Windows 11 FAQ

Windows Upgrade Win11

Summary

Microsoft announced Windows 11 on June 24th, 2021, as the next major release of the Windows desktop operating system. Windows 11 introduced a refreshed user experience that focused on modernizing many parts of the user interface while making Windows easier and faster to use.

A major emphasis in this release is on supporting hybrid work. In 2020 the world was devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic, causing many of us to transition to a work from home style. Windows 11 adapts to this new lifestyle. There are numerous productivity improvements too, which make it easier to manage floating windows on screen, notifications, and to access your recent files.

Questions

When did Windows 11 first become available?

Windows 11 became available for new PCs and existing compatible Windows 10 devices in October 2021.

What are some of the new features in Windows 11?

New Start menu with quicker access to apps and files.
New Themes
New Settings app
Built-in support for Microsoft Teams, including video conferencing and chat.
New Windows Widgets app for quickly accessing news, weather, sports scores, your calendar and photos, and more.
Improved snap assist tool for window management.
Improved multi-monitor support: Windows 11 remembers your apps and settings when you connect an external display.
Improved Windows Clipboard.
Improved Windows Inking Panel.
Forty percent performance improvement to Windows Update.

Will we upgrade all existing Windows 10 computers to Windows 11?

No. Not all systems currently deployed at the college can run Windows 11; some do not meet minimum device specifications. As those systems are retired, devices that replace them will run Windows 11.

What if I prefer to remain on Windows 10?

Remaining on Windows 10 is not an option because College security policies require the upgrade. In the foreseeable future, Microsoft will discontinue Windows 10 and stop supporting it. The college needs to ensure all our devices are running Windows 11 before that happens. Running unsupported software at the college would leave us more vulnerable to cyberattack.

Does Windows 11 require a Touch Screen?

No. Windows 11 works with a mouse and keyboard. If you have a standard LCD or CRT monitor, it works with that too.

Is the Start Screen still available in Windows 11?

No, the Start screen is no longer available, but some elements of it still exist throughout the system, such as the new Windows Widgets, which you can activate from the Taskbar.

Are Live Tiles in Windows 11?

Some elements of Live Tiles can be found in the Widgets app, but they have largely been replaced by traditional launch icons.

Are touch features such as Tablet Mode retained in Windows 11?

Tablet Mode no longer exists as a specific ‘mode’. Instead, Tablet functionality has evolved throughout the user interface. The design of Windows 11 features larger touch targets, such as the improved Taskbar. Another example is File Explorer, which displays more spacing between files and folders when in list view. Also, you can still hide the Taskbar in Desktop Mode.

Where can I find a list of features that have been removed in Windows 11?

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications#table3

Will I need to be connected to the Internet to use Windows 11?

Windows 11 does not require an active internet connection, but many of its features and functionality will need access to the Internet to work fully. For instance, some of the new Windows Widgets need to be connected to the Internet to provide you with the latest weather, news reports, sports scores, or stock updates. An active Internet connection is also needed to keep Windows current and secure with updates.

Will my existing applications remain compatible with Windows 11?

This is yet to be determined. As with every version of Windows before, there will likely be compatibility issues. In some cases, a new version of a software application may be required for it to work fully on Windows 11. In other cases, it may be necessary to switch to an alternate product with the same functionality if the software vendor does not have a version compatible with Windows 11.

Is Internet Explorer still available?

Internet Explorer has been removed from Windows 11.

Are there changes to built-in apps, like Paint and Wordpad?

Built-in apps have received updates to align with the Windows 11 user experience.

What about existing peripherals such as printers, scanners, or other devices I typically connect to my Windows device?

Generally, the answer is yes, they will continue to work with Windows 11, but this will vary from device to device as it depends on hardware vendors having drivers and software that is Windows 11 compatible.

What is the desktop experience like in Windows 11?

Windows 11 has a familiar desktop experience, but you will immediately notice changes to the Taskbar. The Start button and your shortcuts are now centered by default, although you can easily use the new Settings app to revert to the older style left alignment. Taskbar icons show which apps are open with a small indicator under the icon, and which app is active with a subtle highlight around the icon. Shortcuts, the Start button, and Search exhibit subtle animations when clicked. Application and File Explorer windows also feature new animations that are flashier and more indicative of their actions.

The Start menu features a dramatic overhaul. The new Start menu returns to a more traditional app layout featuring frequently used and recently launched apps. You will also see a return of the Recent menu where you can open your recently accessed files and even apps.

One notable change you will find is the new snap gesture, which makes it easier to manage your open Windows. Based on Aero Snap (first introduced in Windows 7), hovering on the Minimize or Maximize button on a window activates a preview of the snap options you can use to organize your open windows. If you use large displays, this is perfect for quickly moving windows into different quadrants and optimizing your screen real estate.

How customizable is the new Taskbar and Start menu?

There is some degree of customization of Taskbar and Start menu shortcuts. You can pin or unpin them, uninstall them, and arrange your pinned shortcuts on the Taskbar and Start menu to suit your preferred workflow. If you need access to your full library of applications, you can click All apps in the upper-right of the Start window.

Are there any changes to File Explorer?

File Explorer features a clean, compact design. The Scenic Ribbon first introduced in Windows 8 has been replaced with a streamlined toolbar that displays the most important commands for managing your files. File Explorer also features visual enhancements such as rounded window corners, more spacing in list view, and vibrant shell icons for your user folders such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and Downloads.

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