Microsoft Windows 11 Coming Soon

Why Organizations In NW Indiana Should Review Windows 11

Microsoft has revealed a new version of Windows, Windows 11, which will be released later this year. According to Microsoft, this new version promises to “bring you closer to the people and things you love”. There are some new features, a new rejuvenated Start menu, new colors, and a few functions that will not be available anymore. If you are excited about getting Windows 11 there are some system requirements and things you can do now to prepare.

Windows 11

There will be several differences between Windows 11 and all previous versions. New tools have been created or updated, such as Snap layouts, Desktops, and a new redocking tool. With Microsoft Edge, the new Microsoft Store, and a number of new Widgets, you can easily find apps you love and quickly stay up to date on news, information, and entertainment.

Windows 11 includes over 40 full localization languages in over 40 countries. Microsoft Teams will now be available on any device and you can call or chat anytime, instantly, for free. Windows 11 will take gaming to a whole new level with amazing graphics. You will have access to over 100 high-quality games through the Xbox Game Pass.

System Requirements

If your device is currently running Windows 10, you may be able to simply just upgrade to Windows 11. You’ll have to run a compatibility assessment to make sure Windows 11 can operate on your device. To do this, you can use the PC Health Check app or you can check with your PC Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). If your device does not meet the requirements, you will have to consider purchasing a new PC. These are the basic requirements to install Windows 11 on a PC:

• 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 a 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 Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0 driver.
• Display – High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
• Internet Connection and Microsoft Accounts – To complete the device setup on its first use, Windows 11 requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account. For all updates and to take advantage of some features, internet access is required. Some features require a Microsoft account as well.

Feature Requirements

In order to utilize Windows 11 to its fullest potential, your device will need to meet some feature requirements as well. Some features in Windows 11 have specific requirements beyond the system requirements above. These are just a few of the additional requirements for some key features:

• 5G Support – Requires a 5G capable modem.
• Cortana – Requires a microphone and speaker and is currently available on Windows 11 for approximately 13 countries, including the United States.
• DirectStorage – Requires an NVMe SSD to store and run games that use the “Standard NVM Express Controller” driver and a DirectX12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support.
• Presence – Requires sensor that can detect human distance from device or intent to interact with the device.
• Intelligent Video Conferencing – Requires video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output).
• Multiple Voice Assistant (MVA) – Requires a microphone and speaker.
• Mute/Unmute from Taskbar – Requires video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output). The app must be compatible with the feature to enable global mute/unmute.
• Teams – Requires video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output).
• Touch – Requires a screen or monitor that supports multi-touch.
• Two-factor Authentication – Requires use of a PIN, biometric (fingerprint reader or illuminated infrared camera), or a phone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities.
• Voice Typing – Requires a PC with a microphone.
• Wi-Fi 6E – Requires new WLAN IGV hardware and driver and a Wi-Fi 6E capable AP/router.

If you plan on upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 or installing an update to Windows 11, some features may be deprecated or removed completely as well. Additionally, 3D Viewer, OneNote for Windows 10, Paint 3D, and Skype will no longer be installed on new devices, but they will be available for download from the Store.