Microsoft premiered Windows 11 on Oct. 5 and by all reports, it’s a thing of beauty . . . but is there anything of substance under the fresh new interface? Before you put a ring on it, think through some of these implications:
Who can get Win 11?
Windows 11 is being gradually rolled out and is scheduled to be available to all users by the middle of 2022. For Windows 10 users, it will appear as an optional free upgrade in your system. The system requirements include at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage and a 720p display larger than 9 inches diagonally. Full system specs are available from Microsoft. Basically, if your PC was manufactured in 2017 or later, you should be in good shape. You can find out whether your computer will run Win. 11 by downloading Microsoft’s PC Health Check or using the app WhyNotWin11. Note that MS says they may not provide updates, including security fixes, to users whose systems do not meet the minimum specs, meaning your system could be left vulnerable to malware.
What’s new in Win 11
- A pretty Interface with sleek, clean design, rounded corners, pastel colors.
- Android apps will be integrated and available from the Microsoft Store in the Amazon Appstore.
- Microsoft Teams has an updated look and is integrated into the Taskbar for easier access.
- Virtual desktops allow toggling between tasks (and hiding your online shopping from your boss).
- Snap Groups and Snap Layouts allow you to save sets of apps you’re using to the Taskbar and maximize or minimize them as you switch tasks or change monitors.
- Widgets are accessible from the Taskbar in a personalized display.
- PC gaming is improved with Xbox features such as Auto HDR and DirectStorage.
Downsides of Win 11
- Performance: Win11 requires significant processing power, slowing down older CPUs.
- Lost features: in a quest for simplicity, MS has created a less customizable start menu and task bar, a less functional calendar, and has made setting default apps more difficult.
- Fewer feature updates: MS will offer feature updates annually instead of every 6 months, meaning you’ll have a longer wait for necessary improvements.
- Few substantive changes: Most of the changes from Win10 are cosmetic and have the effect of making a PC look more like a Mac.
Why wait? . . . Why not?
Your best bet is to wait on this upgrade. The cosmetic changes it offers are offset by lost features and processor demands. Microsoft will continue supporting Win10 through Oct. 2025 and it will continue to be useable after that, though without security updates. In the meantime, MS may add new features to Win11 that will improve its functionality by the time you do upgrade. Many clients may find it makes sense to replace existing systems with new ones that come pre-loaded with Win11. Ascend Technology Group recommends that its business clients replace computer hardware every 4-5 years. Bottom line: Win11 is pretty, but shallow and demanding. Give it time to mature.
