Microsoft unveiled the Windows 11 operating system at a live virtual event on Thursday, marking the first major upgrade since it launched Windows 10 in 2015. Windows is the world’s most widely used PC operating system, with over 1.3 billion user devices.
Windows 11 is designed to bring users closer to what they love.
Windows represents over 10% of Microsoft’s revenue and became more widely used during the pandemic as people stayed at home and spent more time with their PC for school, work, and gaming.
The big focus for Windows 11 is a simplification of the Windows user interface, a new Windows Store, and improvements to performance and multitasking. Windows 11 will also include support for running Android apps for the first time.
Here are the top features from the new windows 11.
New design and Start menu at the centre
The first thing you’ll notice about Windows 11 is that it includes a new Start menu and an updated Start button that are both centred on the taskbar to make it easier for you to quickly find what you need. It also includes a streamlined taskbar and more rounded corners on apps to make them more visually appealing. There are also new colors and transitions, and a new dark mode that makes content stand out.
Windows 11 will support Android apps
Microsoft said Windows 11 will support Android apps through Amazon’s app store. That means popular apps including Android apps like Tiktok and Instagram that people already use on phones will be available right on the desktop, in the Start menu. Microsoft has partnered with Amazon and Intel to make this a reality, and Windows 11 will be using Intel Bridge technology to bring this to life.
Windows 11 Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
New in Windows 11 is the Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Desktops to provide an even more powerful way to multitask and stay on top of what you need to get done. These are new features designed to help you organize your windows and optimize your screen’s real estate so you can see what you need just the way you want in a layout that’s visually clean.
Microsoft brings Xbox features to Windows
If you’re a gamer, Windows 11 is made for you. Microsoft is bringing some features from its Xbox consoles to Windows 11. Windows 11 will include automatic HDR for a wider, more vivid range of colours for a truly captivating visual experience. Windows 11 is also adding a DirectStorage for faster load times. Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s gaming subscription service, will still be built right into Windows 11 via the Xbox app.
Microsoft Integrates Teams in Windows 11
Microsoft is also integrating Microsoft Teams directly into Windows 11 in the taskbar for users. Now you can instantly connect through text, chat, voice, or video with all of your personal contacts, anywhere, no matter the platform or device they’re on across Windows, Android, or iOS.
Windows 11 will also give you a more natural way to connect with friends and family through Teams, allowing you to instantly mute and unmute, or start presenting directly from the taskbar.
Windows 11 Widgets
Windows 11 will bring a whole new selection of Widgets, which is powered by Microsoft Edge and AI. These widgets will bring you closer to the news and information you care about in a more personalized form. You can check your calendar at a glance, the weather, news, your to-do list, photos, and more. You can have Widgets slide out to cover a portion or all of your desktop, depending on what you want.
What you should know about the windows 11 update
Windows 11 is free and will be rolling out to all windows users currently using windows 10 while new PCs will come with the latest Windows 11 version. You can check if your current Windows 10 PC qualifies for a free upgrade to Windows 11 by downloading the PC Health Check app on the Windows official website.