Why?
Windows 10 will go End Of Life (EOL) in October 2025. Technology Resources wanted to begin to allow Windows 11 installations to prepare for this change. Any new deployments will have Windows 11 installed.
Is my computer compatible?
Windows 11 should perform a compatibility test before installing. If your computer does not install Windows 11, chances are that your system is not compatible with the new operating system. If you are unsure, you may contact Technology Resources at trecs-help@austin.utexas.edu.
To see the compatibility guidelines, visit this webpage: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications?r=1
What are the changes that I should expect?
| Feature | Windows 11 | Windows 10 |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Fluent Design with new Start Menu and Taskbar | Classic Start Menu and Taskbar |
| System Requirements | 64-bit Processor with 2 cores, 4GB RAM, and 64GB Storage | 64-bit Processor with 1 GHz clock speed, 2GB RAM, and 20GB HDD |
| Widgets | Integrated Widgets for quick access to information | No integrated Widgets |
| Virtual Desktops | Improved virtual desktops with snap layouts and new animations | Virtual desktops with limited functionality |
| Touch Controls | Improved touch controls for touch devices | Limited touch controls |
| Gaming Performance | Improved gaming performance with Auto HDR and DirectStorage | Similar gaming performance to Windows 11 |
| Microsoft Store | Redesigned Microsoft Store with support for Android apps | Traditional Microsoft Store |
| Security | Enhanced security features with Windows Hello and TPM 2.0 | Similar security features to Windows 11 |
| Multitasking | Snap Layouts and Snap Groups for improved multitasking | Basic multitasking capabilities |
| Task Manager | Updated Task Manager with more details and options | Similar Task Manager to Windows 11 |
| File Explorer | Redesigned File Explorer with a new layout and features | Traditional File Explorer with limited features |
| Start Menu | New Start Menu design with pinned and recommended apps | Classic Start Menu with limited features |
| Cortana | Separated from search and no longer integrated into the taskbar | Integrated into the taskbar |
| Updates | Automatic updates with fewer interruptions and improved control | Similar update process to Windows 11 |
| Compatibility | Improved compatibility with new hardware and software |
Windows 11 and Windows 10 are both operating systems developed by Microsoft, but there are some key differences between them. Windows 11 features a new user interface with a redesigned Start Menu and Taskbar, improved touch controls, enhanced security features, and integrated widgets for quick access to information. It also has improved virtual desktops, gaming performance, and multitasking capabilities. Windows 11 requires a 64-bit processor with 2 cores, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage, while Windows 10 requires a 64-bit processor with 1 GHz clock speed, 2GB RAM, and 20GB HDD.
Windows 11 has a redesigned Microsoft Store with support for Android apps, while Windows 10 has a traditional Microsoft Store. Windows 11 also has an updated Task Manager with more details and options and a redesigned File Explorer with a new layout and features. The Start Menu in Windows 11 has a new design with pinned and recommended apps, while Windows 10 has a classic Start Menu with limited features. Cortana is separated from search in Windows 11 and is no longer integrated into the taskbar, while it is integrated into the taskbar in Windows 10.
Both operating systems have similar security features, update processes, and compatibility with hardware and software. However, Windows 11 offers improved performance and features compared to Windows 10, making it a better choice for those looking for a more modern and efficient operating system.
