Frequently Asked Questions About Windows 11

Microsoft has officially rolled out a new Windows 11 starting October 5, 2021. The new Operating System is packed with several top-notch features, including a new user interface, a redesigned start menu, updated Microsoft Store widgets, and more. If you are using a Windows PC for your business in Canada, you probably wonder how the upgrade will affect you. Coleman Technologies has researched common Windows 11 questions and assembled the following answers:

What Is Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the successor of Windows 10 and the latest Microsoft Windows OS. It is the first-ever new release of a Windows OS since Windows 10 was unveiled in 2015. Ideally, Windows 11 is a free upgrade. However, unlike in past releases, Microsoft has imposed stricter eligibility requirements that will likely exclude hundreds of millions of PCs running Windows 10.

When Will I Get Windows 11?

Windows 11 update began rolling out on October 5, meaning you can get it now if your device is compatible. Microsoft says the OS will be released in a phased approach on eligible devices through to mid-May 2022. Notably, the newer your device, the sooner you are likely to access the new Operating System. This means users with older PCs will have to wait longer to access the update.

What Are the Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11?

If your computer is three years old or less, the device is likely to meet Windows 11 system requirements. Computers older than three years may not run the new OS. Although Microsoft usually practices backward compatibility that allows old computers to run the new OS, they have changed their policy with the new Windows 11. The new OS has several minimum system and hardware requirements, including:

• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
• Processor: A minimum of 1 gigahertz (GHz)
• System firmware: Microsoft reveals you must have a UEFI, and Secure Boot capable firmware. It should also be compatible with a 64-bit processor or system on a Chip (SoC).
• Graphics card: Compatibility with DirectX12 or earlier version. It should also come with a WDDM 2.0 driver
• Memory: 4GB RAM
• Display resolution: You need a display with a high definition resolution of 720p. It should be more than 9" diagonally, with 8 bits per colour channel.
• TPM requirements:  Current TPM version 2.0
• Internet connection: You must have internet connectivity and a Microsoft account to set up the Windows 11 Home edition.

Additionally, your device should be running Windows10 version 2004 or later to upgrade.

What Prevents Older PCs from Running the New OS?

The main restrictions preventing many users with older PCs from running the new OS are the CPU and TPM requirements. While most modern computers come with built-in TPM, older devices don't. Ideally, Trust Platform Modules or TPM are security chips helping reinforce security in your IT environment. Microsoft reveals it is imposing stricter system and hardware requirements for the new OS to address a range of performance and security concerns.

How Will I Know My Computer Is Compatible with Windows 11?

The following are the ways to check if your Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade to windows 11:

• Download the Microsoft PC Health check app and check whether your device is eligible. If not, the app provides details as to why your device is not compatible.
• Use third party open-source apps such as  WhyNotWin11 to check for compatibility

How Often Will Windows 11 Get Feature Updates?

Unlike the past releases, the crucial change with the Windows 11 era is not in software. Instead, you should focus more on what Microsoft refers to as a "servicing shelf" that will now produce servicing upgrades once per year instead of the frenetic two times a year update schedule typical of Windows 10. The support calendar, commonly referred to as Windows lifecycle, has also been pushed out. Microsoft is now providing 24 months of support for Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, and Pro Education editions instead of the current 18 months. Users in business and education environments will access six months of support for enterprise and Education editions. Notably, the security updates continue arriving on the second Tuesday of each month.

How Much Will Windows 11 Cost?

At the moment, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free on any computer with a genuine licensed copy of Windows 10. Currently, Microsoft has not announced the prices for Windows 11 commercial editions. However, experts believe the prices will be similar to those of the corresponding Windows 10 edition.

Will My Current Apps and Hardware Devices Work with Windows 11?

Most of your existing apps and devices working with Windows 10 will work fine under Windows 11. The new OS is largely similar to its predecessor, and any differences should not present any significant issues. However, you can check compatibility of a device or app using the latest Windows Insider preview.

Can I Download My Favourite Android Apps on Windows 11?

One of the biggest updates in Windows 11 is the ability to download Android apps. The Microsoft Store has been refreshed to enable you to download Android apps via the Amazon AppStore integrated into the Windows Store. However, the feature is currently unavailable in the launch version of Windows 11, but it will be made available next year.

What Are the New Features in Windows 11?

There are myriads of features coming into Windows 11. Specifically, Windows have made notable tweaks in the new Operating System to make it more useful in the current hybrid work model. Some of the notable features include:

• Added integration with Microsoft 365 services like SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive.
• A brand-new user interface (UI) design boasting unmatched simplicity and ease of use
• The Edge browser now has a safe Kids Mode
• New productivity features such as the new "Snap Navigator" menu designed to drop down from an app window's max button
• A new Chat app built right into the Taskbar for sharing files, texts, and videos with colleagues, friends, and family via Microsoft Teams
• A redesigned Explorer to make it more intuitive
• An improved Settings app. Quick Actions changed to Quick Settings and will appear once you click on the System icons located on the far right of the Taskbar.
• Introduction of new gaming technologies: Auto HDR and DirectStorage.

Should I Upgrade My Current PC to Window 11?

At Coleman Technologies, we recommend that businesses wait a little longer before upgrading their existing Windows 10 machines. Ideally, Microsoft will continue providing support for Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. This means you have four years to evaluate the new OS's stability, performance, and security levels. Notably, new operating systems may be less stable during the nascent stages, with a higher likelihood of some stability and performance issues being discovered once they are in wide usage. The stability of a system is crucial to the success of your business, and it is best to wait a little longer than implement rushed changes.

If you have further questions, don't hesitate to contact Coleman Technologies. Coleman Technologies provides reliable computer support for British Columbia local businesses. We support all Microsoft front and back-office services and desktop products, including Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. Contact us today to learn more about our Windows 11 support services.