Just over a year ago, Microsoft launched the latest variant of its operating system: Windows 11. Time for an overview for all those who have not yet updated. Because we at Dinotronic use the Windows 10 successor ourselves since August 2022, also in our services. In the last few months, we have gained a good insight into the new possibilities and features of Windows 11 and present the most important advantages from our point of view below. 

Windows 11 Vorteile

 

Functions at a glance:

In line with Windows 11, we have compiled 11 advantages of the new Microsoft operating system:

  1. Simplified overviews
  2. Productivity in focus
  3. Defined focus times
  4. Snap layouts
  5. Clearer settings app
  6. Virtual desktops
  7. More security thanks to DNS over HTTPS
  8. Faster than Windows 10?!
  9. Autostart warnings
  10. New app store with Android apps
  11. Media Player and Notepad make a comeback

1. Simplified overviews

The entire user interface of Windows 11 is simpler. The new Start menu functions without apps, as well as live tiles. The new context menu has also been streamlined in Windows Update – it can be accessed at any time by right-clicking on a file or free space on the desktop. You can always find the most frequently used functions with the most important commands below them via an icon at the top.

The voice assistant, Cortana, is no longer integrated into the taskbar by default and only appears in the Start menu if the feature has been configured accordingly in the system settings.

2. Productivity in focus

With the new operating system, Microsoft is setting a clear focus on more productivity, user-friendliness, and accessibility. Thanks to the update, this version of Windows is optimized to work with Microsoft 365, making it possible to use files, documents, and services much faster and more effectively. It also offers direct logon to Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), making all documents stored in Microsoft 365, Sharepoint Online or OneDrive for Business available without any detours.

Windows 11 Produktivität

 

3. Defined focus times

Another new Microsoft Windows function also ensures more efficiency in everyday work: The focus time, which can be activated via the clock settings. Users are thus not disturbed by external apps or notifications during a certain period of time. You can set the focus time as you like or activate it regularly at a certain time. A useful function that many already know from smartphones and tablets.

4. Snap Layouts

The name “Windows” comes from the fact that window views were used in this operating system (even before IOS did). With the latest update, these now get practical additional functions. Thanks to the so-called snap layouts, users can customize individual windows according to their own wishes. It is also works with multiple monitors. In addition, Windows remembers the arrangement of windows and displays open programs as a group in the taskbar. This group can then be opened and closed as a whole.

5. Clearer settings app

Who doesn’t know it, the search for that one setting in the control panel. With Windows 11, this app is now also more clearly structured. The menus are arranged more effectively, and the navigation is also optimized. Thanks to the new interface, users can reach their goals much faster. 

6. Virtual desktops

Do you need order in the daily use of all your programs? That’s where virtual desktops can come to the rescue. In Windows 11, they are now even easier to set up than in the previous version. More desktops are simulated on the current device, and for each of them you can now choose its own name and wallpaper. Thanks to this feature, you can better separate work and personal use, or different projects.

7. More security thanks to DNS over HTTPS

DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) provides more security because all queries and responses between the DNS client and DNS server are encrypted. This function is now available by default in the latest version. You can find it in the settings via “Network and Internet”, at “Ethernet” or at “WLAN”. In the network adapter settings, the options are available at “DNS settings” and “Edit”. The security feature is especially advisable for foreign (wireless) networks. Using DoH at the operating system level, as is now the case with Windows 11, is also recommended by experts because it ensures more comprehensive protection.

8. Faster than Windows 10 ?!

After a short time, you already have the feeling that Windows 11 runs faster than the previous version. However, the two operating versions do not differ in many technical data. Startup time, data compression, CPU performance tests and much more are almost identical. Nevertheless, there are some improvements that contribute to a feeling of more speed: Thanks to better memory management, active apps are prioritized. A part of the resources is reserved for the operating system’s interface – thus the start menu, task manager and others react without noticeable delays even with remarkably high load. Switch to Windows 11 is recommended especially for older machines. The revised resource management makes the decisive difference here. 

9. Autostart warnings 

Autostart programs, much like Cortana, are more popular with some users than others. Above all, they cost performance power and should therefore be checked regularly. Since Windows 8, this is possible via the Task Manager. But not everyone is aware of this and even if they are, they tend to forget about these checks. With Windows 11, this is now prevented: If the operating system detects a new autostart, it is reported immediately. With just one click, the app can then be turned off.

10. New app store with Android apps

This update is already available for Windows 10, but the new operating system now has a new app store by default, which also supports Android apps. It is possible to use these apps via the Windows Subsystem for Android, which was introduced with Windows 11.

11. Media player and notepad make a comeback

Do you use Groove Music? Neither do we. Officially, I think it’s safe to say that this Windows app has failed. Therefore, the media player celebrates its comeback in the Windows 11 operating system – of course in a new, freshened design. The popular Notepad program is also available again. A plain text editor that many users sorely missed in Windows 10. In the new design it now allows a dark mode and gets contemporary features like multi-level undo, colored emojis and an efficient “search and replace”. 

Upgrade requirements

Gradually, more users will be unlocked for the free upgrade. You may have already received the notification. Once again, check for updates via the security settings – here you will be informed if the new Windows is available. All existing programs should work as usual after the upgrade since the new system is based on Windows 10. 

Only some hardware requirements for your PC have to be checked beforehand, because old hardware is not suitable for Windows 11. 

Here ist the list of requirements for upgrading to Windows 11:  

  • Operating system: Windows 10 version 2004 or newer 
  • Processor: 1 Ghz or faster with at least 2 cores and a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC (system-on-a-chip)
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Hard disk memory: min. 64 GB
  • System firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot support 
  • TMP: Trusted Platform Module 2.0 
  • Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or higher with WDDM 2.0 driver 
  • Screen: High-resolution screen (720p) with a diagonal of more than 9 inches and 8 bits per color channel

Conclusion – dare to make the switch now? 

The new Windows operating system is particularly impressive due to the many improvements in user-friendliness and simplified overviews with a focus on user productivity. We have been using the system ourselves since August 2022 and are convinced! At its core, it is still Windows 10, but offers some interesting new features that simplify work and remove barriers.

Windows 10 will still be supported until October 2025 – so switchers still have time.

Do you want to take full advantage of Windows 11 right now and need support? No problem – with our Digital Workplace Services we bring your workplace up to date. Contact us directly.

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