Windows 11 Features

by Ian Fry May 16, 2025

Windows 11 marks a significant evolution in the Windows operating system lifecycle. Microsoft has reimagined the experience, focusing on a more modern, streamlined interface designed to boost productivity, enhance creativity, and provide a secure computing environment.

With Windows 10 support scheduled to end in October 2025, understanding what Windows 11 offers and how to make the switch is more important than ever.

New design

The most immediate change you will notice in Windows 11 is its visual overhaul, guided by Microsoft's Fluent Design principles including:

Centred Start Menu and Taskbar: Taking inspiration from modern interfaces, the Start menu and taskbar icons are now centred by default (though you can move them back to the left). The Start menu ditches the Live Tiles of Windows 10 for a cleaner grid of pinned apps and a section for recommended files and apps.
Rounded corners and modern aesthetics: Windows, menus, and buttons feature subtle rounded corners, contributing to a softer, more approachable look. New 'Mica' and 'Smoke' materials add depth and focus, adapting to your wallpaper and theme (including a more consistent Dark Mode).
Updated icons and settings: System icons have been refreshed, and the Settings app gets a significant redesign with a persistent navigation panel on the left, making it easier to find what you need without constant backtracking. File Explorer also sports a simplified command bar instead of the old ribbon interface.

New tools

Windows 11 introduces powerful tools to help you manage your workflow:

Snap Layouts & Snap Groups: Hover over the maximise button on any window, and you will see predefined layout options (Snap Layouts) to quickly arrange multiple apps on your screen. These arrangements can be saved as Snap Groups, allowing you to minimise or restore an entire set of apps from the taskbar with one click – perfect for switching between different tasks.
Improved Virtual Desktops: While Windows 10 had virtual desktops, Windows 11 enhances them significantly. You can now set different wallpapers for each desktop, making it easier to visually separate work, personal, or gaming environments. Transitioning between desktops feels smoother.
Widgets Panel: Accessed from the taskbar, the Widgets panel provides a customizable feed of at-a-glance information like news headlines, weather forecasts, stock updates, traffic, and more, powered by AI and Microsoft services.
Microsoft Teams Integration: Chat from Microsoft Teams is built directly into the taskbar, allowing for quicker access to conversations and calls with contacts.

Enhanced experiences

Beyond the core interface, Windows 11 brings improvements across various areas:

Revamped Microsoft Store and Android apps: The Microsoft Store has been redesigned, offering a better curation experience. Crucially, it now supports a wider variety of apps, including traditional Win32 software and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). It also enables the installation of Android™ apps via the integrated Amazon Appstore, significantly expanding the software ecosystem available on Windows (requires Microsoft and Amazon accounts).
Superior gaming: Windows 11 inherits technologies from the Xbox ecosystem, including Auto HDR (which automatically adds High Dynamic Range enhancements to compatible games) and DirectStorage (which leverages fast NVMe SSDs and compatible graphics cards to drastically reduce game load times). Features like Dynamic Refresh Rate can also optimise display performance and battery life.
AI Integration: Windows 11 is leaning into AI with features like Copilot, an integrated AI assistant accessible from the taskbar to help with queries, summarisation, and system settings. AI also powers features within apps, such as generative erase and restyling tools in the updated Photos app.
Performance optimisations: Windows 11 is designed to feel faster and more responsive. Microsoft highlights improvements in memory management, how the OS handles background tasks, faster wake-from-sleep times, and better performance on modern hardware.
Security Enhancements: Security is a major focus. Windows 11 enforces stricter hardware requirements, notably TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and Secure Boot. These technologies provide hardware-based security features like encryption key protection and ensure that only trusted software loads during startup, offering better defence against malware and rootkits.

Ready for Windows 11?

Upgrading from Windows 10 is free (for now), but your PC must meet specific minimum hardware requirements:

Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). Crucially, the CPU must be on Microsoft's approved list (generally Intel 8th Gen / AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer).
RAM: 4 GB or more.
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 a WDDM 2.0 driver.
Display: High definition (720p) display, greater than 9 inches diagonally, 8 bits per colour channel.
Current OS: Your device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later.

(Note: These are the minimums. Requirements for specific features like DirectStorage or advanced AI on Copilot are higher).

The easiest way to check if your system is ready, is to download and run Microsoft's official "PC Health Check" app. It will scan your hardware and tell you definitively if your system is compatible. Download it directly from Microsoft's website.

Windows 11 offers a compelling package with its modern design, productivity enhancements, gaming improvements, and strengthened security foundation. While the stricter hardware requirements mean not every Windows 10 PC can upgrade, those that can, find a refreshed and capable operating system. With the clock ticking on Windows 10 support, now is the perfect time to check your PC's compatibility and plan your transition to Windows 11.

We can develop a phased migration plan to minimise disruption as well as offering peace of mind by ensuring all data is backed up and securely migrated during the transition period from Windows 10 to 11.

Start the conversation now. Our team of experts here at D8A are ready to assist you with upgrading to the latest OS version.