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Windows 11 – so what's all the fuss about? The buzz is that the new OS is designed to help make businesses work smarter, be more productive and creative.

Perhaps the most important issue is inarguably enhanced security measures, Microsoft are working to eliminate potential vulnerabilities in hardware, which has to be a good thing for everyone in the fight against cybercrime.

Undoubtedly, Windows 11 is geared towards the hybrid workplace, reflecting the changes in working patterns over the past two years. There are a number of features helping users to locate files more easily and quickly, to connect with their colleagues and to enhance productivity.

Like Windows 10 but better?

It's not a big visual or structural diversion away from Windows 10, which means the learning curve is simplified. Users won't need to reinvent the wheel to find their way around the new system. The word is that it's familiar but fresh. It seems that the most significant visual change is to new Start menu and the taskbar centred on the bottom of the screen, looking more like Chrome OS and macOS.

So what are the commercial benefits?

The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Improved multitasking is the key, and Microsoft claims that Windows 11 provides improved memory management over prior operating systems. Speed is an issue too – it 'wakes up' from sleep mode 25% faster.

There's better support for external monitors and Windows 11 is more flexible in terms of setting up virtual desktops to incorporate personal or work – useful for the new generation of home workers. It's easy to set up and organise a whole series of windows so you can access them whenever you need them, and hide them when you don't.

We've all grown to love Teams during the pandemic (maybe!) With Windows 11, it's had a facelift and is now integrated directly into the Windows 11 taskbar.

Working on a tablet? The experience is much improved, with haptics for the digital pen so you can hear and feel vibrations as you use it for taking notes or drawing.

Verdict?

Windows 11 does seem to have taken a positive step forward from Windows 10 without losing the familiarity and ease of use. It's more customisable, streamlined and easier to navigate. And if you don't like the changes, it's easy to move things back to how they were in Windows 10.

General opinion seems to be that if you don't have to upgrade, it might be wise to wait unless you're really interested and involved with the new options – Windows 11 continues to evolve and you might be better served when the features are expanded in the near future.

Date published: 21/03/2022

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