3 minute read
business matters
Windows 11 is here
How to prepare your business for it.
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Martin Bannister
Founder & MD, Kogo Limited
Windows 11 is the first new Windows version since Windows 10 was released in 2015. Many believed that this would be the last Windows version, but Microsoft has decided to give its most popular operating system an overhaul.
The user interface is different with windows having more rounded edges and the start bar now central to the screen. The user interface is very similar to the Chrome OS. Some users may not like the new interface, but we all know at some point we will need to move on. The general user feel isn’t completely alien like Windows 8 was so user adoption should be smoother.
The new design is much fresher and keeps the Microsoft platform current and up to date. Under the hood Microsoft have worked to ensure compatibility with applications that work with Windows 10 so you shouldn’t have any issues with compatibility.
The upgrade is free so should you upgrade right now? We suggest some planning should take place first.
System Requirements
Microsoft have released system requirements for computers to be able to upgrade to Windows 11. Some older machines won’t be able to upgrade. The operating system will only be released in a 64bit version.
Machines will need a TPM 2.0 chip and Secure Boot enabled. Most modern PCs will already have this. Minimum memory requirements are 4GB, but we recommend a minimum of 8GB.
Minimum disk of 64GB is also very small and we recommend a minimum of 256GB SSD for all our clients.
The processor requirements are where most will fall short because although Microsoft have specified a minimum of 1GHz processor they also have a list of supported processors.
Microsoft have released a tool called the PC Health Check Application and it is available to download from www.microsoft.
com/en-us/software-download/
windowsinsiderpreviewpchealth. This makes it easier for everyone to assess whether their computer can take the new Windows. In most cases computers that fail are probably older and ought to be replaced anyway.
Application Compatibility
As previously discussed, most applications will work but before you roll out Windows 11 it is best to test as there are no guarantees. We recommend upgrading a small group of devices and testing the applications before planning to deploy to all users.
User Training
The user interface is intuitive and as such user won’t require too much training but there are some areas to discuss. The main one being the start menu; it is now central to the bottom of the screen and pinned applications are 18 at a time with the ability to scroll top more and you still have the option for All Apps and to search.
It is wise to let users know that the Windows 11 has a new interface in advance, so they are expecting the changes. The upgrade will be pushed out as a Windows update so you can either prepare and deploy or let users upgrade and deal with the questions.
Microsoft have released a personal version of Teams just as they have a personal version of OneNote and OneDrive. I can see users getting confusing between the two applications so you may choose to either train users, so they know not to use it or restrict access to the application completely.
But wait I don’t like it …
You still have the option to roll back to Windows 10 if you aren’t happy with it and Microsoft have confirmed that Windows 10 will be supported through to 2025 if the feature release is kept up to date.
If you need any further advice, please get in touch as helping businesses with IT is what we live for.
