Have you been putting off an upgrade to Windows 11? From snap layouts to phishing protection, Windows 11 has a lot of great features, but Windows 10 still has the lion’s share of PC users.
Here’s some of the cool features this OS has that might make you want to reconsider.
Microsoft released the Windows 11 operating system (OS) back in October 2021. It was largely well-received as stable and user-friendly. The OS is not a large departure from the Windows 10 experience yet it offers a lot of enhancements compared to the older environment.
However, with several improvements and a free upgrade for Windows 10 users, it still lags in adoption. As of November 2022, Windows 10 still has most Windows PCs. It has a 69.75 percent usage share compared to only 16.13% for Windows 11.
People are slowly upgrading to the newer OS but it’s natural for some to take a wait-and-see stance. They want to make sure it’s worth the time to upgrade. Additionally, no one wants to have to relearn their computer desktop.
The good news is that Windows 11 has a similar workspace feel to its predecessor AND it packs a lot of great productivity and security benefits that Windows 10 lacks.
Here are some of the coolest features in this current Windows OS. After taking a look, you may choose to go ahead and take the plunge into the Windows 11 universe.
Snap Layouts
Most people are working with more than one app open at a time. It’s not unusual to need to reference two different windows while doing side-by-side work. Switching back and forth between apps can be tedious and time-consuming.
Approximately 68% of app users say that switching between apps costs them at least 30 minutes per day. Trying to size two windows next to each other can also be frustrating. You lose the scroll bar or can’t get to the menu items unless you resize.
Enter snap layouts.
This nifty feature in Windows 11 solves the multi-app problem. Simply hover over the maximise icon at the top of any window to get access to a snap layout.
Choose the area you want for the active app, and it will snap into place and allow you to choose apps for the other slots.
Master Search
Need to find a document, website, image, or app quickly? Use the Windows 11 master search. Just click the search icon on your desktop. You’ll get a search bar that will populate results from the entered keyword.
As an added touch, Microsoft populates fun topics into the search bar daily. Learn more about James Webb Space Telescope, Coffee Day, or other fun subjects.
Once you enter your keyword, you can further refine your search. Refine it according to the type of search result you want like apps, documents, web, etc.
Clipchamp Video Editor
In the latest Windows 11 update, Microsoft gifted users with a free video editor. The new Clipchamp video editor app makes it easy to edit videos. You don’t need to download any extra software.
Clipchamp has a lot of the features you’d expect to have to pay for in other video editing apps. These include templates, effects, video resizing, green screen, and more.
MS Teams Video, Audio & Text Messaging
Video calls have become the norm since the pandemic. But not all video software is easy to use. Most of us have had to wait on someone late to a call because they were struggling with the app.
Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Teams preinstalled. This gives you a simple click-to-call experience. You can easily invite someone to a video or audio call. The person does not need to have a Microsoft account to connect with you. This makes things easy on both sides.
Another great feature of the Teams app in Windows 11 is the fact that you can use it for SMS messaging. Instead of having to get out your phone, just text someone from your desktop.
Accessibility Features
This latest OS has some great accessibility features too. They’re designed to help ensure everyone can use their computer the way they want. Those with disabilities can enjoy these features as well as those that like the extra flexibility they offer.
Four of the newest accessibility features in Windows 11 include:
- System-wide live captions
- Focus sessions
- Voice access
- More natural voices for Narrator, Windows’ built-in screen reader
Collections in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows. It’s worth checking out if you haven’t already. Especially because of its feature called “Collections.”
If your bookmarked favourites are becoming a mess, you’ll love this Edge capability. If you click the “plus” icon at the top of your Edge browser window, you’ll see the Collections panel. Add a collection subject and click to add your desired bookmark webpages.
You can see a preview of what you’ve added, and everything is neatly organised. Collections are easy to access and easy to delete when you’re finished with them.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
Phishing remains the biggest online security threat. It’s used to enable many forms of cyberattacks, from ransomware to credential theft. A significant number of phishing messages send users to malicious websites. You often don’t know until it’s too late that you’ve landed on a malware-laden site.
Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. This app helps protect you from those dangerous phishing sites. The app checks URLs in real time against a dynamic list of reported phishing sites. It will warn you if a site is potentially dangerous.
Want an Expert to Help with Your Windows 11 Upgrade?
It can be intimidating to upgrade your system’s operating system. Why not get a pro team on your side like Perth Systems to help? Give us a call today to schedule a chat about a Windows upgrade.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.