Farewell Windows 10 ...
25th September 2024
Windows 10 has been with us for over 9 years now, having been launched in July 2015 (interestingly, there never was a Windows 9 (technical and branding reasons) and so, it replaced Windows 8.1). Now, with the launch of Windows 11 in 2021, Windows 10 is coming to the end of its life, with Microsoft withdrawing support from Oct 2025.
But what does this mean exactly? Well don't panic, your computer will still work, but will become increasingly problematic as Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support – leaving users vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Furthermore, certain apps and programs may stop being compatible with Windows 10 over time, especially as developers focus on newer Windows versions.
Key features of Windows 11 are:
Redesigned User Interface:
A new, more modern and streamlined design with rounded corners, updated icons, and a centred Start Menu and Taskbar.
Improved Performance:
Better system performance, including faster boot times and improved efficiency for resource usage.
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups:
Enhanced multitasking features, like Snap Layouts, which allow you to quickly arrange open windows into various layouts for better productivity. Snap Groups remembers the layout of your open apps for easy access when switching between tasks.
Widgets:
A customizable Widgets panel providing personalized news, weather, calendar, and other dynamic content.
Integration with Microsoft Teams:
Microsoft Teams is built directly into Windows 11, making it easier to connect with colleagues, friends, and family via chat or video calls.
Gaming Enhancements:
New gaming-related features such as Auto HDR, DirectStorage (improving loading times for games), and better support for Xbox Game Pass.
Enhanced Security:
Windows 11 places more emphasis on security, requiring features like TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and Secure Boot to ensure a more secure computing environment. These requirements help defend against modern cyber threats.
Virtual Desktops:
Improved support for virtual desktops, allowing users to create multiple desktops for different purposes (e.g., work, gaming, personal) with greater customization.
Support for Android Apps:
Through the Microsoft Store and Amazon Appstore, Windows 11 allows users to run Android apps natively on their PC.
Unfortunately, the upgrade may not be compatible with older computers – any device using pre gen-8 intel processors (i.e. 2017 or older) will not work with Windows 11. The newest Windows version has other requirements too eg. a minimum 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage space, for instance, so you may find that you need new hardware as well as new software!