Microsoft just revealed the Windows 11 operating system succeeding Windows 10. This new OS is the first Windows product that has been released since 2015. Microsoft had previously said that Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows and will get constant updates. But they decided on a new version of Windows to start a new generation modern-day platform. Microsoft CEO Nadella states that this is the first version of a new era for Windows, and it is for the new decade to come.
You might have missed the event, so here is a quick recap of everything announced today.
Features of Windows 11
User Interface Changes
Microsoft redesigned the entire Windows 11 starting from the boot screen to each and every element of the UI. The taskbar now has a centered Start menu with all other Microsoft services and other apps. This looks similar to the macOS dock. The Start Menu also has been redesigned looks pretty similar to Windows 10X. The new transparency effect throughout the UI looks gorgeous. Themes are also optimized to looks better throughout the UI. The whole UI has rounded corners.
Microsoft has introduced the new Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Desktops which will provide a better multitasking experience with multiple app snap layouts. They have also improved the multi-monitor experience with seamless monitor switching.
Windows 11 also comes with Microsoft Teams integration which can be accessed directly from the taskbar and allows users to seamlessly use Teams without opening the app.
The new widgets are introduced which will be located on the left side in a translucent glass panel which will allow users to access all important widgets in one place.
Windows 11 is now touch-friendly compared to the previous versions. They have introduced a new touch keyboard, a larger touch layout, revamped snapping, and much more.
Gaming on Windows 11
Microsoft has brought massive changes to enhance the gaming experience on Windows 11.
They introduced Auto HDR that was already available on the Xbox Series X | S, which will make games look better and with a high dynamic range.
The Direct Storage API for games has also been introduced which can directly load assets to the GPU, bypassing the CPU, thus decreasing load and increasing speeds. The DirectStorage API basically based on the Xbox Velocity Architecture that allocates certain assets of a game to the GPU so it can be accessed faster.
Xbox Game Pass is now integrated directly via the new Xbox app on Windows 11.
The new Microsoft Store
Microsoft redesigned the new Microsoft Store which looks much cleaner in terms of design with a better search. Microsoft has allowed developers to add any type of file extension apps to their apps on the new Store. Developers can also keep 100& of their earnings from apps without any extra charge.
Microsoft Store will also support Progressive Web Apps as well as the apps that are built on the Universal Windows Platform.
Android apps on Windows
Microsoft has decided to add support for Android apps on Windows 11 through the new Amazon App Store which can be downloaded straight from Microsoft Store. Microsoft will be using the Intel Bridge technology to bring a seamless Android app experience.
Rollout Plans of Windows 11
Windows 11 will be available through a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs very soon and continuing into 2022. Insider preview builds will be available from next week onwards.
Compatibility
The Minimum requirements to install Windows 11 are 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC), 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, UEFI bios with secure boot, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 and a DirectX 12 compatible Graphics processor.
If you are already running Windows 10, you can check if your device supports Windows 11 using the PC Health Check app.
