There is no doubt that Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system. According to StatCounter, 72.51 percent of all users are using some other version of Windows in their enterprises. But what is it about Windows that attracts so many people?
The popularity and familiarity of Windows make it a better option for organizations to choose from than any other operating system. This option requires less training, and users gain compatibility much faster. Almost every computer user has used Windows at some point, but that is not always the case.
Windows is the most influential and widely used operating system. If you want your company to remain compatible with its partners and stakeholders, you too must be on the same platform.
Introduction to Windows 11
Windows as a platform has played a vital role in global innovation. It has served as a support system for international businesses and a platform for startups to become market leaders.
Windows transformed itself and kept up with the web.
And now, with Microsoft’s release of the next-generation Windows, users will finally have access to a familiar platform where they can create, discover, perform, and most importantly, communicate in every way.
Overview
Windows 11 has been the most significant update to the Windows operating system.
Moreover, Windows 11 intends to become the most reliable, secure, connected, and performant Windows operating system in today’s hybrid work environment.
The worldwide pandemic accelerated digitalization in many unprecedented ways, allowing many businesses to choose Windows as their primary operating system to make the shift.
Adapting to the evolving complex cybersecurity environment has made it simpler for IT teams to manage and provide advanced protection.
Empowering Productivity and Collaboration
More work than ever is being done remotely. And while 80% of employees say they are just as or more productive since going remote or hybrid, employers are not so convinced.
Windows 11 aims to give employers more peace of mind with several features that improve productivity and collaboration.
A faster Windows 11 user interface
The new Snap Layouts and Snap Groups allow users to easily organize and customize their windows.
The new Start menu is more streamlined and intuitive, allowing quick access to frequently used applications.
Microsoft Teams integration within Windows 11 makes collaboration more accessible
Users can quickly access Teams and start a chat, call, or video meeting with their colleagues without opening separate applications.
Windows 11 also offers a new Virtual Desktop feature that allows users to create separate desktops for different tasks – a great way to get more organized and reduce screen clutter.
Using Teams integrated with Windows 11 Pro for business offers several confidence-building features.
Keep the focus on the meeting with intelligent noise canceling and dynamic background blur.
Show files instantly through the taskbar.
Improved Touch and Pen Support
Windows 11 makes life easier for users who want to take notes, draw, and annotate documents with the touch of a finger or pen. This enhancement in OS support helps improve collaboration and increase productivity.
Enhancing Hybrid Security
One of the biggest concerns with hybrid work is security. The shift to remote work has been a welcome change for cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerabilities in remote systems. Windows 11 provides next-level security to combat these threats.
Zero-trust Security Model
“Zero trust” means that no user or device can access anything anywhere until security and integrity are proven. This is an evolution in cybersecurity that is based on three principles:
Verify in the clear: Authentication and authorization should be determined using all available data points.
Provide least privileged access: User access should be limited with just-in-time and just-impact access.
Assume a breach: End-to-end verification encryption and analytics should be used to gain visibility to improve threat detection and remediation.
Hardware-Based Security
Windows 11 takes security even further with built-in security.
Microsoft Pluton Security Processor: The only security processor that is regularly updated with major security and functionality improvements.
Smart App Control: Blocks untrusted or unsigned applications to prevent users from running malicious apps.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: Provides built-in advanced phishing detection and protection by warning users that they are entering their credentials into a malicious application or hacked website.
Encryption and Data Protection
Wherever people travel with their devices, their confidential information goes too. That data must be protected from unauthorized access. Whether it’s through device theft or malicious applications, this poses significant risks. Windows 11 has three security measures for this sensitive information.
BitLocker Drive Encryption: This data protection feature addresses the threats of data theft or exposure from a lost, stolen, or improperly shut-down computer.
Encrypted hard drives: This new category of hard drives is self-encrypted at the hardware level. This enables expanding BitLocker deployments across enterprise devices with little or no impact on productivity. Email encryption: Windows 11 allows users to digitally sign emails, which verifies the sender’s identity and ensures it hasn’t been tampered with: Malware protection Malware attackers often exploit driver vulnerabilities and even system security solutions. Windows 11 includes these malware protection measures by default: Virtualization-based security (VBS): VBS isolates a portion of system memory from the rest of the operating system. It then reserves that space to store security solutions – the main target of most malware attacks. Hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI): This VBS feature protects isolated system memory from being used by external attackers to exploit the system. It helps ensure that all drivers loaded on the OS are signed and trusted. Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC): WDAC protects the device from malware by blocking all vulnerable drivers that bad actors can exploit. This prevents malicious code from running on a Windows 11 device.
Secure Sign-in and Controlled Sandbox
There are two additional security features in Windows 11 that we are excited to see.
Windows Hello
This advanced security feature allows users to sign in to their Windows 11 device using biometric authentication in the form of a PIN fingerprint or facial recognition. Windows Hello improves security by reducing end users’ reliance on passwords that are easy for cybercriminals to hack.
Windows Sandbox
Developers are undoubtedly familiar with working in a sandbox environment. It is a controlled and isolated environment where they can safely test their code, applications, or software without affecting network resources, user data, or local applications.
Windows Sandbox serves a single purpose: creating a secure environment where users can safely run potentially harmful applications or files. However, note that Windows Sandbox is not included in the Windows 11 Home edition as of this writing.
Simplifying Hybrid Deployment and Management
Deploying and managing devices in a hybrid work environment can be complex, adding pressure to already overburdened IT departments.
53.4% of IT professionals say their biggest challenge is managing remote and hybrid employees.
And 2 out of 3 people feel overwhelmed trying to manage remote work
Windows 11 introduces several features to make life easier for IT pros
Work with your existing apps and infrastructure
It’s built on the consistent, compatible, and familiar Windows 10 foundation you know.
This enables you to plan, prepare, and deploy for Windows 11 as you do with Windows 10 today.
Take a flexible path to cloud management with Microsoft Endpoint Manager
Secures, deploys, and manages all users, apps, and devices without disrupting existing processes.
It enables comprehensive Windows 11 management while simplifying automated provisioning, configuration management, and software updates for all your endpoints.
Maximizes the return on your investment by leveraging existing investments to modernize the user experience with Microsoft 365 cloud telemetry.
Move to Universal Print via the Cloud
Eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure
Allows your workforce to print from anywhere when connected to the internet and authenticated with Azure AD.
Protects your documents and data with Microsoft data management guidelines.
Deploy devices with cloud configuration for endpoint management
Makes it easy to turn Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs into streamlined, easy-to-manage cloud endpoints.
Enables you to manage apps, users, and security from a unified endpoint management platform.
Security features built into Microsoft 365 and Windows 10/11 help protect your employees, data, and company assets.
Three Additional Features also Caught our Attention:
Windows Autopilot
Allows IT admins to deploy devices without manual configuration.
Streamlines the deployment process, allowing IT teams to spend less time on device setup and more time on other important tasks.
Improved update management capabilities.
Helps streamline Windows 11 updates with smaller update sizes and faster installation times.
Reduces the time users spend waiting for updates to install, improving productivity.
Azure Virtual Desktop
Provides a scalable and secure virtual desktop atmosphere in the cloud.
Particularly useful for businesses that require remote access to corporate resources.
In conclusion, Windows 11 has established itself as a leading operating system for hybrid work. Its features make it easier for businesses to adopt the new way of working. As more companies adopt hybrid work models, Windows 11’s features will continue to be essential for increasing productivity, improving security, and simplifying deployment and management.
With Windows 11, the hybrid work culture has been revamped for the better. Businesses can move confidently into this new era of work.
Key highlights
Get a fresh start
Windows 11 is built on the same foundation as Windows 10, so any investments you make to update and manage the device will be carried over.
Windows 11 also maintains the application compatibility promise made with Windows 10, complemented by the App Assure program.
Increase productivity and efficiency
With tools like Snap layouts, desktops, and a new, more intuitive redocking experience, you can unlock all the applications you need and multitask with convenience.
The layout has been simplified for a better user experience to increase productivity and encourage creativity.
Everything from the Start button to the taskbar, sound system, icons, and fonts has been designed from the start to give you the power and make the process as quiet and restrained as possible.
For quick and easy access, a Start button is placed in the center of the screen.
Connect with your loved ones easily
With Microsoft Teams, you can instantly connect with your loved ones right from your desktop.
Windows 11’s initiative is to bring you closer to the things you love and your loved ones.
As it aims to build meaningful online connections with people, it makes it easier for people to stay in touch regardless of their location without making the device or platform a barrier.
In Microsoft Teams, the chat section is integrated into the taskbar which makes communication with all your contacts located on different platforms like Android, Windows, or iOS more accessible from any location.
Even if the other party hasn’t downloaded the Teams app, you can still interact with them.
Through Teams, Windows 11 also offers a more convenient way to stay in touch with close ones. It has features that allow you to mute and unmute yourself in a call and share the screen for a presentation directly from the taskbar.
Windows is Built for Business Customers and Hybrid Work
Over the past two years, the organizations that have succeeded are those that have embraced digital transformation. We can’t always predict what’s coming next, but we can make sure Windows remains at the forefront of technology and experiences – from cloud to intelligence and devices.
Windows 11 and Windows 365 We’re ready to take everyone into the next era of hybrid work. Now is the time to move your business to Windows 11 and Windows 365. We’re building Windows for the future, to support the future of your business, giving organizations the world’s most secure, manageable, and productive Windows experience.
The new Windows works on the widest range of devices, giving you innovations in touch, pen, and voice technology, making it easier to find the right device at the most affordable price. With a stylus and an optimized Windows 11 operating system, users can design graphics, and cut and edit videos and images without any difficulty. Windows 11 effectively optimizes the battery to help maintain the product, saving huge costs in warranty and repairs for businesses.