Windows 11 - Side By Side Comparison with Windows 10

Windows 10 will soon become unsupported. In order to stay current and ensure UMS-managed devices continue to receive updates, Windows 11 will begin shipping with all new Dell computers. Windows 11 upgrades will soon be generally available. There are a few user interface changes, but End-User Technology has worked to keep the Desktop as close to normal Windows 11 experience as possible. Users with Windows 11 at home should be familiar with its new look.  This document is meant to outline the differences between Windows 11 (the top image) and Windows 10 (the bottom image) for faculty, staff, and students using UMS-managed computers.

Detailed Information

Installing applications, launching desktop shortcuts, and accessing files remains the same. The notable changes are regarding user interaction and menus.

Copy/Paste Menu

The copy/paste option is now hidden in a new menu called "Show More Options".  

  1. Users can access this menu by right-clicking on the file or folder they wish to copy.
  2. Click on the last option in the list, "Show More Options".
  3. The right click menu will return to the old version and copy/paste will appear.
  4. Copy/paste are still available via the menu bar at the top of the window and by using  control+c and control+v.

Windows 11 right click menu showing "Show more options".Windows 10 Right click menu showing actions that can be performed on a file.

Windows Explorer

Your local and cloud files are still in the same location, however, the user interface changed a little. Now clicking on the folder in the start menu brings up the explorer window, but will default to your "Home" window with shortcuts to recent and recommended files. In Windows 10, clicking this icon put you in a library of only your most recent files.

OneDrive is still the official cloud storage solution for departmental files and is automatically installed and connected when you log into the computer.

Windows 11 new look to windows explorer file browser. Options from the top are Home, Gallery, OneDrive, and common folders found in user directory.   Windows 10 file explorer with quick access menu on the left side bar.

Accessing Applications

All the standard applications are installed when IT images your computer. The start menu will look different from Windows 10. 

  1. The start menu is now located in the center of the start bar instead of the lower left corner of the screen.
  2. Clicking on it will bring up a list of pinned applications provided by IT. Clicking on those icons will launch the application.
  3. Accessing other applications can be done by searching for the name in the search box at the top of the start menu or by clicking "All Apps" in the upper right corner and scrolling through the list.
  4. Installing applications remains the same and can be done by launching the "Software Center".

Windows 11 start menu with Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge browsers, Microsoft Word, Excel and software center pinned.  Windows 10 start menu with Firefox, Chrome, edge, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint pinned

Environment

  • University managed computers with windows 11.

 

Print Article