3 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro
With enhanced and new features that increase collaboration, robust IT management and an enhanced security baseline, find out how Windows 11 Pro is built for the new world of work.
Windows 10 was launched in 2015 at a time when 82 percent of employees worked in an office – but now, 80 percent of workers are hybrid or remote, according to Gallup. There is really no such thing as a “traditional” workspace anymore.
In the last few years, organizations have expanded work-from-home policies and hybrid and remote work have become the new normal. With enhanced and new features that increase collaboration, robust IT management and an enhanced security baseline, find out how Windows 11 Pro is built for the new world of work.
1. Enhanced security
Windows 11 Pro provides multiple new features for powerful default protection against evolving security threats. Windows Hello has been enhanced to simplify passwordless sign-on and supports a new presence-sensing feature that locks when you leave and wakes when you approach. From the moment you start your device, Windows 11 Pro has security features that are on by default.
Windows 11 Pro provides a portfolio of new security features to reduce security breaches. Windows 11 validates your credentials using either a device-specific PIN code, fingerprint or facial recognition – protecting you from phishing and other network attacks, including password leaks.
In addition, Microsoft Defender for SmartScreen provides enhanced phishing protection by detecting and alerting people when they enter credentials into a risky website or application.
Microsoft worked closely with device manufacturers to deepen hardware and software integration for multiple layers of protection across devices, OS, apps, identity and the cloud with security features that provide powerful, default protection against sophisticated threats such as firmware attacks.
While Windows 11 does require more hardware-backed security requirements than Windows 10, technology such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 offers significant benefits. The new hardware requirements enable stronger security without compromising performance and the higher level of default security can help block more attacks. For example, a recent Techaisle report found that businesses experience a 58 percent reduction in security breaches with Windows 11 Pro compared to Windows 10 Pro.
Here are some of the latest Windows 11 Pro security features:
Hardware root of trust: Windows 11 adds improvements providing confirmation that the device, firmware and boot process are in a good state and have not been tampered with before they can access corporate resources.
Microsoft Pluton security processor: Embedded directly into the CPU, Pluton provides additional protection for sensitive information like credentials. Pluton also receives its firmware and feature updates directly from Windows Update, simplifying management and delivering the latest, ongoing protection.
Advanced network security: Windows 11 offers increased support for Hyper-V Firewall, Wi-Fi6, WPA3 and an encrypted DNS protocol. Windows 11 users also have increased Bluetooth support for the following connections: Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), Secure Connections and Core Spec compliance up through version 5.3.
Windows Hello for Business: Windows Hello expands support for passwordless sign-in. Lock on leave with presence sensing is a new feature that combines presence detection sensors with Windows Hello facial recognition to automatically lock your device when you leave, and then unlock your device and sign you in upon return.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: Enhanced phishing protection with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is a new feature that protects users from phishing attacks by identifying and alerting users when they are entering their Microsoft credentials into a malicious application or hacked website.
2. Easier to manage
Windows 11 Pro is built on the same foundation as Windows 10. You can use the same deployment capabilities, scenarios and tools – and the same basic deployment strategy – that you use for Windows 10.
Microsoft's compatibility promise for Windows 10 is maintained for Windows 11. More than 99.7 percent of Windows 10 apps, including line of business apps, run on Windows 11 Pro.
New management benefits include Windows Update for Business with Express updates, which reduces download size by 40 percent for seamless updates that use less bandwidth. Smart power management features also improve sustainability and OS efficiency.
Here are some of the latest features that makes Windows 11 Pro easier to manage:
Windows Update for Business: Windows Update for Business helps keep devices up to date with the latest security defences and Windows features. Schedule, deploy and monitor updates through the cloud to optimize control and efficiency.
Sustainable power settings and recommendations: Sustainable power settings and recommendations allow Windows defaults to reduce energy use when your device is idle.
Modern device management: Windows 11 Pro supports modern device management with tools like Microsoft Intune and Azure Active Directory. The built-in enrollment client simplifies setup, and the management client synchronizes with the cloud to check for and apply the latest policies. Manage Windows 11 Pro devices alongside your other devices using the same management tools.
3. Increase productivity
Windows 11 Pro offers new productivity features and functionality designed to meet the challenges of the hybrid world. It has a completely refreshed look and feel that helps you get more done with less stress.
Windows 11 Pro devices can improve business productivity. These include new organization tools and AI-powered features that improve workflow efficiency and smarter videoconferencing that reduces distraction wherever you meet.
Optimize efficiency and organization with easy-to-use features such as snap layouts, which have been enhanced for easy organization of open applications. Users can create separate desktops for different projects or workstreams. Accessibility improvements include system-wide live captions, a narrator with a natural voice and braille.
Here are some of the latest Windows 11 Pro productivity features:
Ease of navigation: Personalized File Explorer with tabs, Start menu app folders and a centred Taskbar support streamlining day-to-day experiences.
Quick access to Bluetooth devices: Windows 11 Pro now supports quick access to select device settings, allowing users to manage device connectivity and audio controls with ease. The Bluetooth quick settings menu shows visible battery levels for supported devices.
Focus: Windows 11 expands focus functionality with more options, including the ability to create focus sessions and manage them from your taskbar.
Live captioning: In Windows 11, users can enable systemwide live captions for videos and online meetings in real time. Supports English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Danish.
Why it’s time to upgrade to Windows 11
When it comes to upgrading, now is the right time to make the move as Windows 10 reaches its end of life in October 2025. This might also be the right time to upgrade your computing equipment to ensure you’re getting the most from your Windows 11 experience. CDW offers a wide range of Windows 11-optimized devices from leading technology vendors, and we can help you find the right solution for your organization.