For over 6 years, we have grown accustomed to Windows 10. Although this version of the operating system was long considered the final Windows, Microsoft is launching a new version, Windows 11, on October 5, 2021. In this blog post, we'll tell you what version 11 can do, how to get the update, and whether you need to update.
How will Windows 11 be distributed?
The launch date is October 5. Users who can upgrade will then receive a notification from Microsoft. Since, as of today, Microsoft states that over a billion users worldwide use Windows 10, it will certainly take several months for many to receive the update offer from Microsoft.
Of course, users can also download the Windows 11 ISO file to their desktop and install the new operating system themselves. You can get the ISO file download, among other places, from chip.de. The subsequent installation is also explained there. In this case, however, you will need a license.
Do I have to update to the new operating system?
No, you can safely stick with the previous version until the end of its support – which is announced for Windows 10 in October 2025. Of course, this assumes that you install all regular updates for Windows 10.
We've explained why you should update your software, close security gaps, and keep your system up-to-date here: https://engelmann.com/de/sicherheit/software-aktualisieren-sicherheitsluecken-schliessen/
Who can use the update?
According to Microsoft, users of new devices will receive the update first. Prerequisite: the hardware performance on the device must be sufficient. This is because Windows 11 is not as modest here as its predecessors. The reason for this is increased requirements for security measures. Your system must be significantly more powerful overall.
To update to Windows 11, you will need, among other things:
- Processor: Dual-core CPU (1GHz) with 64-bit support
- RAM: 4GB RAM
- Storage: 64 GB
- Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible
- Firmware: UEFI firmware, Secure Boot with TPM 2.0
- Monitor: Display with at least 720p resolution and larger than 9 inches
What does Windows 11 cost?
The update to Windows 11 is free. Whether this offer is time-limited or unlimited – as was the case, for example, with backdoor upgrades to Windows 10 – is not yet known.
If you are not yet using Windows 10, you can find out how to upgrade to Windows 10 for free here: https://engelmann.com/de/windows/kostenfreies-upgrade-auf-windows-10-von-windows-7-und-windows-8/
What's new in Windows 11?
"Windows 11 features easy-to-use tools that help you optimize your screen space and maximize your productivity" – that's what Microsoft says on the Windows 11 product page.
Indeed, with Windows 11, it's less about new functions and more about the new design, as well as the optimization and reorientation of existing features, that makes the new operating system stand out.
Most noticeable changes:
- The Start menu is new, significantly streamlined, and resembles an app launcher.
- The Start button and icons are new and located in the center. This looks clearer, but can be changed in the settings at any time.
Design:
- The taskbar, Start menu, and all context menus are new, have rounded corners, and appear fresher and more modern.
- In addition, icons and symbols have been updated.
Improved workflow:
- Distributing 7 programs clearly across two monitors? With Windows 11, this is much easier than before. With Snap controls, you can simply pin your required windows to a specific spot on the monitor. And the best part: The new operating system remembers how you arrange your windows and saves the layout for you. This is not only new but also very practical.
- One click on the Start menu takes you directly to the programs and files you used most recently.
New Widget Area
- The widget bar is also new and replaces the Live Tiles in the Windows 10 Start menu.
- In the new widget area, you can put together the most important information for you (news, stock prices, sports results, weather, etc.).
New Programs
- Android apps can be installed on Windows 11.
- Microsoft Teams will be an integral part of the operating system.
- Parallel to the new operating system, a new version of Microsoft Office will also be released on October 5.
Is Engelmann software compatible with Windows 11?
We are ready and will progressively adapt our programs for Windows 11; and over time, increasingly optimize them for the new operating system. After all, we've been around for a long time and have already made our software fit for a new operating system multiple times. Most of our developers received Microsoft's beta version long before the official launch of Windows 11 and are already diligently testing it.
Whether it's Photomizer, MyFormatConverter, Moviejack, onlineTV, or one of our many other products: You will be able to use every tool from our company to its full extent on Windows 11. For many, testing on the new operating system has already been successful.
Image source: Microsoft
