Technology Tips – Published September 2021 in the Guide and Digest
By Don Trauger – Kennett
Just when you are almost comfortable using Windows 10, Microsoft is gearing up a new operating system to throw at you. Windows 10 has been available for 6 years. In 2015 a Microsoft developer said, “it’s the last version of Windows”. Another Microsoft executive said that “Windows was not meant to be stagnant. Well so much for that first comment.
Windows 11 is in Beta test now and if all goes well (it rarely does) that it will be released in October of 2021. In early July Microsoft released an app that you could download to test your PC to see if it would be compatible with Windows 11. After analyzing what it performed, the app was pulled by Microsoft after a few days. Basically, it came down to certain components in your PC that had to meet specifications for Windows 11. It turns out the app may have been faulty in its analysis and the bottom line was that any PC, 2-3 years old, would not be compatible with Windows 11. However, later Microsoft documentation has loosened the requirements for Windows 11. We will see how all of this works out.
Windows 11 will bring better user integration with a new Start menu and other features. You can look at it as a feature upgrade to Windows 10. It will be offered to Windows 10 compatible computers through Windows Update. So, what happens if your PC does not meet specifications? Nothing much as Windows 10 will still be supported until 2025 and will continue to be refreshed and updated with security enhancements.
Why is Microsoft moving on from Windows 10? First, it is a smart marketing approach. It brings new attention (eye candy) to compete better with Google’ Chromebook and of course Apple. It also benefits Microsoft’s pockets as Windows is the leading component profit maker for Microsoft.
The PC Club meetings have restarted after 17 months. We meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM in the Ardmore room of the Community Center.