrading a non-critical or test machine to test Windows 11. Then, slowly but surely, Windows 11 can become your standard operating system.

TECHNOLOGY THAT WORKS FOR YOU

The new era of Windows has arrived.

Microsoft has worked hard to discover its users’ pain points and address them with the latest updates.

Despite these new features, please remember this:

Technology is there to be a tool used to increase our everyday productivity and efficiency.

That means if you’re already a master of Windows 10 and it makes you 100% productive, then there is no need to change. Technology can be as effective with the right use or not at all!

After reading this article you want to move to Windows 11. Now, Great! But don’t know where to start? That’s ok too. You need an IT service provider that’s happy and able to walk you through it.

So if you need any help understanding the pros and cons of switching (or not changing) to Windows 11, schedule a 15-minute, no-obligation conversation with our team today.