Release of Windows 11 and Office 2021
Both Windows 11 and Office 2021 were released on 5th October 2021. We highlight the key features of both.
October brought exciting developments for Microsoft. Both Windows 11 and Office 2021 were released on 5th October 2021. What do these releases offer? We highlight the key features below.
Everything you need to know about Windows 11
As outlined above, Microsoft released Windows 11 on 5th October 2021. From this date, PCs pre-loaded with Windows 11 were made available for purchase. In addition, existing Windows 10 users became eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. This is happening in a phased approach with all eligible devices offered the free upgrade by mid-2022.
Windows 11 offers a brand-new look for the desktop, a major user interface redesign, and changes to the core Microsoft OS apps.
Windows 11 Highlights:
- A new interface. Windows 11 features a clean design with rounded corners, pastel shades and a centered Start menu and Taskbar.
- Integrated Android apps. Android apps will be coming to Windows 11 and installable from within the new Microsoft Store via the Amazon Appstore.
- Widgets. You can now access widgets directly from the Taskbar and personalize them to see whatever you'd like.
- Microsoft Teams integration. Teams is getting a face-lift and will be integrated directly into the Taskbar, making it easier to access.
- Xbox tech for better gaming. Windows 11 will get certain features found in Xbox consoles, like Auto HDR and DirectStorage, to improve gaming on your Windows PC.
- Better virtual desktop support. Windows 11 will let you set up virtual desktops in a way that's similar to MacOS, toggling between multiple desktops for personal, work, school or gaming use.
Windows 11 is the next evolution of Windows. It is the most significant update since Windows 10 and is intended to be the most reliable, secure, connected, and performant Windows operating system ever.
Internet Explorer will not feature in Windows 11
Windows 11 is the first version of Windows without Internet Explorer for more than 20 years. Microsoft has confirmed that Internet Explorer will not be available on Windows 11 and instead, Microsoft Edge will be the default browser. Internet Explorer will be officially retired and no longer supported from June 2022.
The end of Internet Explorer has been a long time coming. Microsoft has been trying to stop people using it for more than five years, stressing that it is not secure and should not be used.
Everything you need to know about Office 2021
Microsoft's world-renowned productivity app suite is also getting a 2021 version.
Office 2021 became available on 5th October for both Windows and macOS. It is designed for those who don’t want to subscribe or pay a monthly fee to use Microsoft Word and other apps. The most current ‘stand-alone’ version of this is Office 2019.
Microsoft has emphasized that its main focus remains on its subscription offering, Microsoft 365. However, it is releasing this one-time purchase, Office 2021, for those who aren't ready to move to the cloud.
Office 2021 comes in two versions:
- one for commercial volume licence customers, called Office LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel), and
- one for personal and small business use.
Office LTSC was already generally available , and includes enhanced accessibility features, performance improvements across Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and visual improvements. Meanwhile, Office 2021 for personal and small business arrived on 5th October.
If you have any questions or would like help upgrading your software, please get in touch. PCR Connected is an accredited Microsoft Partner and would be delighted to help.
