Considering Windows 11 For Your Business? Here’s What You Should Know

  It always seems that just when you’re getting used to one operating system, they decide to upgrade to the next.  You’ve gotten the lay of the land, finally figured out how to use all of those tools that are supposed to make life easier but really just muddy the waters (think: hot corners on a Mac) when suddenly you’re forced to start from scratch again.  A new operating system may seem like a headache to your business, but it’s often a blessing in disguise.   New operating systems often come with upgrades that simplify the way you use the software and beef up your security, which is vital in today’s day and age of hacking and data leaks.  With the announcement of the new Windows 11 operating system, you may be asking yourself: is this right for your business?   We’ll go over what exactly Windows 11 entails, when it arrives, and how to implement it in order to help you decide for yourself.

What’s New In Windows 11?

Hybrid Work Features

Remote work has been divisive among businesses and employees alike.  For some, it’s a gift that allows for greater flexibility and comfort during the workweek.  For others, it’s the equivalent of house arrest.  As businesses across the country return to working in-office after more than a year of working remotely, many of them are choosing to incorporate a hybrid of both remote and in-person work.  This trend towards hybrid work presents a nice balance, giving workers the ability to enjoy the benefits of working remotely at least one or two days a week.   Microsoft is heavily marketing Windows 11 as being the operating system for hybrid work.  To that end, they’ve implemented a feature that allows you to undock and re-dock your computer while keeping the layout of your screen the same.  This means that when you take your computer home at the end of the day, you can rest assured that all of your snap groups will be right where you left them.   Windows 11 has also integrated more with collaboration and communication apps like Microsoft Team, which allows you to more easily mute, unmute, and share your desktop or application right from your desktop taskbar.

Easier For IT To Use

New operating systems are classically a headache for the IT crew.  It takes time to plan, deploy, and manage a new operating system.  Luckily for your business, Windows 11 makes IT services that much easier by simplifying the way you deploy and manage the operating system.   Upgrading to Windows 11 is a breeze, as you can prepare and deploy the operating system the same way you did with Windows 10.  The upgrade works similarly to a Windows 10 feature update, and with the new Windows 11, you only have to update the system once a year instead of twice a year.  Business users are also able to set up the new system offline and log in using Active Directory.   If you’re worried about Windows 10 apps not working on Windows 11, never fear.  Microsoft has promised that the app experience will remain the same in the new operating system.  And if you do run into issues, then Microsoft offers support with the App Assure service, which helps customers fix any potential app issues at no cost.  Their new Test Base for Microsoft 365 tool allows you to test your applications before launching them, helping you catch any flaws before the applications are online.

Upgraded Security

If there’s one thing that no business can afford, it’s a hacker getting into your system because of postponed security updates and outdated software.  Cybersecurity is an absolute priority for any business.  With bad actors and hackers preying on holes in the system, it’s vital to install an operating platform that has the latest and greatest security features.   Windows 11 has new built-in security technologies that protect you both on your computer itself and on the cloud.  It includes automatic security features such as hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware prevention that keep your business safe without slowing down performance.

New Tools

Lastly, Windows 11 offers a few new tools that can help you build apps and redesign existing apps.  The new PWABuilder3 tool allows your business to build Progressive Web Apps a lot faster, while the Windows App SDK allows you to build apps that are compatible with both Windows 11 and Windows 10.   If your business is looking to redesign an existing app, then you can use WinUI2 to update your existing user interface.  This will allow you to adopt the new icons, design, and color palette without having to completely rework the app.   Windows 11 appeals especially to app developers, as its new operating software redesigns the Microsoft Store to make it much easier to search.  They’ve also added new apps specifically designed for businesses, including Microsoft Team and Adobe Creative Cloud.

When And How Can You Get Windows 11?

Microsoft has yet to announce exactly when they will be launching Windows 11, but they do state their intention to have it out by this holiday season.  If you’re looking to check it out in the meantime, Enterprise and Education customers can use Azure Virtual Desktop to explore the new operating system.  And, if your business is already using Windows 10, then Microsoft allows you to update to Windows 11 for free!

Is Windows 11 Right For Your Business?

Only you can decide whether or not your business should be an early adopter of Windows 11.  It definitely has several appealing features, including a cleaner design, the integration of Microsoft Teams into the Taskbar, and the ability to download and run Android applications on your Windows PC.  This combined with the ease of integration for IT teams provides a strong incentive to make the upgrade sooner rather than later. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, Cenetric can help you navigate the waters of Windows 11 and other aspects of your business technology. For help determining if Windows 11 is right for your business, Contact Cenetric Today!