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Just when you thought you were starting to get the hang of Windows 10, along comes Microsoft to change things up yet again. Well, they do have to keep their shareholders happy, now don’t they? Love it or hate it, you may not have heard the news yet but the next version of Windows is due to be announced this Thursday. Have patience.
While the official Microsoft announcement about the next version of the Windows is not too far away, it’s still expected to be called Windows 11. But whatever it is finally called, it’s expected to be the biggest update that Windows has received since Windows 10 was released in 2015. Hard to believe it’s been 6 years already!
IT'S STILL EARLY - SO WATCH OUT!
In the tech world, Windows 11 has been in the spotlight recently - not for its upcoming release but rather for the massive leak that has allowed users to try out the new OS ahead of the launch. Microsoft had been gearing up to talk about 'the next generation of Windows' on June 24. But that has been ruined by a slew of leaks - first, a few screenshots emerged on China's Baidu website and soon after that, the Windows 11 ISO was dumped online.
If you’ve been enticed by the surprise availability of the next Windows update, or Windows 11, much ahead of the official release, our advice is hold off on downloading and installing this supposed test build operating system on your PC just yet. Yes, you’d have seen images of this operating system on the internet, with the supposed center placement of certain elements on the task bar, a supposed new multitasking experience and even the addition of widgets.
But there is an inherent risk with installing official test builds too. They are unfinished and unstable. They may have bugs and functionality may be broken. Some of your software and apps might not work. That’s what happens with work in progress software. The thing with this Windows 11 build is, it isn’t even official. This isn’t even a beta yet, let alone a stable beta.
Mind you, this supposed Windows 11 build isn’t being distributed via official Microsoft channels. It is being hosted by all sorts of websites, and this is a recipe for disaster. This is exactly the sort of thing that hackers love, malicious software and virus finds its way into, and phishing as well as snooping scams happen. Your data can and may be at serious risk. So – don’t install it!
WHAT'S IN WINDOWS 11?
From what we’ve seen, Microsoft is refreshing the user experience, including modernizing menus, rounding corners on rectangles, and creating a new startup sound. The new interface and the Start Menu are similar to what we've seen on Windows 10X. The biggest visual changes appear in the taskbar area, the app icons are centered now, there's a new square Windows logo, and the app tray looks a lot cleaner.
We're eager to discover new cybersecurity enhancements.
Hardware requirements are similar to those for the latest versions of Windows 10, so you can probably keep your existing computer if you upgrade to Windows 11.
WHAT NOW?
Prepare your company now. Visit with your IT team in a few weeks after they've had an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Windows 11. Let them tell you the pros and cons of upgrading your organization to Windows 11. Consider purchasing a license of Windows 11 for a computer so that your IT team can experience the new OS first hand. You might decide not to upgrade just yet. However, there may come a point where some of your programs might require an upgrade for it to work correctly. Keep in mind though, Microsoft will support Windows 10 through October 14, 2025. So, we definitely have some time.
Like I said, the word on the street is Microsoft’s planning to announce Windows 11 via a live streaming event on June 24th (here’s the link to sign up for it in case you’re interested: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/event).
However, you don’t have to wait to see the next version in action due to a recent leak. So, here’s a quick list of articles that we've compiled covering Windows 11 in more detail:
The Verge: Windows 11 leak reveals new UI, Start menu, and more
https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/15/22535123/microsoft-windows-11-leak-screenshots-start-menu
Tom’s Guide: Windows 11 leaks in full online — here's your first look
https://www.tomsguide.com/news/windows-11-just-leaked-online-heres-your-first-look
C|Net: Windows 11: Leaks, release date and every hint Microsoft has dropped so far
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/windows-11-leaks-release-date-and-every-hint-microsoft-has-dropped-so-far/
Engadget: Windows 11 leak hands-on: Like Windows 10 meets macOS
https://www.engadget.com/windows-11-leak-hands-on-windows-10-macos-224819963.html
PC Magazine: Leak Shows Off 'Windows 11' Ahead of Next Week's Microsoft Event
https://www.pcmag.com/news/leak-shows-off-windows-11-ahead-of-next-weeks-microsoft-event
RECAP
I can't stress enough to remember that this version that's making its way around the internet is NOT anything you should download and test out. This is as rogue a version of software as you'll find. That said, stay interested and learn more about Windows 11 as, before we know it, we'll be working with it in our day to day lives. And I would venture to guess long before 2025 when Windows 10 is put out to pasture.
Let me know what you think. Please share your thoughts. Let me know what you think in the Comment box below or send an email if you’d like to chat about this in more detail.
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