Windows 11 FAQ |
1. What is Windows 11 ?
Windows 11 is the next version of Windows for desktop, laptops and tablet computers. It will eventually replace Windows 10.
2. What is new in Windows 11?
There are several major changes to Windows 11 compared to Windows 10.
a) The desktop now uses a dock at the bottom of the screen instead of a start menu.
b) Support for Touch Screens and gesture controls incl swipe, press, slide, rotate, pinch and tap.
c) Microsoft Edge web browser, is the default web browser.
d) Updated windows apps including Mail, Photos and Messaging and download new ones from the Windows Store.
e) Compatibile with existing hardware as well as touch-base devices.
f) Default tools found in Windows 10 are not installed by default, such as 3d Viewer, OneNote, Paint 3D and Skype.
g) Chat with Microsoft Teams is included to connect friends, family and work.
h) Snap Assist available to organise open windows and switch between them.
3. Where can I get Windows 11 from?
You can buy Windows 11 from your PC stockist or directly from Microsoft's Shop or use the Media Creation Tool.
The full retail version will be released on July 29, 2015.
Upgrade to Windows 11 is available for Windows 10 users (see Windows Update).
4. Will my existing hardware and software work on Windows 11?
Most recent hardware and software in last 3 years are so will be compatible. Check with the manufacturer's website first.
The minimum system requirements are similar to Windows 10: 1 GHz processor with 2 cores, support for PAE, NX and SSE2,
4 GB of RAM (32 bit) or 8 GB or RAM (64 bit), 64 GB of Hard disk space and
DirectX capable graphics card with a WDDM 2.0 driver, Display 800x600 or more, UEFI, Secure Boot capable and
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) v2.0 enabled. More information is here.
5. What MultiTouch capable monitors and pads are there?
There a number of monitors that support MultiTouch for use with Windows 11. A sample of models are below:
There are also a few MultiTouch pads you can use with Windows 10:
You can add touch input to your existing monitors or laptops using this hardware:
6. Can you run Windows 11 on non-Intel/AMD processors?
Yes, Windows 10 will run on ARM processors. ARM processors can be found on other devices such as SurfacePro using Qualcomm SnapDragon processor, Hyper-V and possibly on Apple Mac with M1 via Parallels Desktop.
7. Can I still run my old Windows 10 software?
Yes, most of your software, Desktop or new Universal (UWT) apps, will run on Windows 10.
8. Can I run it in VirtualBox?
You can install Windows 11 on VirtualBox, but you will need to disable the hardware checks in registry before doing the Installation.
9. What settings are need to run Windows 11 in Virtual Box?
* Memory. RAM: 4 GB or more.
* Processors: 2 or more, PAE/NX.
* Hard Disk: 64 GB or more or use dynamic storage.
* Display. VBoxSVGA, Video Memory: At least 256 MB. 2D Acceleration and 3D support.
* Audio. Windows DirectSound.
* System. Chipset: PIIX3. Features: IO APIC, EFI. Acceleration: Nested Paging.
10. Is there a Windows Server version out?
Yes, you can try out the evaluation version of Windows Server 2022 from Microsoft.
11. How do I add a program to the new start menu screen?
Click on the Start menu button or Windows key, a list of applications will be listed on the left side. Right click the application and at the bottom click on 'Pin to Start' to add it to the menu. You can also select More then 'Pin to taskbar' to add it to the taskbar area on the desktop.
12. I cannot find my program on Windows, how can I start it?
a) Click the search icon in the dock at the bottom of the screen. Use the top apps or recent list, or enter the program's name in the search box and select the appropriate icon to start the program.
b) Press the Windows key and the R key to bring up the Run dialog box, and enter the name of the program or enter the path of the program and click on OK (use the Browse button to locate the program).
c) Press the Windows button to switch to the desktop, right click the desktop, select New Shortcut and enter the path and name of the program to add an icon to the program on the desktop.
d) To access the folder where the program shortcuts are, you can create a shortcut to c:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu.
e) Press the Windows key and the X key to bring up the power or admin menu for qucikly accessing administrative tools such as Programs and Features, Power options, Event Viewer, System, Device manager, Network connections, Disk Management, Computer Management, Windows Terminal, Task manager, Settings, File Explorer, Search, Run and shutdown options.
f) Open File Explorer icon, open C:\Program files or C:\Program files (x86) and browse for the folder that contains your program and when you find it, double click to start the program.
g) Try a third party tool to change layout, such as Stardock's Start11 .
13. How do I access Settings and the Control panel?
To access Windows 11 settings, select the Windows icon in the dock or press Windows key and select Settings icon (looks like a gear) from the menu.
To access the Control Panel, enter 'Control Panel' in the search box, enter 'Windows Tools, for the administrative tools.
14. How do I logout, restart or shutdown my computer?
a) Click on your Windows icon (left icon) in the dock or press the Windows key, click on the Account name at the bottom left and select Sign Out. You can restart or shutdown by clicking on the Power icon at the bottom right.
b) Press the Ctrl + Alt and Delete keys together. Then you will get options to Lock the workstation, Switch to another user, Sign out (or logout) or load the Task Manager.
If you click on the Power icon at the bottom right, you will get the option to Shutdown, to do an emergency restart, press the Ctrl key and then click the Power icon.