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Windows 11 Will Offer a New Experience for Dell Users. On October 5, Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11, bringing a new experience to Dell desktop, notebook and tablet users around the world. Reflecting the changes to workplace of the past 18 months, Windows 11 offers new collaboration, multitasking and development tools, as well as a different screen experience.
“What was so powerful was the shift in the PC from something practical and functional to something personal and emotional,” wrote Panos Panay, chief product officer, Windows + Devices, in a recent blog.
“This is what inspired us as we were building the next generation of Windows. To build you a place that feels familiar, where you can create, learn, play and most importantly, connect in all new ways.”
Here’s what members of the Dell Client Community (DCC) can expect from the new operating system. First of all, it’s a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and will be preloaded on future purchases, including the Dell XPS 13 and the Dell Alienware’s X-Series laptops. It is incorporates accessibility improvements that were built for people with disabilities.
For IT managers, the integration of Windows 11 will be similar to a Windows 10 update. Tools like Microsoft Endpoint Manager, cloud configuration, Windows Update for Business and Autopilot will continue to support the new OS. While current applications should run without problems, Microsoft’s App Assure service will help organizations with 150 or more users address any issues at no additional cost.
The Key Highlights
Here are some of the key highlights for DCC members and their organizations.
• A new Start. With Start, Microsoft has put users’ content right at the center of the device experience. It uses Microsoft 365 and the power of the cloud to show users their recent files regardless of the device. That’s a clear benefit for Dell users who switch devices when working from the office, home or on the road.
• Collaboration tools. One productivity-enhancing feature of Windows 11 is the integration of Microsoft Teams’ Chat into the taskbar. This allows users to connect through text, chat, voice or video with their personal contacts, regardless of platform, device or operating system (Windows, Android or iOS). Even if the contact doesn’t have Teams, collaboration is still possible with two-way SMS. Another feature is the ability to instantly mute and unmute through Teams or present directly from the taskbar.
• Security. Windows 11 incorporates new built-in security technologies that add protection from the chip to the cloud. That includes a Zero Trust-ready operating system to protect data and access across Dell devices. Microsoft has worked closely with its OEM partners to raise security baselines in the hybrid work world.
• Touch, pen and voice experiences. Microsoft has improved the touch experience for tablets and increased the space between icons in the taskbar, along with visual cues to make it easier to move windows on the screen. There is also an improved tactile sensation when using a digital pen to write, edit or sketch. Windows 11 also makes it easier to use voice as an input instead of typing on a keyboard. For instance, it can automatically punctuate sentences, and gives users the ability to deliver voice commands.
• Productivity features. Windows 11 offers users tools like Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops that make it easier to multitask and optimize the screen real estate on Dell devices. Another new feature is Widgets, a personalized feed powered by AI, that provides a faster way for users to access information.
• New development opportunities. Windows 11 unlocks new opportunities for developers and creators through the Microsoft Store. There are improved tools for native and web app development that make it easier to refresh the look and feel across Microsoft’s designs and experiences.
A Gradual Rollout
Microsoft expects all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022. IT leaders can also check to see if Windows 11 is ready for a device by going to Settings > Windows Update and select “Check for Updates.”
As Panay said, “Windows is the place people go to create, to connect, to learn and to achieve – a platform over a billion people today rely on. We’ve simplified the design and user experience to empower your productivity and inspire your creativity.”
If you would like to learn more about Windows 11, click here.
