Windows 11, Windows 11 Update

Windows 11 – All you need to know

It turns out Windows 10 wasn’t the last version of Windows after all and Microsoft has recently announced plans to soon release Windows 11.  

Windows 11 release date
Microsoft says that it expects to begin shipping Windows 11 on 5th October 2021 for new and existing PCs. The update will roll out in a measured and phased approach and will only be offered on existing PCs if they are eligible by meeting Windows 11’s system requirements.

Windows 11 system requirements
Windows 11 features a set of new system requirements that Microsoft has set to ensure all Windows 11 PCs are performing optimally in both security and stability departments.

The minimum system requirements are as follows:
Compatible processor, click here for list (Intel or AMD)
4GB RAM 64GB drive 9-inch display 1366×768 resolution
UEFI, Secure Boot & TPM 2.0 compatible
DirectX 12 compatible graphics/WWDM 2.x

What if my PC doesn’t meet minimum requirements?
Microsoft has announced that it will support Windows 10 until 14th October 2025. It means that you will be getting four years of security updates, which will ensure a smooth and safe working experience on your Windows 10 PC.
Moreover, as it has been doing, Microsoft will continue to roll out feature and quality updates to enhance the Windows 10 experience. So even if your device isn’t compatible for Windows 11, you can continue as you were.  
Click image to see the official trailer (opens in you tube)

What’s new in Windows 11?
Windows 11 includes a whole bunch of new features and changes that differentiate it over Windows 10, including a brand new user interface (UI) design.

There’s also a new Chat app built right into the Taskbar, which lets you share files, text, and video with friends, family, or colleagues via Microsoft Teams. Microsoft is integrating Teams into Windows 11 in other ways, such as the ability to share an app window into a Teams call directly from the Taskbar and muting your mic from the System Tray area.

Microsoft has built a new Start menu and Taskbar experience, now centred by default. Gone are live tiles and in their place is a grid of app icons that can be rearranged. Pinned and running apps in the Taskbar are now also centred, and there are many new subtle animations when clicking and moving things around. The System Tray and Action Center has been tweaked to match this, with Notifications and Quick Actions now split into two separate menus.

Overall, Windows 11 is a much more open system compared to Windows 10 and its predecessors.

Is there a deadline?
As mentioned above, Windows 11 will be released later this year and will be offered as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users. Microsoft says there’s no time limit on this, meaning you won’t have to upgrade to Windows 11 right away if you don’t want to.

New installations will still have to pay for a Windows 11 licence, however if you upgrade from Windows 10, you get to keep your licence and therefore remain activated. This is exactly how it worked with the move from Windows 7 and Windows 8 to Windows 10. We also expect Windows 11 to be available for standalone purchase to consumers, like Windows 10.

There is absolutely no rush as there are no deadlines to upgrade and even if your device is compatible with the upgrade, Microsoft are using a phased approach to minimise demand on server resources.

How do I check if my device is compatible?
Microsoft will soon be launching a PC Health Check app that will check your device for compatibility.

How do I get Windows 11?
Windows 11 will start phasing in upgrades to compatible machines from October. Compatible machines may still need a firmware upgrade. It may be possible to upgrade devices with suitable processors or CPU’s.  If your device is completely unsuitable, we have a brand new range of compatible desktops and laptops, to view please click here.

For more information please contact us on 01937 843242 or email sales@thepccrew.co.uk


Windows 11 upgrade
The new windows 11 desktop screen

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