Knowledge Center

Life After Windows 10: Making the Most of Windows 11

Written by Meagan Kreycik | Oct 20, 2025 1:00:02 PM

With Windows 10 officially retired, the move to Windows 11 marks a new era of performance, design, and security. This post explores how to get the most from your Windows 11 environment and ensure your systems remain optimized, protected, and ready for the future. Keep reading to learn more. 

With Microsoft officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, organizations worldwide have completed the transition to Windows 11 to maintain security, compliance, and operational continuity. For ACF customers, the good news is that Q-Flow and all integrated applications are fully compatible with Windows 11, ensuring uninterrupted performance and the same reliability you depend on—now backed by Microsoft’s next-generation platform.

Upgrading was an important first step. Now it’s time to make the most of your new operating system by optimizing performance, exploring new features, and enhancing security settings to support long-term stability.

Optimize your system for better performance

Windows 11 was engineered for speed, efficiency, and smoother multitasking—but a few quick adjustments can help your system run even better.

Start by updating your drivers and firmware to ensure all devices and peripherals function seamlessly with the new OS. You can do this manually through Windows Update or by visiting your hardware manufacturer’s support site.

For laptop users, adjust power settings to balance performance with battery life. You can customize power plans by navigating to Settings → System → Power & Battery.

Finally, disable unnecessary startup applications to shorten boot times and improve responsiveness. Go to Task Manager → Startup Apps to manage which programs launch automatically.

Explore new features

Windows 11 introduces a modern, streamlined interface designed to improve focus and productivity.

Use Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops to organize multiple tasks or projects efficiently, and explore the redesigned Start menu and Taskbar, which provide faster access to frequently used tools and documents.

Built-in Microsoft Teams integration enables seamless communication, while widgets and cloud-based services help you stay connected and informed throughout your workday. These features are designed to make your environment more intuitive—especially for hybrid or remote teams using Q-Flow and other ACF tools to manage daily operations.

Strengthen your security

Now that Windows 10 is retired, maintaining strong cybersecurity practices is essential. Windows 11 introduces advanced hardware-based protection features, but you can go a step further by:

 

 

These built-in tools form a multilayered defense against ransomware, phishing, and other evolving threats, helping ensure your organization’s data stays protected.

Keep your system current

Keeping Windows 11 updated is the simplest way to maintain stability and performance.
Turn on automatic updates through Settings → Windows Update → Advanced Options to ensure your system receives new patches and feature releases as soon as they’re available. You can also learn more about managing updates directly from Microsoft’s update guidance page.

In addition, check for driver and application updates regularly to maintain compatibility with third-party tools, especially those integrated with Q-Flow or Neuro AI.

Finally, use Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files and free up space. Regular maintenance helps prevent system slowdowns and prolongs device health.

Final thoughts

Now that Windows 10 is officially retired, Windows 11 stands as Microsoft’s secure, efficient, and future-ready operating system that is built to support modern, connected organizations. By optimizing performance, leveraging new features, and maintaining a proactive security strategy, your team can fully realize the advantages of this upgrade.

For ACF customers, following these best practices ensures Q-Flow, Neuro AI, and all integrated applications continue to operate seamlessly within your Windows 11 environment—keeping your teams connected, secure, and performing at their best.

 

Need help optimizing your setup or verifying system compatibility?

Existing customers, please contact ACF Support for guidance on maintaining your Q-Flow environment, updating integrations, or ensuring your deployment is fully aligned with Microsoft’s latest requirements.

Want to learn more about how Q-Flow and Microsoft work seamlessly? Please contact us.