Microsoft Windows 11: The most important features and requirements

With Windows 11, Microsoft launched a new operating system on the market in October 2021 after more than six years. The software giant from Redmond was quite surprising with the release. In the past few years, Microsoft pursued a strategy of continuous development of Windows 10. In this article, you will learn what is new and different about Microsoft Windows 11.

A first look at Microsoft Windows 11: This is what the new operating system looks like

The modified Start menu and the new taskbar are immediately noticeable when Windows 11 is started for the first time. For the first time, they are centered on the display and no longer left-aligned. However, those who want to can also change this and restore the usual positioning.

Microsoft has also removed the live tiles in the Start menu of Windows 10. Instead, the menu displays programs, the last opened files as well as controls here. Thus, the contents of the Start menu are more reminiscent of Windows 7 again. However, the Start menu of Windows 11 is connected to the cloud and Microsoft 365. Thus, this data also appears in the entries.

At first glance, the return of the widgets is also noticeable. These were first available in Windows Vista, but failed to catch on. In the meantime, however, user behavior has changed. A quick glance at the desktop and the individually usable widgets display the desired information. Classic widgets are, for example, weather displays or news tickers.

A purely optical change concerns the edges of the start menu as well as the windows. These are now rounded. Microsoft also returns to the presentation of Windows 7, where the corners were also rounded.

In addition, a light and a dark mode are again available for Windows 11. The dark mode is activated by default in the enterprise version of Windows 11. This is supposed to be easy on the eyes during longer use. However, you can always switch to the light mode in this version as well.

The features of the operating system: What’s new in Microsoft Windows 11?

With Windows 11, Microsoft introduces some new features and changes. These are primarily intended to increase productivity and improve daily work with the operating system.

For example, Microsoft has revised the search function in Windows 11. The search function is now integrated directly into the taskbar and can thus be accessed even faster. The system also saves the last search terms and offers a list of quick search terms.

Windows 11 brings a completely new concept when it comes to windows and tabs. Microsoft calls this feature “Snap Layout”. This feature is especially helpful in everyday work. You probably also work with several applications at the same time more often. Switching between open windows has been quite cumbersome until now.

For example, in Windows 10 it was not possible to place more than two windows open next to each other on the desktop. Alternatively, third-party tools were necessary to pin multiple windows to the desktop.

Windows 11 removes this limitation. You can now place up to four windows simultaneously on the desktop. Snap Layout still offers the possibility to change the size and position of the windows.

The Microsoft Store has been completely redesigned and is essentially new. It is familiar from Windows 10. Thus, Microsoft has entered into cooperations with third-party providers. Thanks to this cooperation, the range of apps is significantly expanded. The Adobe Creative Cloud is now integrated into the Windows 11 Store.

Likewise, it should be possible to install apps from Android natively on systems with Windows 11 from 2022. This is particularly interesting in view of the working world 4.0. Here, mobile work and the classic workstation merge. Windows 11 then bridges the gap to smartphones and tablets because you can use the same apps.

What are the system requirements for Microsoft Windows 11?

Computers on which you want to install Microsoft Windows 11 must meet the minimum requirements for the operating system. Microsoft has published the exact specifications.

Windows 11 is the first operating system that is exclusively available as a 64-bit variant. Accordingly, your PC must have a 64-bit CPU. There are various tools on the Internet that you can use to check whether your PC is compatible with Microsoft Windows 11. Microsoft itself also offers an option for checking with the PC Health Check app.

At least 64 GB of hard drive space is required for the installation. This is significantly more than the predecessor Windows 10. Also keep in mind that you will need additional space for programs, documents and other data.

redIT empfiehlt die folgenden minimalen Systemanforderungen für Microsoft Windows 11:

• Dual-core CPU with 1 GHz clock frequency and 64-bit architecture
• 8 GB RAM
• 128 GB SSD
• Graphics that support DirectX 12.0 and WDDM 2.0
• Mainboard with UEFI BIOS version 2.3.1 or later and Secure Boot
• Mainboard with Trusted Platform Module version 2.0

For whom is Microsoft Windows 11 suitable, and when does the change make sense?

Microsoft Windows 11 is designed for both home users and professional use. As with previous versions of the operating system, there are therefore different editions of Windows 11. In addition to Windows 11 Home for private users, Windows 11 Professional provides extended functions for use in companies.

Furthermore, Windows 11 is especially optimized for mobile work. On the one hand, this can be seen in the revised Store, which is now also compatible with mobile apps from Android. On the other hand, Microsoft has also improved the energy-saving features of the operating system.

This is noticeable on mobile devices like laptops. Thus, longer battery runtimes are possible. Microsoft achieves this with the help of numerous new features, such as the Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) for the screen. Here, the refresh rate is significantly reduced when writing an email or reading a document, for example. This reduces the power consumption.

In addition, multitasking runs much more comfortably with Windows 11 thanks to Snap Layouts. You can create layout templates with the Windows + Z key combination, which you can then call up directly if desired. These Snap Groups allow you to create and save a layout according to your own ideas.

With these features, Microsoft Windows 11 is a good operating system for the digital workplace. The advantages are especially noticeable on laptops and mobile devices.

Choose the right operating system

The choice of operating system is a central task when setting up your own IT. There are many factors to consider here. These include compatibility with other programs and hardware that you use in your company.

A modern operating system such as Microsoft Windows 11 automatically brings a number of advantages for companies. These are, for example: 

• long-term support with updates
• up-to-date platform with modern drivers
• compatibility with new software is guaranteed

Are you unsure whether switching to Microsoft Windows 11 is worth it? Perhaps another operating system is also an option for you. In these situations, call on professional support. IT consultants analyze your situation and your IT. We at redIT advise you on digitization issues, including the choice of operating system. In this way, you will find the optimal solution.

Do you need an expert partner for business solutions? Use our contact page now and we’ll get back to you right away.