Windows 11 - What's new?

It's finally here! Welcome Windows 11.

Its anticipated launch has been received very well indeed. With its new sleek and simplistic design, it’s a much-anticipated upgrade that most Windows 10 users can upgrade to for free. There are a few system requirements for this though so let’s take a step back, review, and look at the facts.

So what’s new?

Design

Obviously, its looks different. With its centralised start menu, this certainly makes the new OS more modern and user-friendly. Its streamlined design gives a much more minimalistic look, giving a slight nod to a certain ‘fruit’ competitor. It’s new icons are crisp and clear, inviting you in and focusing the mind.

Ease of use

The desktop version of Windows 11 is designed to be clean, clam and simple. Its new task view feature button allows you to preview all desktops you have open for easy switch between. A simple but effective tool to help you swap between home, work, gaming desktops.

Teams

With Covid -19 creating a new movement of communication needs, Microsoft Teams is a must for most businesses and individuals nowadays. It’s now fully integrated into Windows 11 but if you don’t use it, you can just as easily remove the icon.

Gaming

For all you gaming enthusiast, you haven’t been forgotten. Windows 11 have created 2 new features – Auto HDR and DirectStorage. Auto HDR is designed to create more high dynamic lighting for more intense, dynamic lighting. Downside is you’ll also need a HDR monitor or screen to make the most of this. DirectStorage should decrease loading times but again, you’ll need to be playing games that support this to take full advantage.

Can I still buy refurbished?

ABSOLUTLEY YES! Refurbished laptops and PCs are still eligible for Windows 11 but just make sure the device you purchase meets the requirements listed above. Just because it’s refurbished, doesn’t mean you miss out on the latest upgrades.

System requirements

To run Windows 11, you’ll need certain system requirements to run it. We’ve noted below the facts of what you device will need to run the new OS.

Your device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade. Free updates are available through Windows Update in Settings>Update and Security.

Processor - 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).

RAM - 4 gigabyte (GB).

Storage - 64 GB or larger storage device Note: See below under “More information on storage space to keep Windows 11 up-to-date” for more details.

System firmware - UEFI, Secure Boot capable. Check here for information on how your PC might be able to meet this requirement.

TPM - Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Check here for instructions on how your PC might be enabled to meet this requirement.

Graphics card - Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.

Display - High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per colour channel.

Internet connection and Microsoft account - Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account. For all Windows 11 editions, internet access is required to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features. A Microsoft account is required for some features.

See the full list of requirements from Microsoft here - https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/windows-11-specifications

#windows11 #refurbished #microsoft