Microsoft Windows has long been the dominant operating system for computers since its inception in 1985. With countless iterations building on each other one after the other, it makes sense to wonder how much more each new edition has to offer than the last. The most recent edition is Windows 11 Pro, which was released in October 2021. Windows 11 Pro not only delivers a more aesthetically pleasing operating system but also carries a host of tools and features that help businesses thrive in today’s remote work environment.
If you want the best operating system for your business, it can pay to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. To help you understand how Windows 11 Pro works and what it can do to make your personal and professional life easier, we’ve compiled a guide to this dynamic operating system.
A History Of Windows
Microsoft Windows was first launched in 1985 with Windows 1.0, a graphical operating system built on MS-DOS. This version was incredibly simple compared to later versions of Windows, but it was revolutionary in that it offered users the ability to visually navigate a virtual desktop for the first time. While the first five versions of Windows were designed for both consumers and businesses, the line eventually split into two separate lines beginning with Windows 3.1. Windows XP eventually brought the two lines back together in 2001, offering specialized editions aimed at consumers, businesses, and other target customers. Windows XP upgraded the core software code while creating a more practical interface, significantly improving user experience.
The next iteration was Windows Vista in 2006 followed by Windows 7 in 2009. Vista had a disappointing rollout due to issues with speed and size, but Windows 7 brought the speed back up to par and lowered the sizable system requirements. Windows 8 in 2012 introduced the ability to log onto another Windows 8 machine while retaining the same settings as on your personal device, increasing the ability to use computers interchangeably. When Windows 10 came out in 2015, it carried a digital personal assistant named Cortana and a new web browser called Microsoft Edge.
Introducing Windows 11 Pro
Windows 11 Pro was released in October 2021, building on the strengths of previous editions while incorporating modern technology in innovative ways. The new interface features a redesigned Start menu with customizable layouts and a more aesthetic design. It also improves visual performance with features like Auto HDR to improve color and Live Captions to assist with video calls.
Windows 11 Pro also includes a few upgraded features as well as some entirely new tools to make browsing, working, and surfing the web easier than ever. Here are a few of the integrated tools on Windows 11 Pro:
- Copilot is the new AI-powered assistant that can help with anything from organizing a PowerPoint to sending emails. Users can enter voice or text prompts to ask Copilot to schedule reminders, search the web, and solicit personalized assistance all from the taskbar.
- Microsoft Teams Integration. Teams allows you to collaborate on projects via video calls, chats, and virtual meetings. It’s built directly into the taskbar, giving quick access when you need it.
- If your device gets lost or stolen, BitLocker will put your device on lockdown. It encrypts and protects your data to keep it safe no matter where your device is.
- Passkeys make it easier to sign into websites and apps without passwords. Users can manage passkeys in Windows Settings.
- Windows Hello. Windows Hello allows you to unlock Windows devices using facial recognition, a fingerprint, or a PIN. Like Passkeys, it’s a great tool to log into your Windows device without a password.
- Virtual Desktops. This feature allows you to create multiple desktops for different uses, such as a work desktop and a personal desktop. Users can switch between them with ease, keeping their personal and professional lives separate.
How Windows 11 Pro Benefits Business
After COVID-19, businesses have increasingly turned to remote work as a way of retaining high-talent employees and accommodating mobile workers. Windows 11 Pro offers many tools that make working from home easier than ever. Companies are taking advantage of Microsoft Teams to host virtual meetings and Microsoft Endpoint Manager to manage devices throughout the organization. There is even a Windows Update for Business feature that allows IT administrators to keep devices up to date with the latest security updates.
Workers can rely on tools like Snap Layouts to organize apps and windows into customized layouts, making it easier to multitask and switch between calls, chats, and browsers. With cloud-based tools like OneDrive and Microsoft 365, users can access their files from anywhere in the world. This allows workers to keep working while traveling or to quickly resume work in the event of a lost computer or mobile device.
Companies Are Embracing Windows 11 Pro
Microsoft Windows is the most popular computer operating system worldwide. Over 67% of desktops, tablets, and consoles run on a Microsoft Windows operating system, followed by Apple’s macOS as the second most popular. The adoption rate for Windows 11 is continuing to increase, reaching a recent high of almost 30% of all PCs. This number is likely going to increase as Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life date and with the release of new hardware.
Microsoft Office 365 is also the go-to tool for companies, with over one million companies using the system worldwide. Over one million customers use the Office Suite software in the United States alone, relying on applications such as Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for everyday work.
Workers can rely on tools like Snap Layouts to organize apps and windows into customized layouts, making it easier to multitask and switch between calls, chats, and browsers. With cloud-based tools like OneDrive and Microsoft 365, users can access their files from anywhere in the world. This allows workers to keep working while traveling or to quickly resume work in the event of a lost computer or mobile device.
With regular feature updates, robust security features, and innovative implementations of AI, Windows 11 Pro is the best tool for meeting the business demands of a constantly evolving landscape. If you’re looking to upgrade the way you work, consider investing in Windows 11 Pro. We offer a Windows 11 Pro license key at a discounted rate, making Windows 11 Pro an affordable upgrade for your business.