Microsoft Windows 11 is designed to bring you closer to what you love – those are the words of Microsoft who have recently announced their new operating system which is on its way to PCs near you.

Windows is, unsurprisingly, a stage for the world’s innovation; it has been the backbone of businesses across the globe where start-ups have become household names.

Windows has been the home to the developments of the web, the first emails written, games played and progression with code – but we’re not here to get technical.

Windows has been the go-to for people from across all industries, and it continues to build on being the system to use for generations to come.

So the news of the launch of Windows 11 is pretty exciting for all – because it will affect millions across the UK and beyond.

In particular, Microsoft made a song and dance that Windows 10 would be their last major system update when it was released in 2015.

It’s aim was to play a part in paving the way for Microsoft 365 subscriptions – but that clearly hasn’t been the case.

Instead, Windows 11 will be the foundation for Microsoft to build on their 365 subscription service and, ultimately, keep you as a customer for life.

Here’s some key points we’ve lifted from the Microsoft Experience Blog.

Windows has been redesigned for productivity, creativity and ease

“We’ve simplified the design and user experience to empower your productivity and inspire your creativity. It’s modern, fresh, clean and beautiful. From the new Start button and taskbar to each sound, font and icon, everything was done intentionally to put you in control and bring a sense of calm and ease” says the Microsoft Windows Experience Blog.

This includes the Start menu being placed at the centre, further utilisation of the power of the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show recent files, and the ability to show these files no matter what platform or device a user viewed them on earlier – even if it was on an Android or iOS device.

Windows 11 will offer a faster way to connect to the people you care about

Microsoft continues to focus heavily on bringing people closer together. Within the last 18 months, the behaviours for how meaningful connections are made have changed – and Microsoft are improving their systems base on exactly that.

Chat from Microsoft Teams will be integrated within Windows 11. Now, it will be easier more than ever to chat instantly through text, chat, voice or video.

Connecting with contacts anywhere, on any device, including Windows, Android or iOS is exactly what Chat will offer.

The blog states: “Windows 11 also gives you a more natural way to connect with friends and family through Teams, allowing you to instantly mute and unmute, or start presenting directly from the taskbar.”

Windows 11 will provide a speedier way to get the information you care about

Windows 11 will bring people closer to the news and information they care about by introducing Widgets.

The Widgets will offer a new personalised feed powered by systems which can monitor your most-loved sites while using Microsoft Edge.

“Even when we’re at our most focused and creative we still need breaks – a moment to check in with the outside world or give ourselves a mental reset. Today, we often pick up our phones to check the news, weather or notifications. Now, you can open a similarly curated view directly from your desktop” says their Experience Blog.

Windows 11 will bring your favourite apps and entertainment together

Microsoft are making bold statements about their new Microsoft Store claiming it will be “your single trusted location for apps and content to watch, create, play, work and learn.”

Leading first and third-party apps like Microsoft Teams, Visual Studio, Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom and Canva will be welcomed to the Microsoft Store.

When apps are downloaded from the Store, users will have peace of mind they have been tested for security and family safety.

Microsoft are also bringing Android apps to Windows for the first time, saying: “Starting later this year, people will be able to discover Android apps in the Microsoft Store and download them through the Amazon Appstore – imagine recording and posting a video from TikTok or using Khan Academy Kids for virtual learning right from your PC.

“We’ll have more to share about this experience in the coming months. We look forward to this partnership with Amazon and Intel using their Intel Bridge technology.”

The new Windows 11 system shall be faster, more secure and familiar for IT

You’ll be pleased to know, Windows 11 has been built on many familiarities offered by Windows 10, so you can plan and prepare the deployment of Windows 11 pretty seamlessly.

Upgrading to Windows 11 will be like taking a Windows 10 update. The blog states: “the familiar management experiences you have in place today – like Microsoft Endpoint Manager, cloud configuration, Windows Update for Business and Autopilot – will support your environment of tomorrow as you integrate Windows 11 into your estate.”

Microsoft have confirmed Home users will receive a free upgrade. We’ll keep a close eye on their intentions for Professional users.

Is your PC Windows 11 ready?

Windows 11 will be available through a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs very soon.

You can check to see if your PC is eligible for the upgrade by visiting this link to download the PC Health Check app.

By downloading the PC Health Check, you will be able to click a button to check the eligibility of your machine that will then display a notification to inform you on whether the upgrade is possible, like this:

Perhaps you’re looking to purchase a new computer? Look out for a ‘Windows 11 ready’ label on new machines being released in the coming weeks and months.

With new beginnings, there are many questions. Get in touch with a member of our team today to discuss the upgrades further.

By Samuel Poole