Windows Tips and Features: Shift to Windows 11 – Tech Tip for October 3, 2024

This week’s Tech Tip dives into the shift from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and why this upgrade is important. With Windows 10 set to reach the end of support in October 2025, transitioning to Windows 11 is essential. The new operating system offers enhanced performance, a redesigned Start menu and Taskbar, Snap layouts for multitasking, and bolstered security to combat modern threats. Let’s explore these exciting improvements!

Enhanced Performance

Microsoft has focused on making the apps you use most respond faster with CPU ‘foreground prioritization’ in Windows 11. Edge also includes a feature called ‘Sleeping tabs’ that prioritizes tabs in a similar way when using efficiency mode to save even more resources. The use of these features can also add up to a longer battery life and better system performance.

Further Performance Enhancements:

• Improved ‘wake from sleep’ function (resume is more instantaneous) and includes better memory management to get back to your active desktop.
• System power is preserved for the system functions that really need it, most notably in the 30% speed-up when using Windows Hello for business logins.
• Disk footprint has been reduced with expanded compression technologies:
  • Non-critical apps like Sticky Notes, To Do, and Power Automate are designed to load and process only on-demand, saving space when they’re not in use.
  • Disk consumption and browser caches have also been reduced.

New Features

The redesigned Start menu in Windows 11 is centered on the Taskbar for easier access. Features like Snap Assist, Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Virtual Desktops enhance productivity and multitasking. You can also customize backgrounds and name your Virtual Desktops to keep tasks organized.

Let’s look at these new features, below:

• Snap Assist: Organize your open app windows by ‘snapping’ them to different parts of the screen. Drag a window to the top edge of a screen, and Snap assist will display thumbnails of your remaining open windows, allowing you to choose where to snap a window next.
• Snap Groups: Collect the app windows you have opened by ‘snapping’ these windows together into different groups’ frames or layouts.
• Snap Layouts: Select the Snap Layout that suits the number of apps you have open. There are 8 different layouts available for you to arrange your opened app windows into.
• Virtual Desktops: Create multiple desktops to organize your workspace. Switch between desktops to keep your tasks separate, making it easier to manage your workflow.

TIP: While you can customize backgrounds and tailor apps being used in additional Virtual Desktops, be aware that moving or deleting folders or file structure syncs across all.

Security Enhancements

One of the most compelling reasons to transition to Windows 11 is the promise of improved performance and security. Advanced security features, including hardware-based protection from chip to cloud, are a part of these enhancements. This means that users are shielded from an increasing range of security threats, making Windows 11 a safer environment for both personal and professional use.

Windows 11 Security Features:

• Windows 11 has moved to a single 64-bit architecture using UEFI-based firmware ensuring only trusted software is loaded and executed during a computer’s boot process.
  • UEFI Secure Boot also:
    • Prevents malicious code from being loaded (such as rootkits).
    • Protects against firmware attacks (unauthorized firmware modifications).
    • Uses a chain of trust that includes several key databases.
• Supported CPUs utilize the new Windows DCH drivers.
• Experience a 99.8% crash-free experience.
• Transitioning to Windows 11 has been compared to moving to a Windows 10 feature update.
• Apps should remain compatible and work ‘as expected’ post update, per Microsoft.

Future-proof your digital environment by transitioning to Windows 11. As Microsoft phases out support for Windows 10, users who remain on older operating systems will miss out on critical updates, seamless cloud feature integrations, and more.

Reach Out to TechWise Group

Interested in learning more about transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11? Reach out to TechWise Group. We’ll help you put a plan in place and make the most of your Microsoft tools.

Important Microsoft Announcements:

• Maximize your organization’s Security with Secure Score and MFA:
  • Get to know your Secure Score—your essential tool for proactive threat management.
  • Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is the best way to prevent cyberthreats.
• Give your business a productivity boost with Microsoft Copilot:
  • Take advantage of a 15% discount on Copilot licensing now through Dec 31, 2024 (terms and conditions apply).
  • Get started with Copilot consulting services to organize and secure your data, while also training you and your team.
• Keep your infrastructure up to date:
  • SQL Server 2014 reaches End of Support (EOS) on July 9, 2024.
  • Windows 10 reaches End of Support (EOS) on October 14, 2025.
  • Windows 11 feature update 23H2 is now available (September 2024).
  • Windows 11 version 22H2 Home and Pro editions will reach end of service (October 8, 2024) and will be required to upgrade to version 23H2 to continue receiving security updates.
  • Windows 11 Enterprise and Education editions with 22H2 will continue to be supported after October 8, 2024.
• Contact TechWise Group to get started or to put a plan in place.