Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 – What’s the Difference?
The long-awaited Windows 11 operating system is undergoing a phased rollout with a full deployment ready to go in the near future. In the coming months, we will be helping our clients make the switch for those who chose to make the upgrade. The last time we faced a Microsoft Windows upgrade was the summer of 2015 when the Windows 10 operating system was rolled out. Now we have a chance to experience a host of new features, design, and performance capabilities. Not only does Microsoft’s new Windows 11 have a sleek and streamlined look, but it also has a host of new capabilities and features to explore. Let’s review some of the biggest changes of this free upgrade from Windows 10 for those who have a PC that fits with Microsoft’s requirements. It’s quite a lot to take in all at once as many workplaces are not always excited about the change. We promise you will like the ease and accessibility of these changes that can make your work and personal computing more efficient and aesthetically pleasing to see on the screen.
Performance Improvements
We all complain about the speed of our computers and are often impatient when things do not work as fast as our fingers do across the keyboard. According to Digital Trends online, “When compared to Windows 10, Windows 11 does hold some potential for improving the speed of your computer. Microsoft talked about the performance benefits and optimizations in Windows 11 in a YouTube video.”Additionally, users have noticed that the Windows 11 system wakes up faster from sleep mode making it easier to get to documents and files needed. Using the sleep tabs feature can save users 32% of memory and 37% of CPU usage. All of these improvements are benefits in our book.
Visual Changes & Design Enhancement
There are many visual changes that users will notice right off the bat with Windows 11. Microsoft Windows has come a long way since the days of drab boxes and the green hill of grass as the main visual. Now we have soft colors, options, and the ability to customize our desktops.
Center Stage Menu
One of the first things users will notice is the shift of the start menu to the center of the screen. The centralized start-up bar and taskbar are more simplistic and are represented entirely by icons that can easily be pinned for ease of use. The expandable menus are more simplistic and list the apps you most frequent and the documents you open most often. You’ll also notice a new logo, options for your wallpaper, and the return of the start-up sound! Now, instead of sharply angular boxes, users will notice smart-looking icons with depth. Additionally, all the visuals have rounded edges and use softer color pallets, making the system appear softer.
Dark Mode and Color Options
Another visual change that many users will appreciate is the ability to choose a dark mode where the background can be a darker shade. This feature allows for swapping between a brighter look and a more subdued color scheme depending upon the time of day or your mood.
Multiple Virtual Desktops
Recognizing that many users access Windows for work, play, and personal accounts, Microsoft has made it easier than ever to set up distinctly different desktops with the ability to toggle back and forth between them. Creating multiple desktops means users can switch back and forth, name each one, and keep work info separate from personal or family data. For instance Desktop One can be work data, Desktop Two can allow access to home files, and Desktop Three can be purely for play and access to Xbox games.
New & Improved Features
While the new look and format of the Windows 11 operating system are wonderful, the added features and improvement of older features may be what convinces you to make the switch sooner rather than later.
Settings
The setting feature can be accessed through a “control+escape”shortcut and allows the user to customize their settings. This includes grouping the settings, organizing the icons, and determining where you can locate them on the desktop.
Snap Groups & Snap Layouts
We all love to customize our desktops. Some of us prefer to have certain apps open and accessible all the time, while others want access to frequently used docs. Users can choose the layout of their desktop with Snap Groups and Snap Layouts depending upon what they are currently working on. This is especially helpful when juggling multiple clients and the need to keep docs open that impact them. This feature keeps things very orderly and allows for much better multitasking and switching between data. You can even save your preferences to the taskbar to make them easy to refer back to when needed.
Teams on the Taskbar
If Teams is your go-to method of connecting with coworkers, management, and clients, then you will love how it has moved to the taskbar. There, you can find it easier and it integrates right in with what you are already looking at. Use the chat feature, call feature, or meeting feature to connect and communicate with the rest of your team, whether you are hybrid or in the office.
Widgets
Although not all released yet, Widgets are going to become a favorite of Windows 11 users. These are also accessible from the Taskbar and powered by AI. Customize your Widgets to take control of the information you see: weather, calendar, traffic, sports, news, stocks, to-do lists, and the possibilities go on and on.
Touchscreen and Voice Capabilities
Tablet users may be most excited by these changes in Windows 11. A much-improved experience can be had through the use of a digital pencil, touchscreen, or voice command dictation.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Aren’t we all looking for ways to be more efficient and get our work done faster? An expanded list of shortcuts is included in Windows 11 that many users will quickly make part of their daily usage. Some examples include “windows + w” for menu, “windows + n” is notification access, “windows + a” is the settings assist, “windows + z” is the Snap options, and “windows + c” is the auto-launch. Users will want to start memorizing them to make quick work of toggling to different features.
Focus Assist
Some of us become extremely distracted by notifications going off constantly on our computers via Teams, emails, or chats. The Focus Assist removes distractions by allowing users to pause notifications and focus solely on the work at hand. Once you have completed your task or after a set amount of time has elapsed (or after an important meeting), you can customize your Focus Assist to inform you of what you missed. For example, you may want to know who was trying to get in touch with you and what items are a top priority. You will receive a summary list of what notifications were missed while you were on Focus. With the rollout of Windows 11 comes changes that can greatly improve your user experience, including the customizable features mentioned above. Talk to our team about making the switch and getting started using these new features and improvements at your workplace.
