In this article, we going to discuss what are new features in Windows 11 for Business and Windows 11 for Enterprise editions. Windows Pro and Enterprise editions provide advanced features and are used by small to large-sized businesses. With the new Windows 11 version rolling out soon, IT organizations and enterprises are wondering what’s new in store for them and how it is going to further help them in the way they work. We have already discussed new features in Windows 11 and features that are removed. Here, we are going to discuss the new features to look forward to in Windows 11 for Business and Enterprise editions.
Windows 11 for Enterprise – New Features
There New Features in Windows 11 for Enterprise:
- Productivity and Collaboration features
- New Security Features
- Cloud-based management and Cloud Configuration (Cloud Config)
- Universal Print
- Application compatibility
Let’s discuss these in detail!
1] Productivity and Collaboration features
The Enterprise edition of Windows 11 has brought an enhanced set of productivity and collaboration features. Some of these features include:
- Simple yet modern visuals: Windows 11 for Enterprises has familiar and modern visuals with a simple design. It primarily focuses on let the enterprises focus on what matters more.
- Snap Assist: This feature can automatically arrange window layouts saved in perfect display across screens.
- Personalized widgets: You can use personalized widgets to customize at-a-glance info like calendars, tasks, weather, and news, and more.
- Intelligent video conferencing: During a video conference, you can quickly enable or disable the microphone right from the taskbar.
- Share a window while presenting: You can directly share a window from the taskbar during a call and at the same time maintain taskbar access.
- Meet now in Microsoft Teams: Conduct video or audio calls from the taskbar to connect with anyone quickly and easily.
2] New Security Features
A lot of new built-in security features are introduced in Windows 11 editions. Microsoft has really focussed on security factors this time and bringing up strong security features that are well required by enterprises. Some of the primary security features include:
- TPM chips requirement,
- Hardware-based integrity protection,
- Going passwordless,
- Secured core PCs,
- Microsoft Azure Attestation,
- Stronger Zero Trust security, etc.
3] Cloud-based management and Cloud Configuration (Cloud Config)
Microsoft provides cloud-based management solutions to deploy and update Windows 10 and Windows 11 in a parallel fashion. Both the Operating systems are designed to coexist and co-manage.
Windows Update for Business Group Policy or Configuration Service Provider (CSP) policies users can make use of Target Version capability in order to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10. Microsoft Endpoint Manager’s cloud-based management capabilities can be used to consolidate device management and endpoint security into a single platform and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) ecosystem. Some of its use cases are as follow:
- With Windows Autopilot, you can deploy Windows 11 devices in a “business-ready” state with the desired set of applications, settings, and policies. Using it, you can also change Windows edition, like update from Pro to Enterprise.
- Admins have full control over configurations and control settings for Windows 11/10 when enrolling devices in Microsoft Intune.
Additionally, enterprise organizations can ship corporate-owned devices protected by organization policy for employees working remotely. This can be achieved through Cloud Configuration (Cloud Config). Cloud config enables an easier way to streamline devices with easy-to-manage endpoints. It just simplifies the entire management process, enhances employees’ productivity, and has security built into Microsoft 365 and Windows.
4] Universal Print
Universal Print is a cloud-based print solution for enterprises. It is simple, secure, and consumes less time and effort. It enables IT to manage printers via a centralized hub. You can print from anywhere if authenticated to Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), there is no need of installing printer drivers, you can locate the nearest printers and print directly, users can view, add, or print only to those printers they have access to, etc. Plus, printer communications are secured over HTTPS connections.
5] Application compatibility
You can continue to run Windows 10’s apps on Windows 11 as claimed by Microsoft. App Assure program data shows that Windows 10 has a high compatibility rate of 99.7% for enterprises that include LOB (line-of-business) apps. For feature as well as quality updates, Windows 11 will have the same set of app compatibility validation requirements that Windows 10 currently has.
Windows 11 has App Assure and Test Base for Microsoft 365 services that are already there in Windows 10. These can help you assist and resolve issues in case your organization’s applications run into compatibility issues at no additional cost.
Read: Windows 11 Product Lifecycle and Servicing Update.
Windows 11 for Business – New Features
Windows 11 Pro will be available on business-class PCs. For small size businesses and entrepreneurs, here are the key features to expect in Windows 11 for Business:
- Hybrid Working and Instantly Productive
- Most Secure Windows yet
- Better Collaboration with Deeper Teams Integration
- Consistent for IT and seamless transition to Windows 11
- Tools for Developers
Now, let us talk about these features in elaboration.
1] Hybrid Working and Instantly Productive
As claimed by Microsoft that Windows 11 is the most productive and secure version of Windows, it promotes hybrid working and takes it to another level. Its simplified and streamlined UI with easy to organize Snap Layout and Snap Groups reduces employees’ cognitive load and lets them have a mental reset. With Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 services, businesses have a greater opportunity to combine client sales.
2] Most Secure Windows yet
We have already discussed how Microsoft has primarily focussed on productivity with built-in security features this time. Windows 11 is the most secure Windows as of yet. It has built-in security and has some really great security features that are the need of the hour for businesses. With Zero Trust-ready OS, hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection, you can assure the topmost security for your business in Windows 11.
3] Better Collaboration with Deeper Teams Integration
Windows 11 has enhanced collaboration by providing quick and easy access to Teams straight from your taskbar. Conduct meetings, share screens, and mute/ unmute the microphone from the taskbar.
4] Consistent for IT and seamless transition to Windows 11
IT managers can automated Windows 11 deployment without involving or putting in too much effort. The familiar IT tools with application compatibility supported by App Assure make it easier to upgrade and adapt to the new version. Also, application compatibility features are the same as discussed in Windows 11 for enterprises. There are some prominent tools for businesses for a seamless transition to Windows 11.
TIP: Planning for Windows 11 Deployment? This guide will help you get started.
5] Tools for Developers
Windows 11 will have a new PWABuilder3 tool and Windows App SDK for creating Progressive Web Apps (PWA) compatible with Windows 10 as well. Businesses can bring out their apps to millions of users via redesigned Microsoft Store that will support a variety of apps including business-oriented apps, from productivity apps to games.
With all the above-discussed features, Windows 11 for Business and Enterprise thrive upon enhancing productivity and communication with built-in security features within organizations. You can also explore and choose a working device from a variety of business devices powered by Windows 11 including business computers, laptops, desktops, and workstations. Microsoft is pushing the boundary with Windows 11 to make it easier for remote working and communication within an organization.
Businesses will be able to bring eligible computers directly up to Windows 11 if they are running Windows 10 Enterprise version 1909 or later, or Windows 10 Pro version 20H1 or later.
Read: How to block Windows 11 from being installed on your computer.
Passwordless authentication and Zero-trust framework
Passwordless authentication does not mean that there is no password rather facial detection or biometric will be used instead of a code word to open a Microsoft account. The security feature has been enhanced, but you have to be equally smart to use these innovations built-in new Windows.
This feature has been exclusively launched for the purpose to serve business organizations. In other words, it is known as “trust, but verifies”, where each employee has to keep on verifying the credentials to access any location in the company’s software. The main disadvantage of this approach is the cost associated with it. With every new project, IT support will be required to protect it with employee credentials.
There might be some changes to features when Windows 11 is finally released for all. Well, we will find out that soon.
Useful read: Windows 11 System Requirements.
