Windows 11 Notes

Windows 11

Windows 11 Editions (LO 12.1)

  • Volume Licensing: Designed for organizations that need to license software for a large number of computers.
  • Retail: Available for individual consumers through retail channels.
  • Education Edition: Tailored for educational institutions.
  • Windows 11 Home: For basic consumer needs on PCs, laptops, and tablets.
  • Windows 11 Pro: Suited for business or advanced consumers on PCs, laptops, and tablets.
  • Windows 11 Pro for Workstations: Optimized for high-performance systems.
  • Enterprise Editions: Designed for large organizations with advanced security and management needs.
  • Windows 11 SE: A streamlined version for education.
Comparison of Windows 11 Home & Pro Editions (Table 12-1)
FeaturesWindows 11 HomeWindows 11 Pro
BitLocker Drive Encryptionü
Chat from Microsoft Teamsüü
Desktopsüü
Device Encryptionüü
Find my deviceüü
Hyper-V clientü
Hyper-V hostü
Microsoft Edge Web Browserüü
Microsoft Storeüü
Snap Layoutsüü
Touch, Pen, Voice experienceüü
Widgetsüü
Windows Hello biometric loginüü

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 (LO 12.1)

The Downside to Upgrading
  1. Cortana: Is now an optional app and is no longer on the Taskbar.
  2. Internet Explorer: Has been removed and replaced by Microsoft Edge.
  3. Tablet Mode: Replaced with subtle changes; apps are no longer full-screen by default.
  4. Live Tiles: Removed from the Start menu.
  5. Pinned Apps and Sites: User-pinned apps and sites are removed from the Start Menu.
  6. Taskbar Positioning: Taskbar can no longer be positioned on the top or sides of the screen.
  7. File Dragging to Taskbar Icons: The ability to drop a file onto a Taskbar program icon is no longer available.
  8. Timeline Feature: This feature has been removed.
  9. S Mode: Only available for Windows 11 Home.
  10. Wallet App: Removed.
  11. Preinstalled Apps: 3D Viewer, OneNote for Windows 10, Paint 3D, and Skype are not installed on new devices.
Free Upgrade to Windows 11
  • Requirements:
    • Legally licensed and up-to-date retail editions of Windows 10.
    • Windows 10 version 2004 or later.
    • Free upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 11 Home.
    • Free upgrade from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro.
    • A fee is required to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 11 Pro.
  • Check the Update & Activation Status in Windows 10 Settings to ensure Windows is activated and legally licensed (Figure 12–1).
System Requirements
  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores. Refer to Microsoft’s Windows Processor Requirements list.
  • RAM: Minimum 4 GB.
  • Storage: 64 GB available space on an internal storage device.
  • Firmware: UEFI system firmware with Secure Boot enabled.
  • Graphics: DirectX 12-compatible graphics device.
  • Driver Model: Support for Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0.
  • Display: High-definition 720p display greater than 9” diagonally with 8-bits/color channel.
  • Internet Connection: Required, along with a Microsoft account.
  • Optional: Multitouch-capable touchscreen, touchpad, or mouse.
TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
  • Description: A chip present in most PCs manufactured in recent years.
  • Status: TPM may be disabled in some systems.
  • Function: Uses cryptographic functions to secure a device.
  • Checking for TPM: In Windows 10 Settings under Update & Security | Windows Security | Device Security.
  • TPM Version: Check for version 2.0.
  • TPM Management Console: To check, search for “The Trusted Platform Module”. Possible statuses:
    • TPM present and enabled.
    • TPM present but not enabled.
    • TPM not present: Compatible TPM cannot be found.
Secure Boot
  • Description: A feature of UEFI Firmware.
  • Checking for Secure Boot: Use the System Information app.
    • BIOS Mode = UEFI
    • Secure Boot State = On
  • If Secure Boot is not enabled: For PCs with UEFI BIOS, try the Windows 10 Recovery options or check the manufacturer’s website.
  • Accessing UEFI Settings: Click Restart now to access Advanced Startup and then UEFI settings (Figure 12–6 & 12-7).
  • Enabling Secure Boot: Find and enable Secure Boot settings in the UEFI firmware settings (Figure 12–8).

Preparing to Upgrade to Windows 11

Part One
  1. Update Windows 10: Go to Settings | Windows Update.
  2. Back Up Your Data:
    • Use cloud storage.
    • Go to Settings | Update & Security | Backup | More Options | Backup and Restore (Windows 7) to create a backup of your Windows 10 computer.
  3. Get Updated Device Drivers:
    • Use the manufacturer’s utility before the update.
    • Setup will install a compatible driver, but check with the manufacturer for a full-featured driver.
Part Two
  1. Understand Microsoft Product Activation (MPA):
    • Anti-piracy tool.
    • Windows installation automatically supplies the product key.
    • If requested after install, use Activation in Update & Security.
  2. Prepare to Sign in with a Microsoft Account:
    • Setup requires an Internet connection and MSA (Microsoft Account).
    • Temporary sign-in with a local account is possible on the business edition.
    • Use an existing MSA or create a new one before or during setup.
    • Windows Hello biometric sign-in requires specific hardware.
    • Configure a PIN for the installation.

Windows 11 Upgrade and Installation Options

  1. Upgrade from Windows Settings:
    • Go to Settings | Update & Security | Windows Update.
    • Check for Updates.
    • Select “Feature update to Windows 11” and then Download and Install.
  2. Upgrade Using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant:
    • If you cannot upgrade from Windows 10 Settings.
    • If the Windows 10 computer is ready for the upgrade, go to: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11/
    • At the Download Windows 11 page, read the instructions and click Download Now.
    • The installation files will be downloaded, and then run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
  3. Create Installation Media for a Clean Install or Reinstall:
    • You can create a bootable USB flash drive or an ISO file for a CD or DVD image.
    • Find the instructions and download at the Download Windows 11 page.
  4. Using Bootable Media for an Upgrade or Clean Install

Working with the Windows 11 GUI and Features (LO 12.2)

Taskbar
  • Pinned icons: Centered at the bottom of the screen.
  • Start button: Located on the left of the pinned icons.
  • Search box: No search box on the taskbar, but a Search button is located to the right of the Start button.
  • Taskbar corner: Located on the right side; formerly the Tray or Notification area.
  • Taskbar corner overflow area: Some icons are located in the overflow area, accessed via the “Show hidden icons” button.
Modifying the Taskbar
  • Repositioning: Taskbar cannot be repositioned on the sides of the screen.
  • Icons: You can add and remove new taskbar icons.
  • Personalization: Use Settings to personalize the taskbar.
    • Taskbar behaviors: Allows enabling/disabling other taskbar behaviors.
    • Taskbar alignment: Positions icons left or center.
Quick Settings
  • Replacement: Replaces the Windows 10 Action Center.
  • Access: Click or tap the status icons on the right side of the taskbar, or use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + A.
  • Edit View: Click or tap the pencil icon on the bottom right for edit view.
The Power User Menu
  • Access Options
    • Apps and Features
    • Mobility Center (On tablets)
    • Power Options
    • Event Viewer
    • System
    • Device Manager
    • Network Connections
    • Disk Management
    • Computer Management
    • Windows Terminal
    • Windows Terminal (Admin)
    • Task Manager
    • Settings
    • File Explorer
    • Search
    • Run
    • Shut down or sign out (Sign out, Sleep, Shutdown, or Restart)
    • Desktop (Return to the desktop)
The Widgets Pane
  • Location: Opens on the left of the desktop.
  • Access: Click or tap the Widgets button on the taskbar, use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + W, or swipe in from the left edge of the screen.
  • Function: Replaces the Windows 10 news and interests widgets.
    • The top area contains widgets.
    • The bottom contains news stories.
Notifications
  • Location: Slides out from the right side of the screen.
  • Access: Click the clock/calendar on the taskbar, swipe in from the right edge, or use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + N.
  • Content: Notifications from many apps and “other senders”.
  • Settings: Turn off Notifications in Settings.
Windows 11 Start Menu
  • Function: A starting place to open apps, access settings, and find recent files.
  • Access: Click or tap the Start button on the taskbar.
  • Appearance: Floats above the taskbar.
The Search Box
  • Location: At the top of the Start menu.
  • Function: Opens the Search app. Enter search text to search local apps and files, the web, Windows Store, and other locations (from the More button drop-down menu).
  • Organization: Search results are organized by location.
Sections of the Start Menu

  1. Pinned Section

    • Contains pins for frequently-used apps.
    • Each page contains up to eighteen pins.
    • Navigate with pagination controls.

  2. All Apps Section

    • Covers the Start menu when open.
    • An alphabetical list of all installed apps.
    • Scroll through the list.

  3. Recommended Section

    • Get Started app on new installation.
    • Shows recent apps and files.
    • The list changes as you work.
The User and Power Bar
  • User Tile: For the currently signed-in user.
    • Opens the user options menu.
    • Options include changing account settings, locking, and signing out.
  • Power Button: Opens the Power menu.
    • Options include Sleep, Shut down, and Restart.
End or Pause a Windows 11 Session
  • To end a session:
    • Shut down: Powers off the computer.
    • Restart: Shuts it down and restarts it.
    • Sign out: Shuts down the user session and displays the lock screen.
  • To keep a session in memory (pause it) without shutting down:
    • Switch user
    • Sleep
    • Lock
  • Shut Down Windows Dialog Box
    • The Shut Down Windows dialog box lists all available options.
    • Keyboard Shortcuts:
      • Windows Key + D: Minimizes all open windows.
      • Alt Key + F4: Opens the Shut Down Windows dialog box.
  • Four Locations to End or Pause a Session:
    1. Power User Menu | Shut down or sign out
    2. Start menu | user tile
    3. Start menu | Power button
    4. Shut Down Windows dialog box
The Windows 11 Settings App
  • Launch: From the Start menu (Pinned section).
  • Visuals: Visual makeover and tweaking since Windows 10.
  • Recommendations: Recommendations are provided in the Settings App.
  • Features:
    • Provides Estimated Time to Complete an Update
    • Allows Enabling or Disabling a Network Adapter.
    • Reorganized Display Settings
    • Personalize Windows 11 (includes Device usage).
    • Power and Sleep Options
Windows 11 Settings App: Estimated Time to Complete an Update
  • A notification provides the estimated time for a restart and update.
Windows 11 Settings App: Enable or Disable a Network Adapter
  • Advanced Network settings provide the Disable/Enable option.
Windows 11 Settings App: Reorganized Display Settings
  • When Windows 11 detects multiple displays, each display appears in the settings panel.
File Explorer
  • Access: Click or tap the shortcut on the task bar or use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + E.
  • Design: Redesigned and reorganized.
  • Command Bar: New command bar replaces the ribbon menu.
    • Unlabeled menu buttons; pause the cursor over a button to see its function.
  • Missing Functions: Some functions are missing in drop-down menus.
  • Context Menu: The context menu is shorter.
    • “Show more options” (Shift+F10) displays all options.
Windows 11 Backup and Data Syncing
  • Settings: Access via Settings | Accounts | Windows backup.
    • Manage sync settings opens Manage folder backup.
    • Options for Desktop, Documents, and Pictures.
  • Control Panel: Control Panel | System and Security | Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
  • File History

Managing Apps in Windows 11 (LO 12.3)

Removing Apps
  • Preinstalled Apps: Included in a factory installation of Windows 11 or rolled into a Windows 11 retail edition.
  • Types: Time-limited free subscriptions, manufacturer’s utilities for updating device drivers, and other Microsoft and third-party apps.
  • Uninstalling: Removing an app from the Pinned area does not uninstall it.
    • Select Uninstall from the context menu.
    • Check the All apps list to see all installed apps.
The Microsoft Store for Windows 11
  • Improvements: Includes non-Microsoft sources such as Adobe apps and third-party Internet browsers.
  • User Interface: Organized like the Microsoft Store for Windows 10.
    • Categories are renamed (e.g., Entertainment is now Movies & TV, Productivity is now Apps).
    • The tab bar is gone; tabs are now on the sidebar.
    • The Search box and Profile button are on the title bar.
Organizing Start Menu Pinned Apps
  • Pinning: Pin frequently-used apps to the Start menu Pinned section.
  • Repositioning: Locate an icon and drag it to a new position, or move apps from page to page.
Run Android and Linux Apps in Windows 11
  • Windows Subsystem for Android
    • Not available in early releases of Windows 11.
    • The subsystem installs automatically the first time you install the Amazon Appstore app OR install an Android or Amazon app.
  • Windows Subsystem for Linux
    • Not new; enable via the Windows features dialog box.
    • Runs Microsoft’s Linux kernel in the Windows Terminal app.
Organize Your Work: Desktops and Task View
  • Desktops: Grouping of windows by projects (AKA “virtual desktops”).
    • Create new desktops and populate each by moving windows.
  • Task View: Shows all open apps and Desktops.
    • Open from the Task view button on the taskbar or use the shortcut Windows Key + Tab.
Organize Your Work: Snap Layouts
  • Function: Improves on Windows 10 Snap Assist to organize individual desktops.
  • Features: Quickly select from several multi-window layouts.

Securing Windows 11 (LO 12.4)

Keeping Windows 11 Up-to-Date
  • Updates: Monthly security updates from Microsoft delivered via Settings | Windows Update.
    *Check out Advanced options under Windows Update.
Windows 11 Sign-in Methods
  • Options: Sign-in options are part of Windows 11 installation.
  • Security: Microsoft favors the most secure methods.
  • Windows Hello: Passwordless sign-in using facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or a PIN (personal identification number).
  • Physical Hardware Key: An option for secure sign-in.
Other Windows 11 Security Features
  • Built-in Tools: Good built-in security tools available via Settings | Privacy & security | Windows Security.
  • Windows Security App: The Windows Security panel shows status. Access by clicking or tapping the Open Windows Security button to manage security features.
Other Windows 11 Security Features: Run a Malware Scan
  • Scanning Options: Occasionally run a quick malware scan using a third-party antivirus or the Virus & threat protection in the Windows Security app.
Other Windows 11 Security Features: Device Security
  • Management: Manage Device Security in the Windows Security app.
  • Features: Core isolation, security processor, and secure boot.
Other Windows 11 Security Features: Security on the Web
  • Settings: Windows Security | App & browser control.
  • Protections: Reputation-based protection, isolated browsing, and exploit protection.
Other Windows 11 Security Features: Turn on Find My Device
  • Enable: Enable “Find My Device” on all devices via Settings | Privacy & Security | Find my device.
  • Function: The device sends location information to your MSA.
  • When a device is missing:
    1. Open a browser on another device.
    2. Sign in to your Microsoft account.
    3. Select Find my device.
    4. Select the missing device.
    5. The last location will display on a map.
    6. If not nearby, use the Lock option.