After its first release in October 2021, Windows 11—Microsoft’s newest major release—is starting to gain traction. Most new machines come with it pre-installed so you may already be running Windows 10 and 11 side-by-side in your organization. Is it time to update your business’ operating system (OS) from Windows 10? Let’s break down some of the deciding factors.
A New Look
Starting with the notable blue “Bloom” graphic, Windows 11 offers fresh graphics. Lots of rounded corners, a center bar start menu, and flexible viewing make Windows 11 stand out.
With any major user experience change, there is a learning curve that may be more difficult for some.
Features
Phishing Protection: A new feature just introduced adds protection against Microsoft-themed phishing attempts. When you enter your Microsoft password into a site that the OS identifies as designed to trick you into signing into a fake page a popup will warn you of phishing. The OS also offers proactive monitoring of password use and reuse.
Teams Integration: For businesses already communicating over Teams, integration directly into the task bar with streamlined access will further encourage use of the tool.
Android App Support: One of the biggest brags associated with Windows 11’s release is support for downloading and running Android applications natively. This will further connect users operating across devices—maintaining applications from mobile to desktop—and increases the options for what can be on a computer significantly.
Virtual Desktops: Windows 11 makes it easier to operate customized workspaces and switch back and forth between them. This feature can help further separate any personal use of company hardware by encouraging users to isolate those applications, programs, and settings to a completely separate desktop.
Take Caution
Cost: Windows 11 is offered as a free upgrade from Windows 10 but does need higher system requirements and newer CPUs as well as additional storage space to operate. The biggest cost for an upgrade may come from hardware improvements rather than the OS itself. Businesses may choose to start upgrading hardware, knowing that the OS upgrade is coming.
Applications: Before any upgrade, it is important to survey business-critical applications and make sure they’ll continue to operate in a new environment.
Android Apps: With the ability to add Android apps to business machines comes the increased vulnerability of additional access. Businesses and IT teams need to assess risk when deciding whether or not to turn this feature on.
I’m Ready to Upgrade!
Don’t install Windows 11 just yet on your existing devices. It is important to make this decision and upgrade with your IT provider. We’ll review the above points with you—and more.
