How to Upgrade to Windows 11: A Step-by-Step GuideWindows 11 is the latest OS from Microsoft. Follow this step-by-step guide to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 and enjoy its new features!
Microsoft recently released Windows 11, the most recent version of their renowned operating system. But what distinguishes it from its predecessor, Windows 10? This article will examine how the two differ and what users may expect from the new version.
New Design and User Interface
The new design and user interface are two of the most visible differences between Windows 11 and 10. Windows 11 has a more modern and sleek appearance with softened sides and a centralised Start menu. The taskbar has also been revamped, with the option to change icons and a new "Snap Layouts" function allowing users to arrange numerous windows on their screen swiftly. Overall, the new design strives to improve the user experience by making it simpler to understand and visually appealing.
Enhanced Performance and Speed
Windows 11 also outperforms its predecessor in terms of performance and quickness. Microsoft has optimised the operating system to perform better on contemporary hardware, resulting in shorter startup times and more fluid multitasking. Windows 11 adds a new technology called "DirectStorage" that allows games and other apps to access data on the hard drive more quickly, resulting in speedier load times and increased performance. Overall, Windows 11 users may expect a speedier and more responsive experience.
Improved Multitasking and Virtual Desktops
The expanded multitasking capabilities are among the most noticeable differences between Windows 11 and 10. The new "Snap Layouts" feature in Windows 11 allows users to arrange multiple windows on their screen in several layouts quickly. Also, virtual desktops are included in Windows 11, enabling users to create several desktops for various jobs or projects. This can help users transition between numerous applications and projects throughout the day and boost their productivity and organisation.
Compatibility with Android Apps
The ability to run Android apps on Windows 11 is one of the most significant differences between Windows 11 and 10. This feature has been made available through a partnership with Amazon and the Amazon App Store. With Windows 11, users may download and run Android apps directly on their PC, broadening their app selection. This is a significant benefit for people who rely on specific Android apps for work or personal use. It should be noted, however, that not all Android apps are compatible with Windows 11. Hence, users need to do some research before downloading.
Windows 11 Minimum Specifications
The following are the system requirements for installing Windows 11 on a PC. If your computer does not satisfy these requirements, you may be unable to install Windows 11 and should consider purchasing a new PC.
- Processor - 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor.
- RAM - 4 gigabyte (GB).
- Storage - 64 GB or larger storage device.
- System firmware - UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM - Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
- Graphics card - Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
- Display - High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9" diagonally, 8 bits per colour channel.
- Internet connection and Microsoft account - Windows 11 Pro for personal use and Windows 11 Home require internet connectivity and a Microsoft account during initial device setup.
How to Upgrade to Windows 11
Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 11, offers a range of new features and improvements over its predecessor, Windows 10, and the upgrade process is a lot easier than previous upgrades. In most cases, as long as your computer hardware is supported by Windows 11, you can install the update simply by visiting the Windows Update applet and clicking to install Windows 11. This step-by-step guide shows you the steps for manually installing Windows 11.
Check if Your Device is Compatible with Windows 11
Before upgrading to Windows 11, checking if your device meets the minimum system requirements is important. Microsoft has released a PC Health Check app that can help you determine if your device is compatible with Windows 11. Download and run the app to provide a report on your device's compatibility. If your device is incompatible, you may need to upgrade your hardware or stick with Windows 10.
Backup Your Important Files and Data
Before upgrading to Windows 11, it is important to back up your important files and data. While the upgrade process is designed to preserve your files and settings, there is always a risk of data loss or corruption during the upgrade process. You can back up your files and data to an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or another device. Make sure to create a system restore point before starting the upgrade process so you can easily revert to your previous version of Windows if needed.
Download the Windows 11 Installation File
The first step to upgrading to Windows 11 is to download the installation file. You can do this by visiting the Microsoft website and clicking the "Download now" button. Ensure that your device meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 before downloading the file. Double-click on the file once the download is complete to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. The installation may take some time to complete, so be patient and do not turn off your device during the process.
Run the Installation File and Follow the Prompts
After downloading the installation file for Windows 11, the next step is to run it and follow the prompts. Double-click on the file to start the installation process. You may be prompted to enter your administrator password or confirm that you want to change your device. Once you have done this, the installation process will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. This may include selecting your language and region, accepting the license terms, and choosing whether to keep your files or do a clean install. Read each prompt carefully and make the appropriate selections for your needs.
Setup Your New Windows 11 System and Enjoy its New Features!
Congratulations! You have successfully upgraded your Windows 10 to Windows 11. Now it's time to set up your new system and explore its features. Start by customising your desktop and taskbar to your liking. You can also check out the new Start menu, which has been redesigned to be more streamlined and customisable. Take advantage of the new Snap Layouts and Snap Groups features to organise your windows and work more efficiently. Don't forget to try the new Microsoft Teams integration, which allows you to connect easily with colleagues and friends. Enjoy your new Windows 11 system!
Windows 11 Annoyances and Fixes for Them
Upgraded to Windows 11 and experiencing a few annoyances? Don't worry; here are several Windows 11 annoyances and how to fix them.
Taskbar and Start Menu
There have been numerous updates to the look and feel of the taskbar and start bar, and not all of them have been for the better. The taskbar is now aligned centrally, and users cannot prevent applications from being grouped into one icon.
While changing the alignment on the taskbar is possible, you cannot change grouping or display large taskbar icons like you can in previous Windows versions. Unfortunately, the changes that Microsoft made to the start bar cannot be altered or reverted. The start menu now only displays pinned applications. By default, these are all bloat and ads, so each must be uninstalled or manually unpinned.
This leaves us with a rather barren start menu, and each time you want to access your apps, you have to click "All Apps" at the top. Very annoying! So far, the only workaround is to install third-party start menu alternatives, none of which are free.
Condensed Context Menus and "Show More Options"
When you right-click an item in Windows 11, you'll see a new sleek, compact context menu with "Show more options" (Shift+F10) at the bottom, which you need to click to see all available options.
With a simple registry hack, you can turn off the "Show More Options" menu and always show the full context menu.
- Open regedit.exe and navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\ - Look for a folder (key) called
{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}. If it does not exist, create it. - Within that, look for or create another key called "InprocServer32".
- Within that key, set the default value to nothing. The data column should show empty. If it says value not set, double click the key to edit, then click OK.
- Reboot and enjoy the full context menu experience!
If you choose to enable the "Show More Options" menu again, delete the "{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}" key and reboot.
Windows 11 Won't Enter Sleep Mode, Screensavers Do Not Work
One common problem people encounter is that Windows 11 no longer enters sleep mode, nor is the screen saver active, or the screen locks itself. Instead, Windows keeps the screen open and continues to suck the life out of your battery. Numerous fixes have been posted online, including resetting the power management options, setting a shorter display timeout, disabling and re-enable screensavers and running the power troubleshooter. None of those worked for me. Ultimately, I chanced upon a solution for my Surface Book 2 by turning off the touchscreen. I normally do this to prevent accidental clicks, but the upgrade re-enabled it. After turning off the touchscreen input devices in the device manager, the laptop started to go into reduced power and sleep mode.
Windows 11 Still Cannot Do Dark Mode Well
Dark Mode for Windows was officially officially introduced in Windows 10 in 2015. In 2023 - 8 years later - dark mode still does not work properly in Windows 11 with random dialogues and menus appearing white - such as this Bitlocker prompt and the Windows File properties, not to mention the progress bars and Windows Explorer interface.
Privacy Settings
Microsoft claims to take your privacy seriously, yet you must opt out of numerous options here, there and everywhere. Suppose you deactivated all the privacy options in Windows 10. In that case, there are a few more to deactivate and a few to reactivate on the upgrade.
Pay special attention to the Windows Defender option "Automatic sample submission" under Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings. Turn OFF Automatic sample submission. I caught Windows trying to upload a copy of my website source code during a scan, and only because it prompted me if it thinks a file is "likely to contain personal information". My website source code may not contain personal information, but I don't want Microsoft stealing it.
