Windows 10 has served us well. But its time is running out. Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025 which means Windows 10 devices will no longer receive security updates, patches, or support.
Because of this, it’s very important to upgrade your OS or replace your PC before October of next year. 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:
No more updates mean no more security patches. Year after year, we learn that the vast majority of successful cyber-attacks have exploited unpatched computers and/or unpatched applications. What is even more interesting is that most of the patches for these compromised systems had been available to install for months, if not years prior to the cyber-attack.
Keeping your devices on Windows 10 could leave your systems vulnerable to security risks such as viruses or breaches, compromising your businesses data and ruining your reputation. Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures you will receive the latest security updates as they’re released.
What’s New with Windows 11?
Feature #1: New Taskbar
Previous Windows versions feature an iconic taskbar, but it can sometimes get clunky. Windows 11 provides a streamlined solution.
The new taskbar is perfect for expediting work, as it can contain a list of recent cloud and local files. You can also pin various apps to improve access and utilize a search bar that allows for convenient web browsing.
Feature #2: Windows Grouping and Snapping
The enhanced Snap Group and Snap Layout features allow you to resize and manage windows more easily. You also get to keep essential apps grouped to maintain high productivity.
Using the feature is relatively straightforward: Just hover the mouse over the maximize button on the desired app to reveal your layout options. You can choose between several arrangements, such as four-app grids and side-by-side layouts.
And if your team needs to perform basic window management, they can still grab and pull windows to the edge of their screen.
Feature #3: Improve Accessibility Options
Windows 11 follows in the footsteps of many smartphones to simplify setting changes and make them easily accessible. Pulling up your control panel now only requires one tap or click in the taskbar corner, replicating Apple’s Control Centre.
Furthermore, Windows 11 apps feature aesthetic, curved corners, and your Settings incorporate more options you can tweak. For instance, blind or vision impaired users can take advantage of cutting-edge audio cues. There are also desktop themes to help reduce eye strain, which is essential if you work long hours.
On top of that, the new operating system has revamped voice typing. You can activate this with a simple keyboard shortcut. This feature supports most major languages, including English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Portuguese.
Feature #4: Better App Store
Many apps can enhance workplace productivity, but you’ll first need to find them on your PC’s app store. Fortunately, Windows 11 came up with an organized and coherent platform to make the search easier.
Besides universal apps, you can check out the applications compatible with your devices. The platform can also handle programs from third-party stores and manage app installation on the internet.
Which Features Were Left Behind?
Overall, Windows 11 should work great for your business but bear in mind that Microsoft left out some features that were a staple in previous versions:
Excluded Feature #1: Taskbar Customization
Windows 10 users can move their taskbar from the horizontal position to the left, right, or upper part of their screen. In contrast, the Windows 11 taskbar is fixed at the bottom of the display, and you can’t customize the dimensions.
Another significant change is that you can no longer move the Time and Date on your taskbar. Windows 10 didn’t have this problem since you could toggle off the Clock feature in your Settings.
Excluded Feature #2: Drag-and-Drop Features
Windows 10 and some earlier versions allowed you to drag several items to change their position. For example, you could drag a Word document onto your Word icon on the taskbar to open it.
This function is disabled in Windows 11. There’s no way to drag and drop or save any program or file onto your taskbar.
Excluded Feature #3: Cortana
Cortana is a voice assistant counterpart of Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Many people are used to it and may be disappointed to hear that it’s not a part of the Windows 11 system setup. You can’t even locate it in your start menu.
The good news is that the Cortana application can still be found – it’s just hidden away. You can enable it by visiting Settings and navigating to Apps & Features.
Windows 11 is designed to be faster and more efficient. It optimizes your hardware, providing better performance.
Need Assistance Upgrading?
Databranch recommends updating your devices to the latest version of Windows or replacing your hardware before October of 2025. Our engineers are more than happy to assist your team when it comes to these changes. Fill out the form below and one of our staff members will reach out.
You can also contact us today at 716-373-4467 option 6, or [email protected] if you would like our assistance with this transition.
