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Windows 11

Act Now: The Clock Is Ticking For Windows 10

Still using Windows 10? It’s time to start planning for a big change. Microsoft has announced that this October will mark the end of support for the operating system.

That means no more security updates, no bug fixes, and no technical support.

While your computers won’t suddenly stop working, staying on Windows 10 after its end-of-life date could put your business at serious risk.

Without regular updates, your systems will be more vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Cyber criminals love to exploit old, unsupported systems because they know the weaknesses won’t be fixed. If you handle sensitive customer data or financial information, this is a huge red flag.

On top of that, software compatibility could become a problem. New applications will be designed with Windows 11 and future systems in mind, meaning your current setup might not be able to keep up.

The result? Slower workflows or even critical tools that stop working entirely. And if something goes wrong, you’ll be on your own – Microsoft won’t be there to help.

But Windows 11 is here, and it’s built to make your business run more smoothly. From stronger security features to smarter productivity tools, the upgrade is packed with benefits… and it’s free!

Before making the move, you’ll need to check if your current computers meet the requirements for Windows 11. Not all Windows 10 devices will be compatible, but it’s easy to find out using Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool.

If some devices don’t make the cut, it might be time to invest in new hardware. While that sounds like a big step, newer machines offer better performance and security, saving you headaches down the line.

The key to a smooth transition is starting early. Back up your data, check compatibility, and plan your upgrade timeline so it doesn’t disrupt your team.

Making the move now means you’ll avoid scrambling later. And of course, you’ll set your business up for success with a system designed for the future.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to begin, we can help every step of the way. Get in touch.

Windows 10: The Final Countdown – It’s Time To Upgrade

Windows 10 has served us well. But its time is running out. Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This means no more security updates, no more patches, and no more support.

It’s time to upgrade to Windows 11. This is especially true for business users with many systems to check and upgrade. This change isn’t just about getting new features. It’s about ensuring your PC stays secure, fast, and capable.

Why you need to upgrade now

Security concerns: No more updates mean no more security patches. Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures you receive the latest security updates.

Enhanced performance: Windows 11 is designed to be faster and more efficient. It optimizes your hardware, providing better performance.

Improved features: The redesigned Start Menu and Taskbar offer a fresh, modern look. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups help you organize your workspace. Virtual Desktops allow you to create different desktops for different tasks.

Hardware requirements for Windows 11

Not all current PCs can run Windows 11. Here are the basic hardware requirements:

  • A compatible 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz clock speed and 2 or more cores.
  • 16 GB of RAM or more.
  • 64 GB of storage or more.
  • UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
  • TPM version 2.0.
  • DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver.

If your PC doesn’t meet these requirements, consider upgrading.

Upgrading your PC

Opportunity to modernize: Newer PCs come with better processors, more RAM, and faster storage.

AI-enabled PCs: Consider PCs that offer advanced features powered by AI.

Energy efficiency: Modern PCs use less power without compromising performance.

Benefits of upgrading to Windows 11

Better user interface: Windows 11 offers a cleaner UI with a centered Start Menu and simplified Taskbar.

Improved multitasking: You can easily organize open windows, switch between tasks and create separate desktops.

Integrated Microsoft Teams: Quickly start a chat or video call directly from the Taskbar.

What are the risks of waiting to upgrade?

Increased vulnerability: Waiting to upgrade increases your vulnerability. As the end-of-support date approaches, the risk of security threats grows.

Potential compatibility issues: New applications and updates may not be compatible. By upgrading now, you ensure compatibility with the latest software.

Business disruption: Starting an upgrade for your office now gives time for a smooth rollout.

How to Upgrade

Check compatibility: Check if your PC meets the requirements using the PC Health Check tool.

Backup your data: Avoid losing important files during the upgrade process.

Follow upgrade instructions: This may involve downloading the installation file and running the setup.

Seek professional help: If you’re unsure about upgrading, seek the help of Tech Experts.

Unlock These Productivity Gems In Windows 11

Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11 has been continuously updated, bringing new features and improvements to make your life easier.

While big announcements like the AI assistant Copilot and expanded hardware support grab headlines, there are some lesser-known features that deserve your attention too.

These hidden gems can make your Windows 11 experience quicker and easier, helping you stay productive and organized.

One of the most helpful features in Windows 11 is Focus mode. Picture this: You’re deep into an important project, and suddenly, notifications start popping up – emails, instant messages, reminders. It’s hard to maintain focus with all these interruptions. Focus mode comes to the rescue by silencing them.

To activate it, click the bell icon at the bottom right of your screen and select “Focus” from the menu. This will give you a 20-minute period with no interruptions, which you can pause anytime. It’s your digital “Do Not Disturb” sign.

Another great feature is Live captions. Imagine you’re in a noisy office or maybe you have some difficulty hearing.

Understanding audio and video files can be challenging. Windows 11 has built-in live captioning that automatically generates captions for your content.

You can activate it from the Accessibility settings (go to Settings > Accessibility > Captions) or by pressing Windows Key + Ctrl + L. The first time you use it, you’ll need to agree to Microsoft’s voice processing terms and download a speech pack. After that, captions will appear at the top of your screen, making it easier to follow along with any audio or video.

If you find typing tedious, you’ll love Voice typing. This lets you dictate text instead of typing it. To start, press Windows Key + H. Make sure you have a microphone connected (your webcam mic works fine). Click the mic button that appears, and you’re ready to go. You can even set it up to automatically punctuate your sentences.

Voice commands like “stop listening” or “ignore that” help you control the flow of dictation. It’s a real time-saver for writing emails or documents.

And if you want a tidy and efficient desktop, Start menu folders are a game-changer. To create a folder, right-click an app and select “Pin to start.” Then drag another app over it, and they’ll combine into a folder.

You can rename the folder and move it to the top of your Start menu for quick access to your most-used apps. It’s a simple way to keep things organized and within reach.

Finally, there’s the Snapping bar. If you’re a multitasker, this feature is a lifesaver. It lets you snap windows into various layouts on your screen. Drag a window to the top of the screen, and a set of layout options will appear.

You can place windows in different positions, making the most of your screen space. You can also use the Windows key + arrow keys to snap windows into place. If you don’t see the snapping options, you can turn them on in Settings > System > Multi-tasking.

These features might not make headlines, but they can really enhance your Windows 11 experience and productivity. Try them out and see how much time you can save.

Are You Really Ready To Upgrade To Windows 11?

So, you’re thinking about upgrading your business to Windows 11? That’s a smart move because this update comes with some cool features that can boost your productivity.

But here’s the thing, it’s not as simple as clicking a button and SHAZAM, you’re on Windows 11. You need a plan, or you might end up with some messy downtime and confused employees.

Before you get all excited about Windows 11, check which of your current PCs can handle the upgrade. Some older machines might not meet the system requirements, and you don’t want any surprises down the road.

If you need to replace some computers, make sure you budget for that as part of your upgrade plan.

Most of your software that works on Windows 10 should play nice with Windows 11, but don’t take that for granted.

Look at all the software your business relies on to make sure it won’t freak out with the new operating system (OS). Some software might need updates to get along with Windows 11, so keep an eye on that too.

Whenever you’re making a big change that affects your team, you’ve got to have a plan. It’s your roadmap to success. So, what should your upgrade plan include?

  • Clear and honest communication with your team about the upgrade
  • Training sessions to show your employees the ropes of the new OS
  • Help for your managers to guide their teams
  • A timeline for when the upgrade will happen, and all the communication and training that goes with it
  • A plan to handle any bumps in the road and any resistance you might encounter
  • A resource to help your team with any questions or issues they have after the upgrade

Alternatively, team up with an IT support partner (like Tech Experts) to make sure everything goes smoothly and to take the weight off your shoulders!

Don’t go solo on this one; it’s best to have IT pros in your corner. If something goes wrong during the upgrade and you’ve done it yourself, it might take a lot longer to get things back on track. Let experts like our team handle it. We know what we’re doing.

Upgrading to Windows 11 can supercharge your business, but only if you plan.

If you’d like help to make the change as smooth as can be, get in touch.

What Are The Most Helpful Features Of Windows 11?

One of the reasons that Windows 11 has been welcomed with open arms for both home and business computer upgrades is that it isn’t dramatically different from Windows 10. This upgrade is mainly focused on helping users do tasks faster and find things more easily.

If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to upgrade to Windows 11, we’ll go through several of the most helpful features below that might make you want to upgrade sooner rather than later.

And if you have already upgraded your machine to Windows 11 or purchased a new PC with the OS installed, you’ll want to look over these features to make sure you haven’t been missing out on some productivity enhancers.

Snap layouts

One challenge that tends to be universal across multiple users is the struggle of trying to work in more than one window at a time on your PC screen. You can end up spending time resizing the windows just right, then need to open a window to full size to reach a scroll bar and end up back at square one.

Many users will app-switch, meaning they switch between one app window that is fully open and another that isn’t. This is also time-consuming.

In a study of user productivity, it was found that 56% of app users said that switching between apps makes it difficult to get essential work done and costs them at least 30 minutes per day.

Enter… snap layouts in Windows 11.

This feature is designed to solve this problem by providing the user with several options for window arrangements that snap windows into place. The view is designed so you can reach all scroll bars and menu items in a particular app window.

This is one of the most time-saving features of the new operating system and it’s very intuitive and easy to use.

Texting & video calls from Teams on the desktop

If you’re one of those people that hates typing out texts on a tiny smartphone screen only to have it altered by a rogue auto-correction, then the new Teams integration in Windows 11 is going to be a welcome change.

Teams is now natively integrated on the taskbar, so there is no application you need to install. Setup only takes a few minutes and involves you putting in your name and a mobile phone number.

Using the Microsoft Teams icon from the desktop, you can instantly begin connecting to people via SMS or video/audio chat. You can even share a screen during your meetings.

The To Do widget

One of the new features in Windows 11 that doesn’t look fully finished is the widgets panel. This feed has a few basic applications in it at the moment, and more are expected to come, which will make it even more useful. You get to this panel through an icon on the taskbar, and the widget feed can be tailored with local weather, traffic, news, and more.

One of the helpful features you can use right now is the To Do widget. It allows you to quickly create a task list and check off those tasks without having to open another application.

The widget can be added in seconds to your panel and can be quite a time-saver because of the easy access right from your desktop.

Streamlined Start/Search Menu

If you’re still using your File Explorer to search for documents, you can save a lot of time by using the Start/Search Menu instead. Click the Windows icon on the taskbar (which has now been moved to the middle instead of far left) and type your search keyword at the top.

This is a master search that will bring up documents, settings, applications, and even web pages. Searching using the Start Menu is faster than trying to find a file in the Explorer.

The newly streamlined interface also reduces the clutter of the old Windows Start Menu making it easier to get where you need to go and find the programs you use every day.

Task view

Task view is the virtual desktop feature that had been introduced in Windows 10. This remains a very handy feature for separating the different areas of your work to stay focused.

You can use the task view icon on the taskbar to create a different virtual desktop with different open applications and documents. For example, you could keep your email open on one virtual desktop and then use another when you’re in a video call and sharing screens.

Microsoft Is Working On Windows 11 Update Release

Later this year, the Windows 10 era will officially come to an end with the release of Windows 11.

The latest version of the OS promises a raft of new features that will offer a “Next Gen” experience.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect to see in Windows 11 when it is rolled out:

A totally redesigned Start Menu & taskbar
Unlike all prior versions of Windows, Windows 11 will feature a centered Start Menu and taskbar, making it aesthetically similar to ChromeOS. In addition to that, the Start Menu on the new OS won’t come with the live tiles you’re accustomed to. Instead, it will use static icons for all Microsoft Store apps.

If you decide you don’t want your Start Menu centered, you can revert to more traditional Windows Left Aligned menu quickly and easily, and you’ll also be able to choose from among three different Start Menu sizes.

Explorer improvements
Windows 11 will include the same File Explorer that you’re used to, but it’s getting a much needed facelift and a variety of improvements. Most of these are aesthetic in nature and designed to give File Explorer a sleeker and more modern look, with new icons and rounded corners.

Snap and widgets
Windows 11 sports four different Snap layouts, allowing you to choose between them, or switch from one to another at will. In addition to that, Microsoft is also introducing Widgets, which appears to be the successor to Window’s 10’s “News and Interests” feature. It utilizes your browsing history to create a custom news feed that updates constantly.

In addition to those things, you’ll find virtual desktop support, HDR support for color-managed, apps, a modernized, redesigned device manager, and a whole lot more.

Although there are bound to be kinks and growing pains when Windows 11 is initially released, we’re looking forward to seeing all this in action. Change is coming.