Why now is the time to upgrade to Windows 11

Moving to Windows 11 now, rather than waiting reduces risk – the step change between Windows 10 today and Windows 11 is relatively small, but as features are added to Windows 11, that gap is likely to increase dramatically turning a simple, easily planned step-up today into a major upgrade headache in the future, and one that businesses will be compelled to do at speed.

Since being released in October 2021, Windows 11 has been transforming the productivity, efficiency and security of businesses all over the world. But with Windows 10 still in support until 2025, it can be difficult to see the advantage in taking the proactive choice and upgrading existing devices to Windows 11.

This blog outlines some of the stand-out features of Windows 11 and how your workforce and organisation can avoid complications by transitioning to the newer platform now. You’ll also learn how Windows 11 is improving all the time as Microsoft continues to release new features and updates, making it even more suitable for the new world of hybrid work.

Why is Windows 11 so important?

Windows 11 is an evolution of Windows 10 rather than a revolution, but it has allowed users to get a simplified experience, whatever they need to use it for. It’s also delivered user-friendliness, a more intuitive interface that enables productivity, and has improved security and device management. The pandemic led Microsoft to reverse their plans to end the series with Windows 10, and has continued to develop features and upgrades in the shape of Windows 11.   

On a practical level, Windows 11 has been built on the same code base that Microsoft used for Windows 10, which Forrester has found enables easy backward compatibility and facilitates simple upgrades of existing hardware. And given just how much the world of work has changed in the last few years, transitioning towards a platform designed with the likes of hybrid working in mind can be extremely valuable.

The key differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11

Despite the common code base, there are plenty of substantial differences between Windows 11 and its predecessor, especially from a user experience perspective. Many brand-new features have been introduced, while others have received major upgrades:

• Taskbar and menu updates: the start menu has been simplified with a static app list and a selection of frequently accessed documents, along with the removal of Live Tiles. The search box in the Taskbar is now housed within an icon, while Cortana functionality has been dropped, replaced by a new icon that enables Microsoft Teams collaboration.

• New widgets: a widget panel now gives users a wide range of customisable options to feed information directly to their display, such as news, weather, financial information and more. These can be sized and arranged to suit unique preferences, and Windows 11 will also suggest specific widgets based on typical user activity.

• Improved virtual desktops: virtual desktops and additional monitors are easy to set up in Windows 11, and personalised settings can be saved and applied every time a user logs on. Multitasking has also been better facilitated by the use of Snap Layouts, which groups windows together on the taskbar.

• Enhanced Microsoft store and Android app functionality: a better store experience includes the ability to download Android apps and run them through Windows 11, which hugely expands the range of applications and functions that can be installed on devices.

What Windows 11 mean for you

Collectively, all these features within Windows 11 have the ability to transform the way you and your colleagues work and collaborate, wherever and whenever work is done:

• Improve productivity: according to Forrester, Windows 11 is boosting employee productivity by between 5% and 15%, mainly thanks to faster processing times and the customisability of workspaces. For developers, Windows 11 can also speed up processes as mobile and browser applications can be built on the platform without the need for an emulator.
• Bolster privacy and security: Windows 11 has greater security against ransomware and malware, due to security features designed specifically with hybrid and remote working in mind. Other security innovations incorporated within Windows 11 include stronger biometric authentication, and Windows Hello facial recognition.
• Simplify integration: Windows 11 seamlessly integrates with a full range of Microsoft services, including Office, Teams and OneDrive, so that users get a complete, interconnected experience across all their key functions and operations.
• Optimise user experiences: Windows 11 incorporates easy use of touchscreens, digital pens, handwriting recognition, touch gestures and voice recognition so that users can work the way that suits them across every type of device.

Get support for your Windows 11 transition

The benefits of Windows 11 are so compelling that there is no reason to put off the transition, even though support for Windows 10 will continue for two more years. Moving now gives you plenty of time to enjoy these advantages, along with the ability to ease your workforce onto a new platform and get them up to speed.

If you feel you need some expert help in planning and implementing this transition, then SCC’s experienced team can support you every step of the way, including ongoing support long-term. Find out more on Windows 11 in our factsheet, then get in touch with us to discuss your specific use cases.