Windows 11 Pro

Windows 11 Pro
Name	Windows 11 Pro
Developer	Microsoft
Family	Microsoft Windows
Source model	Closed source
Released	October 5, 2021
Latest release version	23H2 (10.0.22631)
License	Proprietary software
Kernel type	Hybrid kernel
Ui	Windows shell
Predecessor	Windows 10 Pro

Windows 11 Pro. It is a major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system developed by Microsoft, succeeding Windows 10 Pro. Announced in June 2021 and released in October 2021, it introduced a redesigned user interface centered around a new Start menu and Taskbar, alongside enhanced integration with the Microsoft Store and Microsoft Teams. The Pro edition is tailored for business and power users, building upon the foundation of Windows 10 with advanced features for security, management, and productivity.

Overview

The development of this operating system, codenamed "Sun Valley," was led by Panos Panay and his team at Microsoft. It represents a significant visual and functional departure from its predecessor, emphasizing a design philosophy of calm and creativity. Key changes include a centered Taskbar, rounded corners for windows, and new system sounds. The release coincided with updates to other Microsoft services like Microsoft Edge and Xbox Game Pass, aiming to create a more cohesive ecosystem across PCs, Surface devices, and the Xbox Series X/S.

Features

This edition includes all features found in the Windows 11 Home edition, such as the Widgets board, Snap Layouts, and direct integration with Microsoft Teams in the Taskbar. Exclusive professional features include BitLocker for full-disk encryption, Windows Sandbox for safe application testing, and Hyper-V for creating virtual machines. It supports Windows Subsystem for Linux and Windows Subsystem for Android, allowing users to run applications from Linux and the Amazon Appstore. Enhanced productivity tools like Remote Desktop Protocol and Group Policy editor provide greater control for IT administration.

System requirements

Microsoft established stricter hardware requirements compared to Windows 10. Mandatory components include a compatible 64-bit processor from Intel (8th Gen or newer), AMD (Ryzen 2000 series or newer), or Qualcomm (Snapdragon 7c or newer), 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage. A system must have a Trusted Platform Module version 2.0, Secure Boot capability, and a display with at least 720p resolution. These requirements, particularly the TPM mandate, generated significant discussion within the tech industry and among users of older hardware from vendors like Dell and HP.

Editions and licensing

This operating system is available through several channels, including pre-installation on new devices from OEM partners like Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS. It can be purchased via Microsoft Store or through volume licensing programs like Microsoft Open License and Microsoft Enterprise Agreement. Other commercial editions include Windows 11 Enterprise and Windows 11 Education, which offer additional features like Windows Update for Business. Upgrades from eligible Windows 10 Pro licenses were offered free of charge, similar to the transition from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

Security and management

Security enhancements are a cornerstone, building on technologies from the Windows 10 era. It requires hardware-based security with TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled by default. Features like Windows Hello for biometric authentication and Smart App Control help protect against malware. For management, it integrates with Microsoft Intune and Azure Active Directory for cloud-based device management, complementing traditional on-premise tools like Active Directory and System Center Configuration Manager. These capabilities are critical for organizations adhering to frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.

Reception

Initial critical response from publications like The Verge, CNET, and Ars Technica was mixed, praising the visual refresh and performance improvements in areas like DirectStorage for gaming but criticizing the restrictive hardware requirements and removal of some features from Windows 10. Adoption in the enterprise was gradual, with many organizations planning deployments alongside updates to Microsoft 365. The launch was part of a broader strategy by Satya Nadella to modernize the Windows platform and deepen integration with services like Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Defender.

Category:Microsoft Windows Category:Proprietary software