The newest version of the operating system offers users a range of new features, with Microsoft claiming it has been designed specifically with the increased move to hybrid working – stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic – in mind.
Research by Microsoft shows that, whilst 73% of the global workforce want more options for flexible remote working, 67% also want more in-person collaboration. This contradiction presents business leaders with a clear challenge and is one that Windows 11 claims to solve with improved collaboration through Teams and solutions to help automate manual tasks.
Despite these promises made by Microsoft, since the launch of Windows 11, some IT experts have been underwhelmed by what the newest version offers. So let’s take a look at the benefits and see if they are worth the upgrade.
So, what’s new with Windows 11?
Power Automate for manual tasks
Power Automate is a service that helps automate manual and redundant tasks from your Windows desktop, meaning you can reduce the amount of time spent on tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and reporting.
With Power Automate, you can connect multiple data sources, such as Outlook and Excel, and automate manual inputs such as keyboard inputs, mouse clicks, and data entry.
Snap layouts – organise your screen for multitasking
Windows 11 introduces a new Snap Layout, helping you to organise how your different windows – from spreadsheets, documents, emails, and presentations – are organised on your screen. You can now ‘snap’ multiple windows to specific areas on your screen and group them together, allowing you to toggle back to the same snap groups when you need them. This feature helps with multitasking and reduces the need to constantly move between different windows, allowing you to see everything all at once.
New Microsoft Teams features
Microsoft Teams chat is integrated in the taskbar in Windows 11, meaning you can instantly connect with your contacts, regardless of whether they’re using Windows, Android, or iOS. You can also start presenting, mute/unmute, and share windows directly from the taskbar rather than within Teams, aiming to make the whole Teams process smoother.
New Teams’ features in Windows 11 also include automatic blurring when someone walks past behind you and intelligent noise isolation that automatically stops background noise in meetings.
Our verdict? Don’t rush to upgrade to Windows 11
Whilst this latest iteration has a number of new features, here at Infuse we would recommend that you don’t rush to upgrade to Windows 11. There are some useful new features but, overall, the latest version is actually very similar to Windows 10.
Windows 10 will also still be supported until 2025, so there’s no need to upgrade straight away, giving you more time to consider.
To check if your current Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11, visit Windows.com to download the PC Health Check app.
For more information on how Microsoft products such as Office 365 can upgrade the way you do business, or finding the Cloud solution that’s perfect for you, please get in touch.