It seems like it was yesterday that RB’S Computer Service started urging computer users to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for security reasons, but it has already been several years. At the time most of our customers noted they were comfortable with Windows 7 and didn’t want to learn how to use the newer version. The logic was “if it’s not broken, why fix it?” In terms of functionality, this made sense, but in the context of security, it didn’t. Many of our customers quickly changed their tune and developed a sense of urgency to upgrade to Windows 10 after 
digesting weekly news reports of malware and ransomware attacks targeting Windows 7 users, and RB’s Computer Service reported on them too in our blog. Unfortunately, although Windows 10 has provided a higher level of security than Windows 7, cybercriminals haven’t thrown in the towel. It should be assumed they are trying to uncover and exploit vulnerabilities in Windows 10. This is why it is a good idea to get ahead of them by upgrading to Windows 11. If you are all in for security, but dread upgrading because the functionality, look, and feel may be different in Windows 11, don’t sweat it. In addition to highlighting the security features in Windows 11, in this blog, we’ll touch on how you can maintain your Windows 10 functionality, look, and feel when you upgrade.
The main security reason to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is that the latter includes new security features that are designed to be more secure and provide better protection against cyber-attacks. For example, Windows 11 comes with an improved Windows Defender, a built-in anti-malware solution. It also includes a new Windows Sandbox feature which provides a secure environment for running untrusted applications. Furthermore, Windows 11 has a new "Controlled Folder Access" feature that can be used to block malicious applications from accessing critical files.
Six Windows 11 Security Features You'll Appreciate
1. Enhanced Account Protection: Windows 11 will feature improved user account protection, with better support for multifactor authentication and biometric security.
2. Virtualization: Windows 11 will include enhanced virtualization capabilities to help organizations better protect their data and applications.
3. Improved Security for IoT Devices: Windows 11 will include improved security for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, with better encryption and authentication capabilities.
4. Enhanced SmartScreen: Windows 11 will also feature improved SmartScreen technology to protect against malicious websites and downloads.
5. Windows Sandbox: Windows 11 will include a new Windows Sandbox feature to help organizations safely test and run untrusted applications in a secure environment.
6. Windows Defender: Windows 11 will feature improved Windows Defender security features, with better detection of malicious activities and a more comprehensive approach to protecting against threats.
Configuring Windows 11 to Look Like Windows 10
In terms of configuring Windows 11 to look like Windows 10, PCWorld provides a guide that can be found here: (PCWorld, Matthew S. Smith, How to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10, April 22, 2022, https://www.pcworld.com/article/541452/make-windows-11-look-like-windows-10.html). This guide explains the steps necessary to customize the look and feel of Windows 11 to make it look more like Windows 10, such as modifying the Start menu, the taskbar, and the desktop background, as well as setting the same visual settings. If you get stuck on this, RB’s Computer Service would be glad to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at 763 441-3884.
Buying a Previously Owned Commercial-Grade Laptop with Windows 11
If you are using a computer that initially came with Windows 7, then upgraded to Windows 10, and now want to upgrade to Windows 11, it is likely less expensive to buy a previously owned commercial-grade laptop with Windows 11 installed in it. For one, the processor, ram, memory, and hard drive in a Windows 7-era PC can’t carry the load that Windows 11 can demand. Updating these components would cost more than buying a previously owned commercial-grade laptop. For example, in addition to Windows 11, RB’s Computer Service sells previously owned commercial-grade laptops starting at $475 with Solid State Drives (SSDs) installed in them. SSD drives are faster, quieter, and last longer than Windows 7-era PCs with a hard drive.
Bottom Line
Although Windows 10 has provided a higher level of security, cybercriminals haven’t thrown in the towel. It should be assumed they are trying to uncover and exploit vulnerabilities in Windows 10. As a result, due to new security features, upgrading to Windows 11 makes sense. On top of that, don’t let the “out of the box” functionality, look, and feel of Windows 11 be an obstacle to doing so. It can be configured to look and work like Windows 10. If you get stuck, RB’s Computer Service would be glad to help you with this. Lastly, if your PC is old, it is likely less expensive to buy a previously owned commercial-grade laptop or desktop with Windows 11 installed on it. RB’s Computer Service sells them, starting at $475. In addition to Windows 11 upgrades and selling fast and durable previously owned commercial-grade laptops, RB’s Computer Service offers very affordable Managed IT Service Agreements to ensure your computers and computer networks work seamlessly and do what you need them to do. Don’t hesitate to contact us today via email at help@rbsmn.com or call us at 763-441-3884 for a no-obligation consultation.
References
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3660077/just-what-does-windows-11-bring-to-the-table.html
https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-22h2-these-are-the-big-new-security-features/
https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/how-to-make-windows-11-look-like-windows-10/