Alright gearheads, buckle up—because today, we’re talking about software and speed. More specifically, the high-octane thrill (read: mild anxiety) of upgrading to Windows 11, especially when you’ve got a pit lane full of existing applications just itching to crash like it’s turn 3 at Monaco.
Now, I’m not just your average keyboard warrior; I’m on the pit crew for a race car driver. Which means I like two things: speed and stuff that works without exploding. And when Microsoft brought out Windows 11, it was like being handed a brand-new, shiny race car and told, “It’s faster, sleeker, safer—and you can still use your fuzzy dice from Windows 10.”
Naturally, I had questions.
The Upgrade Pit Stop
Let’s be real: upgrading your OS is a bit like pulling into the pits mid-race. You’re hoping your crew (aka Microsoft) slaps on those updates faster than you can say “blue screen of doom.” But you’re also sweating bullets because you don’t want your favorite fuel mix software (or Solitaire, no judgment) to croak on the new track.
I imagined it would go something like this:
- Windows 11 installs
- Engine revs up
- I open my data analysis app
- Boom! “This app is no longer supported.”
- Me: “OH COME ON, I LOVED THAT ONE. IT HAD GRAPHS.”
But surprisingly? Things mostly worked. My critical apps (CAD, sim racing gear, telemetry software, even my Spotify playlists) didn’t just survive the pit stop; they ran smoother. Like hitting the apex and getting a thumbs-up from the marshals.
Compatibility: Windows 11’s Secret Turbocharger
One of the best parts about Windows 11 is its backward compatibility. It’s like putting new tires on your old race car and somehow discovering they’re made of unicorn rubber—suddenly, everything grips better.
Microsoft’s been surprisingly good about making sure most Windows 10 apps don’t freak out in the new environment. I ran everything from performance mapping software to onboard camera editors, and they all played nice.
Except one app that hadn’t been updated since 2012, and honestly, I should’ve retired it like that cracked helmet I still keep “for sentimental value.”
For applications that may have compatibility issues, Windows 11 offers virtualization options such as Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox. These tools allow users to run applications in a virtual environment, ensuring they function correctly without affecting the main system. It’s like having a safety net for your software—just in case it decides to take a leap of faith. Just in case we have to pull out that old blower from 15 years ago to keep in the race.
The revamped Microsoft Store in Windows 11 provides a curated selection of applications that are guaranteed to work with the new OS. This makes it easier for users to find and install compatible software. It’s like having a personal shopper who knows exactly what fits! This allowed us to find a newer and more efficient application for our air nozzle changes for different altitudes and barometric pressure.
Performance Gains (And Fewer Spinning Wheels)
Windows 11 isn’t just a pretty dashboard with new buttons streamlined for performance. Faster boot times, better multi-monitor support, and Direct Storage tech that makes game load times feel like a nitrous boost.
For a driver and pit crew juggling dozens of apps during a race weekend—from timing to virtual track walks—it’s the software equivalent of adding a second turbo without getting disqualified.
Pit Crew Humor: The Fun Side of Upgrading
Of course, no upgrade is complete without a few hiccups. Like the moment I asked Cortana something and she responded like she’d just hit the rail. Or when we did a practice run for the first time shaking the tires and my windows rearranged themselves like panicked track marshals.
But hey, if I can laugh off a blown gearbox, I can chuckle when my email client disappears behind six overlapping widgets.
Final Lap Thoughts
Upgrading to Windows 11 is like switching from a trusty V8 to a hybrid turbo: it’s sleeker, smarter, and (thankfully) your old tools still bolt right on. Sure, you might need to fine-tune a few things, update some drivers, and mourn one or two legacy apps—but overall? It’s a win.
So if you’ve been clinging to Windows 10 like it’s your favorite racing gloves from 2007, don’t be afraid to make the jump. Windows 11 is ready for race day.
And no, I didn’t crash. Not once. (Not counting the time I accidentally rebooted mid-Teams call. But that’s a story for another lap.)
On to the Next Race
No upgrade is without challenges, and you may want some help along the way. That is where OXEN Technology can help. OXEN Technology has been providing computer-related services for over 30 years. We are a trusted Managed Service Provider for hundreds of endpoints for our clients in the Midwest. We strive to help make your I.T. life simple. We have done many rollouts for Windows 11, both in-place upgrades and replacement PCs. We also offer many other I.T.-related services. Contact us today for any of your I.T. needs.
By Chet Hunemuller, Technical Account Manager – OXEN Technology
