Jan 25 2022
Software

5 Questions to Ask Before Upgrading to Windows 11

Extra security and easier modernization are part of the new Microsoft operating system.

Microsoft’s latest OS is here, but responsible organizations don’t upgrade blindly. Here’s what they should ask first.

1. What’s New in Windows 11?

Users will find a noticeable face-lift within a familiar template. Corners are rounded, accent shades are lighter, and the company’s famed Start menu and taskbar have been centered on the screen. Most updates focus on productivity. The taskbar hosts new Snap Groups and Snap Layouts, which allow users to open and close multiple active applications simultaneously. Microsoft Teams chat and calling functions are also built into the taskbar, and Teams integrates seamlessly with Outlook and Calendar.

2. Is Windows 11 Compatible With Other Microsoft Products?

Yes. Windows 11 offers enhanced integration across the Microsoft ecosystem. The OS supports laptops, desktops, tablets and 2-in-1 devices with certain minimum configurations. Windows 11 is hitting newer PCs first, followed by other compatible devices.

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3. What New Features Will Appeal To Businesses?

With Teams video calling and chatting front and center, Windows 11 is made for remote workers and hybrid workplaces. Teams claims over 145 million daily active users, so odds are decent that your workplace is already benefiting — or could benefit — from the new OS. You can share or open any windows from the taskbar during a call.

4. How Does Windows 11 Improve Security?

Windows 11 bundles anti-virus, anti-phishing and anti-malware protections together across all supported devices, and can secure users and identities on lost or stolen devices. Microsoft’s chip-to-cloud security approach works at all levels to isolate private data. Device encryption, virtualization-based security, and hypervisor-protected code integrity ensure that systems are hard to crack. Integration with Microsoft Azure Active Directory helps control data and application access in the cloud.

5. Should We Upgrade To Windows 11 Now?

You should vet Windows 11 to ensure it meets your access-management demands, especially if your business has deployed mobile device management. Configurations have changed, and new security vulnerabilities may have been introduced. Ensure that Windows 11 works with your existing applications and that users are trained to use it effectively.

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