Cortana

By Aysë Stenabaugh

On October 5^th Microsoft released their surprise Operating System Windows 11. Like many users, you may find yourself wondering if Windows 11 is right for you, how you will install it, and whether your device is even compatible. Upgrading your device is usually a fairly straightforward process however Windows 11 brings in a new set of system requirements that cause many Windows 10 machines that are currently being used to fall short, mainly due to increased security.

Will you be able to upgrade to Windows 11? The easiest way to answer that question is to download the compatibility checker which can be found by visiting hwww.microsoft.com/windows/get-windows-11 from there you can download the PC Health Check app. Once installed clicking on the check now button will let you know if your system meets the system requirements. You will see a checklist of all the minimum system requirements which include; support for secure boot, TPM 2.0 enabled, a supported processor or CPU with 2 or more cores over 1GHz, 4GB of RAM and a 64GB or larger hard drive.

Can your computer be upgraded to meet the Windows 11 system requirements? Most if not all laptops or all-in-one computers that do not meet the minimum system requirements can’t be upgraded to become compatible with Windows 11. Some devices may have the capability to utilize the security features required for Windows 11 but may not be enabled to do so. Desktop computers that don’t meet the minimum requirements for the CPU could be upgraded by replacing several components typically this includes the motherboard, CPU and memory.

Do you need to upgrade to Windows 11? The short answer is no, not right now, the long answer is yes, eventually. Currently, Windows 10 is still supported and will be until at least October 14, 2025. This means users will continue to get free updates and mainstream support from Microsoft. Microsoft will continue to fix bugs and patch security flaws until October 2025. When that time comes, if Microsoft doesn’t extended support and if you haven’t already switched to Windows 11 your device may not be safe to use online especially if you store important personal information or do online banking or shopping.

Should you upgrade to Windows 11? Most users will want to avoid upgrading right away especially those who rely on their computer for business or school. Switching to a new operating system can be unpredictable and fully backing up your computer before proceeding is highly recommended. Software and hardware that works in Windows 10 should work with Windows 11 but rarely is the transition ever without issues. For example, many users found when they upgraded from a previous operating system to Windows 11 that their existing printers were not compatible or did not yet have drivers released to help them function properly.

What are some of the new additions to Windows 11? The new OS brings a slew of new features that are designed to make computing a seamless experience when using multiple devices or working remotely. Android app integration brings a multitude of new apps and features to the table. Users will find switching between apps and screens much easier with new windows snapping and application grouping. There are several new design elements integrated into Windows 11 including a now centered taskbar with a fully redesigned “start menu” that bears an awful lot of resemblance with Mac OS and Widgets that can be accessed directly from the taskbar. Users with touch screens or tablet devices will see a major improvement with ease of access with touch interaction.  

What features from Windows 10 have been removed from Windows 11? Many removed features were found to be less than thrilling and in turn, the following used features have been eliminated from the new OS. The timeline which allowed users to view a 30 day history of across all of your devices where logged into your Microsoft Account is no longer found in Windows 11. Live tiles and tablet mode have both been nixed as well in favor of the new more touch-friendly design. At least at the initial launch, Windows 11 users will find that the taskbar is staying put, users can no longer move the taskbar to the left, right or top of the screen. Cortana and several pre-installed apps including skype are missing from Windows 11 and the now antiquated Internet Explorer browser has been removed completely in favor of Microsoft’s Edge browser.

Ultimately only you can decide if Windows 11 is right for you when it becomes available. At Jester’s Computers, we understand that computers can be frustrating. If you find that your device is not compatible with Windows 11 and are interested in upgrading or are in need of general computer support or repair, you can visit our website at www.jesterscomputers.com. Our shop is located at 5135 Fairfield Road in Fairfield PA we open Monday through Friday 9 am until 5 pm with extended hours until 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To contact us please call or text 717-642-6611 or email us at customerservice@jesterscomputers.com