Windows 11: Everything you need to know

The latest major release from Microsoft hosts some powerful and attractive new features. Find out more about Windows 11 here before you upgrade.

For those of you on Windows 10, version 2004 or later, upgrading to Windows 11 is free. In fact, you may have already been offered the upgrade if your device fits the minimum requirements.

With any new launch, there may be a few kinks. Windows 11 has been available to the public for several months now, so we no longer recommend holding off on upgrading. But some businesses may prefer to wait a while longer before hitting download, rather than deal with any bugs. If you’re ready to upgrade, you can download it here now: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

Windows 11 minimum system requirements

Your device must have a minimum set of requirements for Windows 11 to run, so it’s a good idea to check this before you download. If your device doesn’t tick off everything on the checklist, it may be worth replacing it.

Minimum requirements are as follows:

• Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)

• RAM: 4 gigabyte (GB)

• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device

• System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable

• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0

• Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver

• Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per colour channel

• Internet connection and Microsoft account: For all Windows 11 editions, internet access is required to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features. A Microsoft account is required for some features.

If you’re unsure on the specification, let us help confirm it for you, or use the compatibility app to check: https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp

What’s new with Windows 11

• New start menu – Taskbar icons appear in the middle of your screen, and you can pin a window to a spot on your screen that’s convenient for the way you work

• Snap Assist – Allows you to organise open apps and work on multiple windows at once, in a layout that suits you

• Personalise your content feed – Add widgets to see breaking news, photos, weather or your to-do list. You can view them all in one place with a left swipe of the screen

• PC settings – Increase the size of your mouse pointer, words on the screen and the colour of your font

• Quick search – Just press the Windows logo key + S to search for anything, including people, files, emails and web content

Things you should know before you hit download

• Not only must devices have Windows 10 in order to download Windows 11, but you must also have installed the 14 September 2021, or later, security update

• Windows 11 was released in October 2021 to the general public. So you may feel more confident downloading it for your business now that it’s been available for over five months – let those early users work the bugs out!

• Downloading and installing Windows 11 is likely to take longer than a typical Windows 10 feature update. To keep downtime to a minimum, you can schedule the install to happen at a time when you aren’t planning on using your PC – such as after office hours

• Finally, if you don’t like Windows 11, you can switch back to Windows 10 easily, within 10 days of the upgrade

The Datcom team are happy to check if your devices are compatible for the upgrade and whether Windows 11 is right for you. Get in touch today and let’s have a chat about your business needs.