Windows 11 is Coming This Year! Features, Requirements & More

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Microsoft just made an exciting announcement about a new operating system. Windows 11 is expected out later this year, and it has people buzzing about what to expect with the changes.

Because Microsoft chose to put out a new OS version, rather than just doing feature updates to Windows 10, it means there are some pretty significant upgrades that people can expect.

Windows 11 comes out as its predecessor is about four years away from retirement (end of life for Windows 10 is slated for October 2025), so it makes sense to have a new OS come out now. People and PC manufacturers typically need time to adapt and switch over.

The operating system your company uses is a foundational element of your technology infrastructure, so it’s important to know what to expect from the new OS so you can be properly prepared for an upgrade. 

Windows has approximately 73% of the global desktop operating system market share.

We’ll go through everything you need to know about the upcoming features, price, and timing of the Windows 11 release. 

Everything You Need to Know About Windows 11

When Can We Get Windows 11?

Windows 11 is being released during the holidays of 2021 and into early 2022, according to Microsoft. However, rumors in the PC world are that the public availability could be as early as October 2021. 

Some advertising for an October 2021 upgrade on laptops by Walmart as well as an October date on the taskbar in marketing screenshots for the OS are some of the things that have fueled the early-release rumor.

What Is Windows 11 Going to Cost?

If you already have Windows 10 and you have a system that has the minimum requirements for Windows 11, then the upgrade will be free. 

You will need an internet connection to download the new OS version.

Some of the common requirements include:

  • 1GHz processor with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC

  • 4GB of RAM

  • 64GB or larger storage space

  • UEFI, Secure Boot capable firmware

  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0

  • Graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 or later

  • High definition (720p) display that is great than 9”

Now, let’s get into the key features of the new operating system.

Microsoft Teams Is Integrated & Easier to Use

Microsoft Teams was first introduced as one of the apps included in a Microsoft 365 subscription. Since the pandemic and rise of online meetings and virtual teams, Microsoft created a free Teams version for anyone to use and has been adding tons of video meeting features.

All Windows 11 images are courtesy of Microsoft

Windows 11 natively integrates Teams and you’ll see the MS Teams icon on the desktop. Users can click the icon to connect with people easily via video, voice, or chat, without needing to open the full Teams application.

More Accessibility Features & Voice Typing

Windows 11 represents the “most accessible” Windows OS ever designed. It includes new color filters and more options for changing the text size and high-contrast themes.

Users will also have the ability to add custom sounds to more Windows events. The new Windows Voice Typing makes using the OS easier on small mobile screens and can assist those with limited keyboard mobility. This feature will even add punctuation automatically.

Sleeker Start Menu & Taskbar

Distraction-free and clean are two of the guiding forces behind the design of Windows 11. You’ll see this play out in the Start menu and taskbar.

The Start menu is much simpler, and the menu sidebar and boxes are gone. Users can pin apps to the top and search for whatever they need. 

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Changes to the taskbar include removing the search bar and putting it inside the Start menu instead. The Windows icon to get to the Start menu has also been moved from the far left to the middle of the taskbar.

Personalize a News & Info Feed

Windows 11 incorporates a new information feed that is powered by widgets. (If you have an iPhone, you’re probably familiar with the concept of a widget feed.) You can add the widgets you like to your feed to personalize it and get helpful info at a glance.

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This includes things like:

  • Weather

  • News headlines

  • Stocks

  • Calendar

  • Photos

  • ToDo list

  • Bing search

  • And more

Arrange Windows in a Snap

Arranging windows on a screen to see more than one at the same time is a common frustration for users. You have to resize them just so, and then move them again to scroll.

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Snap layouts in Windows 11 are going to reduce your frustration when working in more than one window at a time. You have six different arrangements of between 2-4 windows to choose from. Your open windows will snap into place for an optimized view.

Need Help Rolling Out Windows 11 to Your Office?

BrainStomp can help your business through a smooth Windows 11 office upgrade that mitigates downtime and helps you benefit from the productivity improvements of the OS faster.

Schedule a free consultation today! Call 260-918-3548 or reach out online.