Windows 11, the first significant update to the Windows platform since the launch of Windows 10 in 2015, began rolling out to users on Tuesday.
Microsoft’s newest operating system introduces a new interface and many new capabilities that position Windows in a world where more people work between their homes and their places of employment beyond 2020. Microsoft will offer a free upgrade to existing Windows 10 customers in the form of Windows 11. However, the rollout of Windows 11 will be delayed, and some PC users will not be able to install Windows 11 until the middle of 2022.
That is, of course, provided your smart machine is compatible with the program. (See if your PC is compatible with Windows 11 by visiting this page.) If you need to update to Windows 10, don’t be discouraged — a free Windows 10 download method still works for many individuals. It’s possible that you will not want to update from Windows 10 to Windows 11, and that’s just OK. Microsoft says it will continue to support Windows 10 until 2025, after which it will no longer do so.
Before you install the new operating system, let’s look through the major changes that Microsoft made and delve into what’s truly different about the new version. Everything that has changed between Windows 10 and Windows 11 is listed here. Remember to check out our favorite Windows 11 features and how to use them, as well as everything we wanted in Windows 11 but didn’t get, and how to change your default search engine.
Design and user interface (UX)
Windows 11 introduces a completely redesigned UI similar to a Mac. It has a simple design with rounded sides and soft pastel colors to complement it. Along with the Taskbar, the Start menu, a Windows icon, is moved to the middle of the screen. However, if you want, you may return those to their original positions on the left, as they are in Windows 10.
Multitasking has been improved.
When it comes to better organizing your workplace, Windows 10 can help you accomplish just that by allowing you to snap windows onto various sides of your screen. However, the latest operating system edition takes things one step further with Snap layouts.
With this feature, you may pick from one of six possible layouts to better arrange the now open applications. On the other hand, Snap will not function on older display displays, so bear that in mind.
That’s not all; with the new Snap groups feature, Windows 11 will remember which programs you had open and in whatever layout you were working in, allowing you to quickly go back to that configuration.
Select the program in the Taskbar by just hovering your cursor over it. You’ll be able to pick the Snap layout connected with that application and restore it, as well as any other previously used apps.
Virtual desktops are also receiving some upgrades, with the ability to modify the backdrop for each virtual desktop now available.
The ability to switch between virtual desktops has also been enhanced, and you can now do so by just holding your cursor over the Task View icon in the Taskbar and selecting the appropriate virtual desktop.
Windows 11 also has enhancements for interacting with external displays, with windows on your external monitor now being remembered even if you unplug the monitor from your computer.
It will immediately restore the windows that were open on your PC’s external display when you connect it, allowing you to resume where you left off once the connection has been established.
This is a great improvement in the overall quality of life, and it should make multitasking on several displays much simpler than it was previously.
Integration of an Android application
Android applications will be made available via the Microsoft Store (albeit not immediately) through the Amazon App Store, which will be available in Windows 11. The ability to access Android applications on Windows 10 was previously available through various methods, including using a Samsung Galaxy phone, but this will make it native.) Another step toward the integration of mobile and laptop devices is something that Windows users have been anticipating for many years.
Improved support for virtual desktop environments
Windows 11 will allow users to set up virtual desktops more akin to Mac computers, allowing you to switch between several desktops simultaneously for personal, business, education, or gaming purposes. This was more difficult to configure and utilize in Windows 10.
Microsoft Teams has been integrated into the taskbar.
Getting a makeover and being incorporated directly into the Windows 11 taskbar will make it simpler to access (and more similar to Apple’s FaceTime) in the future. You can connect to teams from any device, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Accessing the Microsoft Store is simple.
Aside from the Start menu, the Microsoft Store has also been updated in Windows 11. The first thing you’ll notice about the new Microsoft Store is its completely different design.
Rather than a single section, the store has been separated into two sections: a content pane and a sidebar, which you can utilize to access specific categories like as applications, games, movies, and television shows.
The new shop has a more modern and streamlined appearance than its predecessor. However, these aren’t the only alterations that have occurred.
As previously stated, Windows 11 can run Android applications natively, and you will soon be able to download Android applications directly from the Windows Store.
The new Microsoft Store will also support Win32 applications, which means you can download and install conventional desktop applications from it. There’s also support for .NET, UWP, Xamarin, Electron, React Native, Java, Progressive Web Apps, and various other technologies.
Because Microsoft Store will be able to deal with web browser links, if you choose to download a program using your web browser, the Microsoft Store will take over and install the application in the background.
Widgets
While widgets have been around for a while (remember desktop gadgets on Windows Vista? ), you can now access them straight from the Taskbar and customize them to display whatever you want. This was made possible by a recent Windows 10 upgrade.
Enhancements to the gaming experience
Last but not least, we must note the enhancements made to the game experience. Many features from the newest Xbox Series X have been included in Windows 11 to provide gamers with the greatest possible experience.
One of these capabilities is Direct Storage, allowing games to load quicker from NVMe SSDs than they would otherwise. Furthermore, this functionality will allow for quicker loading of visual files, resulting in more detailed game environments.
Another feature that deserves to be mentioned is AutoHDR, which allows you to apply high dynamic range (HDR) upgrades to games developed on DirectX 11 or above.
With this feature, you should be able to make older games appear more colorful than previously, but to do so, you must have Auto HDR turned on in Windows 11 and suitable hardware.
The launch of the Xbox Game Pass, which allows you to play new titles from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda and access more than 100 other games, is perhaps the most significant development in the gaming industry.
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription also includes accessing Xbox Cloud Gaming through a web browser and playing Xbox titles on a low-end PC or console.
If you’re more of a retro player, you’ll be glad to know you can play your favorite vintage games on Windows 11 without encountering too many compatibility difficulties.
These enhancements are tremendous, and we look forward to seeing how DirectStorage and Xbox Game Pass for Windows 11 will function in practice.
Conclusion
Windows 11 has a number of enhancements, the most noteworthy of which is a complete redesign of the user interface, which represents a significant step forward from Windows 10.
The Start Menu has been simplified, and it appears to be less crowded than it was previously. The rounded edges of windows, as well as the corners of other user interface components, are visually appealing.
Multitasking has been enhanced, and you can now move between Snap layouts with more ease and better manage open windows.
The addition of native support for Android applications, as well as a revamp of the Microsoft Store, which will serve as a single location for all program downloads, are the most significant changes.
In addition, gameplay enhancements like as DirectStorage, AutoHDR, and Xbox Game Pass for PC will elevate your PC gaming experience to a completely different level.
The new operating system is a significant step forward, offering excellent functionality and a simplified user interface. There is no reason not to like it.
Are you looking forward to Windows 11 and considering making the transition, or do you intend to stick with Windows 10 for now? Please share your thoughts in the comments area below.
