The basic hardware requirements to install Windows 10 were initially the same as those for Windows 8 and Windows 8.❿
 
 

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Is the upgrade worth it for you? – Windows 10 home compared to professional free download

 

The other big change also involves moving the weather in the Taskbar to the left side of the screen. This was known as News and Interests in Windows 10, but in Windows 11, that gets replaced by Widgets read our roundup of the best Windows 11 widgets. Windows 11 introduces Virtual Desktops as well, which allow you to maintain separate desktop workspaces for work, gaming, or whatever else you want.

The app stores in Windows 11 and Windows 10 are based on the same design. Only select Android apps are supported, so make sure to read our guide on how to install Android apps on Windows If you want the best Windows OS for gaming, Windows 11 is for you. Recent Windows 11 updates included optimizations for running games in windowed mode , and it supports features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage — an upcoming feature that helps games load in less than one second.

Some of these features, like DirectStorage, are available on Windows 10 as well. In Windows 11, you can increase your multitasking and system performance with Snap Layouts that group your windows and save them to the taskbar. This is available in Windows 10, but Windows 11 makes it easier to access Snap Layouts and provides more configurations. Microsoft has updated Snap Layouts with even more functionality since launch, too. Windows 11 solves a big issue with multi-monitor setups , too.

Windows 11 remembers how you had your windows on your external monitor and will save them in that state when you disconnect from a monitor and then plug it back in.

This is one of the most annoying problems with Windows 10 that Windows 11 finally addresses. Windows 10 has a traditional tablet mode that makes your PC go to a full-screen Start menu experience. In Windows 11, this is removed. Instead, Windows 11 behaves more like an iPad , where when you switch your device to a tablet, things become easier to touch.

That includes new gestures for opening the Start menu, dismissing windows, and more, none of which are present in Windows In addition, Windows 11 brings deeper pen functionality. You can still use Whiteboard to collaborate visually, but Windows 11 also brings support for up to four app shortcuts through your pen.

Voice navigation is also improved in Windows 11, allowing you to use your voice to launch apps, enter keyboard and mouse inputs, control the operating system, and basically anything else you could need. In short, Windows 11 allows you to fully control the OS with your voice. Microsoft talked about the performance benefits and optimizations in Windows 11 in a YouTube video. According to Microsoft, Windows 11 does a lot of work in memory management to favor the app windows you have open and running in the foreground.

This should ensure that they get more CPU power over other system resources. Microsoft has added performance improvements since launch, too.

Windows 11 is snappier than Windows 10, but the differences are small in real-world use. It supports background blur, eye contact adjustments for meetings, and automatic framing — none of which are present on Windows These AI-powered features are available through Microsoft Teams, though some of them may depend on the hardware you have in your computer. Being the latest Windows version, Windows 11 is the best choice for most people.

However, its new features also bring some limitations that complicate some upgrades, especially on older PCs. As we lay out in our guide on how to install Windows 11 , most PCs can upgrade from Windows 10 for free through a simple Windows update. We strongly recommend going this route to avoid malicious Windows 11 installers that can surface in search engines. Microsoft has completed the Windows 11 rollout , so any PC with supported hardware can upgrade for free.

You only have 10 days to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 after updating. Although there are a lot of new features in Windows 11, Microsoft also removed some features that are available in Windows You can no longer sync your desktop wallpaper; Internet Explorer and the Math Input panel are gone; and a few apps are also removed.

You can still find those in the store, though. The only hurdles to upgrading are the Windows 11 system requirements. With Dynamic Provisioning you can take a new PC out of the box, turn it on, and transform it into a productive organization device, with minimal time and effort.

Windows Update for Business can help businesses reduce management costs, provide control over update deployments, enable more efficient delivery of updates, and provide access to the latest innovations from Microsoft. Configure a device in kiosk mode in a very simple way. You can do this locally on the device or remotely using Mobile Device Management. The shared logon works on PCs, tablets, and phones with minimal IT involvement.

Edit photos and spice up presentations. Windows 10 has the apps you need to get in touch with your creative side. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more—get everything you need to create and present your ideas with a Microsoft subscription.

Scribble down a headline, draw a chart, add bullet points—design an entire presentation with a digital pen. And on new Windows 10 touchscreen computers, you can zoom, scroll, and sign documents with the touch of a finger. The new Photos app makes it fun and easy to enhance your digital memories. Use Sticky Notes and type, ink, or add a picture to save ideas, thoughts, lists, appointments, and more—so you don’t miss a thing! Windows 10 has apps and features to help you have fun and get more done with less hassle.

Scroll through time to find documents and websites. Log into your Windows devices three times faster by using your face or fingerprint.

Windows 10 features are best experienced on a modern PC. Find out if your current PC is ready for Windows 10 by answering just a few questions. Review this doc for more details on Device Encryption.

Active Directory makes management easier but is not required. Pen accessory may be sold separately. Chrome 69 and Firefox Go here for more details on this performance claim. Go here for more details on this battery life claim. Users will receive an app from Microsoft which they must download to their Android phone and follow the setup prompts, including being signed into same Microsoft Account across mobile apps and Windows 10 PC.

Users will receive an app from Microsoft which they must download to their iPhone and follow the setup prompts. Available on limited select devices supporting far-field capabilities. Connect email accounts in the Cortana Notebook; works with Outlook. Microsoft requires a subscription. Functionality and apps may vary by market and device. To see up to 30 days of activities, users must choose this option in settings. Available in select markets. Functionality may vary by device.

Requires specialized hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices. Compare Windows 10 Home vs. Pro Find the right fit for your needs. Windows Security Windows 10 changes the game for security by protecting user identities, devices, and information with a comprehensive solution driven by intelligence that only Microsoft offers.

Device encryption Device encryption is available on a wide range of Windows devices and helps protect your data by encrypting it. Firewall and network protection Your Windows device comes with comprehensive, built-in security features, including firewall and internet protections to help safeguard against viruses, malware, and ransomware. Secure Boot Secure Boot helps prevent malicious software applications and unauthorized operating systems from loading during the system start-up process.

BitLocker device encryption If your device is lost or stolen, BitLocker and BitLocker To Go put everything on lockdown, so no one else can access your systems or data. Windows Defender Antivirus Windows Defender Antivirus uses the power of the cloud, wide optics, machine learning, and behavior analysis to protect your devices from emerging, sophisticated threats.

Windows Fundamentals Windows 10 comes with automatic updates enabled, which means you get all the latest features at no extra cost. Microsoft Edge Get faster browsing 7 8 and better battery life 8 9 across your devices with Microsoft Edge, the browser built for Windows Cortana All you have to do is ask Cortana.

Battery saver mode Extend battery life by limiting background activity and push notifications. Voice Free up time and your hands by talking to your computer.

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