What you can expect from updating to Windows 11
Microsoft’s latest software update, Windows 11, is built on the same foundations as its predecessor Windows 10, making for a smooth and seamless transition between the two. The latest update also offers users with a lot they are already familiar with, if it’s not broken then don’t change it, however, this hasn’t stopped the creative and innovative minds at Microsoft from producing a new system capable of supporting and enhancing your productivity, whether for personal or business use. The perfect software to help partner you in today’s hybrid work environment.
Many of the same apps, tools, and security settings and policies can be used in Windows 11. Windows Autopilot uses zero-touch deployment to enroll your Windows devices in Microsoft Endpoint Manager. Newer features are also available, such as Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 on your Windows 11 devices. Here are some of the other big changes you can expect with the update to Windows 11.
Security and Scanning
Security features in Windows 11 aren’t dissimilar to Windows 10. Starting with the hardware, including OS security, application security, and user & identity security. Other features include:
- The Windows Security app is built into the OS.
- Security baselines include security settings Installed, and ready to be used.
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into Windows, helping protect devices using ‘next-generation security’.
- Windows Hello for Business helps protect users. It replaces passwords and uses a PIN or biometric that stays on the device locally.
Access to new and old services
Services within the reach of Microsoft Windows old and new have now become easier to access after the new update. The Microsoft Teams app is now included with OS and automatically available along the taskbar after the update. Also now available with the OS is Power Automate for desktop, used to help everyday tasks using the low-code app to create flows helping connect users to their colleagues. Another returning service is Windows 365 a desktop operating system that’s also a cloud service, using Windows 11 you can run Windows 365 just like a virtual machine.
Apps and Customisation
Windows 10 apps work on Windows 11, just improved. This includes apps such as the Company Portal app a private archive for your organisation’s apps. The Windows Terminal app is also available, combining Windows PowerShell and Azure Cloud Shell within the same terminal. Microsoft Store has now got a new and improved look, offering more public and retail apps. Microsoft Edge is now also included with OS, and is the default browser, with Internet Explorer not being available in Windows 11.
In the new system the taskbar, widgets, and the start menu are all customisable. Enabling the end-point user to create their own personalised workspace to conduct their day-to-day tasks. Virtual desktops are also available on the taskbar and can be used to create a whole new desktop which you can switch in and out of with other desktops. Finally, snap layouts and snap groups allow you to work in different layouts, whether splitting your screen into three, four or more helping with the fast work environment and maximising your ability to multitask.
Windows 11 Deployment and Servicing
- Install Windows 11: Windows 11 can be installed on your devices the same as Windows 10, using Windows Autopilot, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), Configuration Manager, and more you can apply Windows to your devices.
- Windows Autopilot: If you’re using new devices, you can use Windows Autopilot to set up and pre-configure the devices. Signing in to your company account on the new device will enable Autopilot to work in the background to get the device ready for use with any apps or policies set up on previous devices.
- Microsoft Endpoint Manager is a mobile application management and mobile device management, provider. Using Endpoint you can create policies and share this with users and groups.
- Windows Updates and Delivery optimization helps manage updates, and manage many features on your devices. With Windows 11, the OS feature updates are installed annually. As was with Windows 10, Windows 11 will have monthly quality updates to ensure high quality and performance all year round.
