The newest version of Microsoft Windows is here, but many aren’t sure about the new system. While people are curious about this new release, the real question is what can you actually expect to see from Windows 11? 

This blog post will help answer that question, as well as give information on some of the defining features of the Windows 11 update.

New Features

One of the defining traits of the Windows 11 update is the amount of time and attention that was put into making the software more customizable and more productive. Here are some of the other defining features:

Customization Options

One of the most exciting features is the way you can customize your Windows experience and make it personalized to yourself and how you use your computer.

Microsoft tried to go for a design that was more flat and modern with their latest update, which is why this new system has been getting a lot of buzz.  Many users were complaining about the lack of a start button in the last update, but now you can see that the look of your background can be changed to suit the way you want it, and this new update even puts a start menu back in.

Updated UI

Another design decision that was made with Windows 11 is the user interface.  The interface is very clean and modern looking, similar to what you would see on an Apple or Android device.  

Now, instead of having a ton of icons for all your different programs that automatically show up, you can get rid of them and then re-add them to the desktop if you choose.  This streamlines everything so it isn’t cluttered and hard to organize.

Widgets

One more new design feature is the addition of more widgets and apps than ever before.  Most people are already used to using widgets on their cell phones, but now you can use them directly on your desktop as well.  These widgets allow you to accomplish tasks like accessing weather or news updates without actually having to go open an app or program.

File Explorer

Another new feature that the Windows 11 update has is the file explorer being completely redesigned.  Instead of having everything separated by different folders, the new file explorer allows you to view all your files in one place.

It also shows you which were most recently viewed or edited, so that it is easy to track down where exactly a file has gone.

Snap Groups

One last feature that makes this update revolutionary for Microsoft is the way it remembers your snapped multi-tasking.  If you use snap on a Windows device, you know all too well the frustration of having to re-snap everything after minimizing something.

In the new update, when you minimize an app it is automatically snapped at a 90-degree angle on the side of your screen.  For those who use split-screen on a regular basis, this makes the process much more efficient and you don’t have to spend as much time trying to get back to where you were before.

Improved antivirus and antimalware programs

While the update does bring some welcome features, it doesn’t automatically give users an impermeable defense against viruses and malware.  That work still needs to be done on the user’s end. To help with that, Microsoft has launched a new service called Microsoft Defender Security Center.

Microsoft Defender will scan your computer for viruses, spyware, and other malware. It works much like Apple’s built-in Mac protection tools or the antivirus software that you may already have installed on your Windows device.

But Microsoft says Defender is different because it will recommend actions to help protect your computer—like automatically updating programs if they haven’t been updated in a while, or making sure the PC’s firmware has the most recent updates.

Microsoft claims Defender can be used alongside free antivirus software like Avast Antivirus and AVG Antivirus—a practice they recommend. But if you’re already using paid, full-scale protection from companies like Norton Security, Bitdefender, and others, Microsoft says they don’t recommend you switch.

Backward Compatible

Another way Microsoft has made this update easier for their users is that they have also kept it compatible with previous software.  This means that your information and files should stay completely safe after the update, and you shouldn’t lose any of the work you had already done before.

The format of Windows 11 works much like how apps work on a smartphone.  If you install a new update for an app, there is no need to uninstall the previous version and then reinstall the updated version – you can simply do it right from your phone.

Affordable Pricing

Microsoft’s free upgrade period is in line with what they did back when Windows 10 launched two years ago. Back then, users only had one year to upgrade their PC before they were charged $139. If you missed out this time around, Microsoft expects the next free upgrade will come in May 2023 after another five-year span between releases. That means if you buy a new laptop or desktop tomorrow with Windows 11 built-in, you won’t have to pay again until at least May 2028.

According to Microsoft, PCs running on Windows 11 should be able to automatically download important performance and security updates within the first month that they are released by Microsoft.

Microsoft says it has reduced its typical release cycle of Windows 10 updates from three years to 19 months for consumers, and the company will continue to provide new feature updates for free for both consumers and business customers.

Final Thoughts:

Windows 11 is a big update with many new features. We’ve only covered the tip of the iceberg, so it would be wise to read up on all of them before installing any updates or applications that will affect your system. For more insights into what technology has in store for us, contact ISG Technology today!