Windows 11 is official! The update boasts a massive redesign over its predecessor, starting from an all-new boot screen and startup sound to a centrally-placed Start menu and upgraded widgets. Windows 11 also removes elements including the annoying “Hi Cortana” welcome screen and Live Tiles. The Company is essentially aiming to counter the likes of macOS and Chrome OS with its latest operating system.
One of the most notable changes is the new interface. It starts with a fresh setup screen and continues to give a fresh look and feel across all core Windows elements. There are rounded corners on menus and windows that look similar to the recent iPadOS release. You’ll also see the Start menu at the centre that is aimed at providing a modern experience.
Windows 11 also comes with new sounds and alerts, including the fresh startup sound. There are subtle changes in terms of gestures as well. Additionally, you’ll get new themes, some new wallpapers, and an improved dark mode. Windows 11 also includes an updated widgets experience. Widgets can bring on front by swiping from the left of the screen or can be placed full screen. You’re provided with the options to rearrange widgets or resize them — as per your preference. You can also add or remove your widgets that can help you receive the latest news or weather updates.
For an enhanced multitasking experience, the maximize button now lets you split the active screens between multiple areas of the desktop. Microsoft calls this new experience Snap Layouts. These layouts let you simultaneously open multiple different screens on your computer just by hovering your mouse over the maximize button. Once accessed, Windows 11 also remembers your selected Snap Layout for multiple windows and keep them ready along with the apps you were working on there for future access directly from the taskbar. Groups created by Snap Layouts that can be used for future access are called Snap Groups.
Microsoft is also improving support for multiple monitors and making it easier for users to work on virtual desktops. The latter looks quite similar to how you can add multiple desktops on Apple’s macOS. However, you can also use custom wallpapers for each of your virtual desktop on Windows 11 for even easy access.
Windows 11 also comes with an improved touch keyboard that includes GIFs integration from Tenor. There are also preloaded virtual keyboards that can be placed anywhere on the screen. Users can additionally use voice dictation support throughout the system. There are also options such as voice typing and voice commands to ease your typing. Further, there are several interface-level tweaks to enable an improved touch experience.
You can also expect enhanced performance for Chromium-based browsers. There are specific enhancements for Microsoft Edge, including improved support for accessing multiple tabs and for machines with limited resources. The Edge browser on Windows 11 also comes with vertical tab support.
Alongside productivity-focussed improvements, Windows 11 has a handful of significant changes for PC gamers. These include support for Auto HDR and DirectX 12 Ultimate. Windows 11 also includes an xCloud integration to enable cloud gaming. There is Xbox Game Pass access for gamers playing a list of popular games on their machines.
Microsoft Store has also integrated the Amazon Appstore to let Windows 11 users get Android apps directly on their computers. Further, Windows developers have been provided with the ability to have their apps available through the Microsoft Store no matter whether they are Win32, .NET, UWP, Xamarin, Electron, React Native, Java, or Progressive Web Apps. Microsoft also announced that Adobe Creative Cloud, Disney+, TikTok, Zoom, and some of its native apps such as Microsoft Teams, Visual Studio, and even Notepad and Paint will be coming to the Microsoft Store on Windows.
Windows 11 has also included various behind-the-scenes updates to deliver overall a faster experience. Microsoft claimed that the new operating system will receive 40 percent smaller Windows updates and those will run in the background to provide a seamless experience to users at the front end. The new version is also touted to deliver better battery life on mobile devices.
Windows 11 will initially be available for testing purposes to Windows Insider members starting next week. It will also be available as a free upgrade to Windows 10 users later this year and come pre-installed on new PCs. Microsoft has also released the PC Health Check app for people to check if their Windows 10 PC is upgradable.
In 2022, customers will also have the option to purchase Windows 11 at retail and install it on compatible Windows 7 devices. Microsoft has not brought any changes to its Windows SKU offerings — meaning that users would be able to pick Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro versions. This is similar to how Windows 10 was available commercially to customers.
Minimum hardware requirements:
- At least 64-bit x86 or ARM processor
- 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage
