If your laptop is older or you haven’t updated your software, you won’t know yourself when you upgrade to Windows 11. Not only does the upgrade to Windows 11 keep your data safe and secure, but it also gives you access to a whole suite of new productivity tools and apps. Here are some of the latest features on Windows 11…
Windows 11 Features
Phone Link
Phone Link is an amazing feature that makes it easier to connect your phone to your PC, and now you can use it with an iPhone® device*! . What can you do when you link? So much! You can seamlessly make and take phone calls, reply to texts** and check your notifications, all while your phone sits in another room. Plus, on an Android device you can also access the latest 2,000 images in your camera roll and easily insert them into any of the Microsoft 365 apps. If you want to focus and remove the distraction of your phone, this is a great feature to utilise so you can stay connected while focusing.
Windows Studio
Windows Studio will transform your meetings and calls with friends and family. In your PC’s settings, you can tweak your camera and microphone to enhance video calls. You can turn on Automatic Framing, so you stay centred in the frame and in focus. Take this a step further with Background Blur to ensure there are no distractions behind you and the focus stays on you. If your eyes tend to drift during meetings, utilise the new Eye Contact feature will make it look like you’re making eye contact even if you’re replying to emails.
Screen Recording
Whether you need to grab a screenshot or record a tutorial, the Snipping Tool and Screen Recorder are a lifesaver. With the Snipping Tool, you can easily control what you need to capture and then edit it to crop it further, highlight certain details or add notes. Use the Win+Shift+S shortcut to access screen snipping in an instant. Once the Snipping Tool is open, click on ‘New’ and you can snip or record your screen. When you use the Screen Recorder function a Start/Stop button will appear at the top of your screen, ready to go when you are.
Windows 11 Laptops
Looking for a new laptop to try out these features? Here are two excellent laptops to unleash your creativity and boost your productivity.
HP Pavilion 14-dv2501sa 14" Laptop
With Windows 11 as default, the HP Pavilion 14-dv2501sa 14" Laptop is ready for any task you need. The 14” display is Full HD and a touchscreen so you can use it more intuitively moving between tabs, scrolling through pages or zooming in on the small details. This laptop has the HP Fast Charge so you can up to 50% battery in 45 minutes. It has 256 GB of SSD storage so you’ll never have to worry about running out space for your files.
HP Envy x360 15.6" 2 in 1 Laptop
If you can’t decide between a laptop and tablet, the HP Envy x360 15.6" 2 in 1 Laptop is the best of both worlds – and it’s all set up with Windows 11! Its 360-degree hinge allows you to seamlessly switch between tablet mode, tent mode and laptop mode. The Full HD edge-to-edge screen is a touchscreen no matter the mode so you can maximise how you use it and with the included stylus you can use it as a notepad or sketchbook. It has a 5 MP webcam, so you’ll be clear in video calls and a privacy shutter so when your camera is off, you know it’s off. It has an Intel® Core™ i5 processor to give you plenty of power to create cool graphics, play some video games or just do some intense online retail therapy.
Disclaimers/Fine Print
To experience the full functionality, mobile phones must be running Android 7.0 or later.
2Microsoft Phone Link and PC both need a Wi-Fi connection, or you can give permission for the app to use your mobile data.
3Apps is available on Android devices in select markets running Android 9.0 or greater that have Link to Windows installed and for Surface Duo 2 running Android 11.0 or greater.
4Recent apps is available on select Android devices running Android 9.0 or greater with OneUI 3.1.1. or higher.
See full list of compatible devices here.
