What’s Different Between Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows 11 is the newest version of Microsoft’s operating system. While many things will feel familiar, there are some changes in look and layout that may affect your day-to-day work.

This guide covers the most noticeable changes for staff and faculty at Puget Sound.

I. Start Menu and Taskbar

  • Centered icons: By default, the Start button and taskbar icons are centered at the bottom of the screen (you can move them back to the left in Settings).

  • Simplified Start menu: The new Start menu shows pinned apps and recent files. Live Tiles (moving icons) are gone.

  • System tray: Some icons may be grouped differently, but functions like Wi-Fi, sound, and battery remain in the lower-right corner.

II. Window Management

  • Snap Layouts: Hover over the maximize button to quickly snap windows into side-by-side layouts for multitasking.

  • Multiple Desktops: Easier to create and switch between multiple desktops — useful for separating teaching, research, and personal workspaces. More information can be found in Microsoft's documentation on the subject.

III. File Explorer

  • Modern look: The ribbon menu at the top is simplified, with common actions (copy, paste, delete, share) now shown as icons.

  • Context menus: Right-click menus are shorter; some options may appear under Show more options.

IV. Settings and Search

  • Settings app redesign: Easier to navigate categories and find system preferences.

  • Search: Integrated with the Start menu — type to quickly find apps, files, or settings.

V. What Hasn’t Changed

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook): No major changes — the apps function as before.

  • Zoom: Works exactly the same for meetings and classes. The Zoom desktop app interface is unchanged.

  • Papercut Printing: Your existing print queues and print release stations work as they did in Windows 10.

  • GlobalProtect VPN: Connects and operates the same way for off-campus access to campus resources.

  • Omnissa Horizon Client (virtual desktops): No functional differences; you’ll log in and access pools the same way.

  • Web Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox): Your bookmarks, saved passwords, and browsing experience carry over without change.

  • Campus logins and file access: Signing in with your Puget Sound username/password, accessing network drives, and opening shared folders all work as they did before.

 

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