Do you know and understand the requirements and complexities to upgrade to Windows 11? The latest operating system from Microsoft, Windows 11, is now available for all compatible devices. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for compatible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update. It should be known it is not currently required to upgrade until 2025, when support for Windows 10 ends. However, all environments have their own complexities and starting to plan now will uncover items you may not have anticipated. Whether you need application rationalization, Windows version upgrades, hardware upgrades or budgetary planning, the earlier you understand the hurdles in place, the easier you will be able to manage them.
Check out our blog about “Technology Deployment Services: What Is It and Why You Need It”
What’s New in Windows 11
Windows 11 brings a fresh new look and feel to the operating system, with a focus on simplicity, ease of use, and flexibility. The new design features a centered Start menu and Taskbar, with rounded corners and pastel shades. The Taskbar has been updated to include a new system tray, offering a more streamlined design and a separate flyout for notifications and quick settings. The Start menu has also been revamped, showcasing a new layout that displays three rows of icons along its top half (Pinned) and icons for frequently used apps on the bottom half (Recommended).
In addition to the new design, Windows 11 introduces several innovative features. Snap layouts make it easy to organize your windows on the desktop, enhancing multitasking capabilities. Virtual desktops are also available, allowing you to create separate desktops for different projects, thereby improving productivity. The Settings app has been redesigned with numerous improvements and new settings, making it more user-friendly. Furthermore, the File Explorer has been updated with new functionality, including multiple tabs for viewing different files in various locations, streamlining file management.
Enhanced Security Features
Windows 11 includes several enhanced security features designed to protect your system against evolving cyber threats. The new system tray provides easy access to security settings with a more streamlined design, ensuring that critical security features are always within reach. One of the standout features is the PC Health Check, which allows users to monitor the health of their PC and identify any potential issues proactively. Secure Boot is enabled by default, helping to prevent malware from loading during the boot process, thereby enhancing system security.
In addition to these features, Windows 11 offers improved biometric authentication through Windows Hello, providing a secure and convenient way to log in. The operating system also includes enhanced protection against zero-day exploits, ensuring that your system is safeguarded against the latest threats. Another notable feature is Windows Defender Application Guard, which provides an additional layer of protection against malware and other threats, ensuring that your system remains secure.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Windows 11 leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance user experience and productivity. The new Microsoft Edge web browser uses AI to provide personalized recommendations and improve browsing performance, making your internet connection more efficient. Windows Search, another AI-powered feature, delivers more accurate and relevant search results, helping you find what you need quickly.
In addition to these features, Windows 11 includes several other AI and ML-powered tools designed to improve accessibility and productivity. Windows Ink allows users to interact with their PC using a digital pen, accessing a range of AI-powered tools and features that enhance creativity and efficiency. These AI and ML capabilities ensure that Windows 11 is not just an operating system but a smart, adaptive platform that evolves with your needs.
By upgrading to Windows 11, you can take advantage of these cutting-edge features and ensure that your system is equipped with the latest technology. PSM Partners can assist you in making a smooth transition, ensuring that your upgrade process is seamless and that you can fully leverage the benefits of Windows 11.
What are the Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements?
Installing Windows 11 is fairly easy to do, but users need to consider the upgrade requires the system to be downloaded on a relatively recent device. Devices manufactured in 2019 or later will be compatible with the new operating system, meeting the minimum system requirements. If you are looking to upgrade your device to Windows 11, it is important to make sure it meets these minimum standards for compatibility. How to check if your device meets Windows 11 system requirements after changing device hardware:
Processor: In order to achieve the best performance and ensure compatibility, specific minimum requirements must be met by a 64-bit processor. Additionally, this processor should have a minimum speed of 1 GHz or faster. This helps guarantee that the device can smoothly handle a multitude of tasks and processes. Moreover, the processor should have two or more cores. This ensures that the device can handle multitasking without slowing down.
Ram: To achieve optimal performance with Windows 11, devices will need at least 4 GB of RAM. This will allow your device to handle multitasking, run programs smoothly, and execute tasks quickly. If your device already has less than 4 GB of RAM, it may be time to consider an upgrade or investing in a newer device altogether.
Hard Disk Space: Windows 11, requires devices to have at least 64 GB of available storage to function properly. With Windows 11 offering new features and an updated user interface, a higher storage capacity is needed to handle increased user demands. The storage space requirement for IoT Enterprise editions of Windows 11 has been significantly reduced to 16 GB.
Graphics card: Windows 11 supports DirectX 12 or newer versions, alongside a Windows Display Driver Model 2.0 driver, ensuring compatibility with advanced graphics capabilities. This makes it the perfect operating system for anyone who wants to push the boundaries of their computer’s graphical abilities.
Display: The operating system requires a monitor capable of rendering 8 bits per color channel and a size of at least 9 inches. While this might seem like basic information, it is essential to ensure a smooth installation process. Plus, with the increasing popularity of 4K and 8K displays, it is good to know that Windows 11 is already optimized for high-resolution screens.
Advantages to a Free Upgrade to Windows 11
Upgrading to Windows 11 offers several benefits for companies and can provide companies with advantages contributing to increased efficiency, improved security, enhanced productivity, and an enhanced user experience overall. The following includes some key advantages when upgrading to Windows 11:
Access to Innovative Features and User Experience: Windows 11 introduces a range of new features like snap layouts which gives users the ability to choose from a variety of layouts, making it easy to find a setup that works best for the user’s needs. Furthermore, Windows 11 redesigned the user interface, offering a modern and intuitive experience. Companies gain access to these innovative features, such as the centered Start Menu, improved taskbar, Snap Layouts for multitasking, virtual desktops, and enhanced touch, pen, and voice input capabilities. These features can enhance productivity and user satisfaction, providing a competitive edge.
Enhanced Security and Privacy: Windows 11 incorporates robust security enhancements to protect against evolving cyber threats. It introduces features such as secure boot, TPM 2.0 requirement, Windows Hello for secure authentication, and hardware-based virtualization for containerization. Your organization can benefit from these advanced security measures, reducing the risk of data breaches, malware attacks, and unauthorized access to systems and sensitive information.
Improved Performance and Efficiency: Windows 11 is designed to deliver better performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessors. The operating system optimizes system resources, resulting in faster boot times, smoother multitasking, improved battery life for mobile devices, and overall system responsiveness. Businesses can leverage these performance improvements to enhance productivity and workflow efficiency.
App Compatibility and Development Opportunities: As more businesses upgrade to Windows 11, developers and software vendors will focus on ensuring compatibility and optimizing their applications for the new operating system. The redesigned Microsoft Store with its expanded functionalities allows developers to distribute a wider range of applications, including traditional desktop apps. Additionally, certain third-party software may require specific hardware security configurations to function properly, particularly impacting gaming software like Valorant and League of Legends. Organizations can stay ahead of the curve and ensure that critical business applications are compatible with Windows 11 providing businesses with opportunities to explore new app development possibilities and leverage the latest tools and frameworks offered by Windows 11.
Ecosystem Integration and Cross-Device Connectivity: Windows 11 strengthens integration with the broader Microsoft ecosystem, including services such as Microsoft Teams, Azure, and Microsoft 365 allowing businesses to leverage the full potential of this ecosystem, enabling seamless collaboration, data synchronization, and cross-device connectivity. This integration can enhance communication, teamwork, and data accessibility, facilitating a more connected and productive work environment.
Long-Term Support and Future-proofing: By upgrading to Windows 11, businesses ensure they are on a supported and future-proof platform. Windows 11 is built to provide regular updates, security patches, and feature enhancements over an extended period allowing organizations to benefit from ongoing support and feature updates, keeping their systems up-to-date and secure.
Competitive Advantage and Industry Perception: Windows 11 can provide businesses with a competitive advantage in their industry. It showcases a commitment to technological advancements, innovation, and staying at the forefront of digital transformation. Moreover, customers and partners may perceive an organization as forward-thinking and reliable when they adopt the latest technologies early.
It is worth noting that companies should carefully evaluate their hardware compatibility, application readiness, and conduct thorough testing before proceeding with an upgrade to Windows 11. Implementing a pilot phase and collaborating with a deployment services team, like deployment professionals at PSM Partners, can help mitigate risks, and ensure a successful transition.
How Can PSM Help?
PSM’s Deployment Services leverage real world experience using proven processes resulting in accelerated timelines for environments of any size and complexity reducing potential costly risks. As part of our on-going process, we manage the Communications, Coordination and Scheduling of all users and ensure to set the proper expectations. Immediately after a change has been made to your environment, we have a dedicated on-site staff ready to assist the affected users. Since version 22H2, installing Windows 11 Home and Pro editions requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account login, particularly for personal use on the Pro edition.
Before you begin IT purchasing and trying to install new software and equipment into your system, you should talk to our professionals at PSM Partners. We can assist your IT procurement team to ensure that you get the hardware and software additions you need and that they can be used safely and securely within your current infrastructure. Eligible devices can receive the free upgrade to Windows 11 through Windows Update, which follows a phased rollout approach to ensure a smooth transition for users with compatible hardware.
You can call PSM at (312) 940-7830 to learn more about how we can help with implementing Windows 11 and other deployment services!
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Cody Muller
Cody Muller is a highly accomplished IT Project Manager specializing in Healthcare and Higher Education. With over seven years of experience, Cody has led projects with seamless wireless infrastructure deployment across 28 nationwide locations, serving over 50,000 onsite staff and students. His expertise includes developing sustainable IT processes for new college campuses and delivering strategic services to large healthcare organizations, ensuring exceptional end-user satisfaction.