Microsoft recently announced the release a long-awaited update to their flagship OS, Windows 11. The new update, six years after Windows 10 was released, provides a visual update that adds many multitasking and gamingfeatures.
Many are interested in the new additions to Windows 11. Microsoft’s operating system, which is the most used in the world, has many users. This article provides the most current and accurate information about Windows 11’s features and specifications, as well as release dates and how to install. It also addresses privacy and security issues of Windows 11.
What is Windows 11?
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest operating system for laptops, desktops, and tablets. An operating system is software that manages hardware resources and software resources on a device in order to provide a seamless, unified user experience. Windows is the most popular PC operating system worldwide, accounting for more than 75% of the global market.
Windows 11 will offer users a better interface as well as other useful features such better Microsoft Teams integration and better touch support .
What are the new features in Windows 11?
There are always new additions to Windows OS in order to make it better. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting new features in Windows 11.
New design and interface
Microsoft’s upcoming update will be simple and easy to use. To make it more easy to find what you are looking for quickly, the Taskbar and Start button have been redesigned. Many people noticed that the MacOS dock ‘s centered taskbar looks a lot like the Windows 11 dock . Windows 11 has a softened look and rounded corners that resemble Mac OS.
The Start menu now includes Microsoft 365 integration. This allows you to sync your most recent documents across multiple devices.
Snap layouts, snap group, and desktops
Our computers have become our main gateway to the outside world because of the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Windows 11 offers some amazing multitasking features that make it easier to organize digital life.
Snap Layouts, and Snapchat Groups make it easy to organize multiple apps and documents you are working on at the same time. Windows 11 has many layout options, as you can see from the below image. This layout grid is intended to simplify multitasking for power users.
You can use the new Desktop functionality to create multiple desktops for different areas of your life . One desktop could be used for work and include all the video conferencing and office apps, while another one can be used for entertainment or gaming.
Tablet and touch improvements
Microsoft had tried its hand at tablets almost 10 years ago, but with a modified Windows XP version, until Apple introduced the iPad. Microsoft has been second fiddle since then. Microsoft tried to make Windows touch-friendly by introducing Tablet Mode in Windows 8. However, the feature was poorly designed. It is rarely used. Surface RT was released as a response to the iPad’s failure.
Microsoft recently released touch-enabled hardware such as the Surface Duo, and the Surface Book. It is making significant improvements to touch operation for Windows 11. These improvements include multipoint touch, smoother performance and improved haptics. The touch keyboard has been redesigned by the company to be compatible with only the thumbs.
Integration with Microsoft Teams
Microsoft wants to make it easy for you to connect to your professional and personal contacts in Windows 11. This is done by integrating Microsoft Teams’ Chat app into your Start bar. This will enable people to text, chat, or video-call all their contacts from Teams, regardless if they are using a different platform or device. Imagine being able message your friends on iOS or Android from your desktop screen. Even people who don’t have Microsoft Teams installed can connect using two-way SMS.
Widgets
Microsoft tried widgets last year in Windows Vista. This experiment didn’t go well. Windows 11 has reimagined widgets to provide easy access to all important information. Windows 11 previews show widgets for weather and mail as well as a calendar and to-do lists. You can see all of this information in one location, which could help increase productivity and efficiency.
Gaming
Windows 11 promises new features for gamers. DirectX12 Ultimate, AutoHDR are guaranteed to dramatically increase graphics performance in most games. Xbox owners will have the ability to use the direct storage feature to load games faster than ever and live stream gameplay.
Microsoft Store and Android Apps
Despite Microsoft’s best efforts to make the Microsoft Store popular, it has not been adopted by Windows users. To install apps, most people prefer to download packages from the internet. Windows 11 is designed to change this. The new Microsoft Store will house a wide range of native and third-party applications. Microsoft even stated that developers will not be charged fees in certain instances. This will allow many new apps and other software to be made available through the Store.
One of the most desired new features is the ability to install Android apps via the Amazon Appstore. All your favorite mobile apps such as Instagram and TikTok will be available for download right from your desktop.
When will Windows 11 become available?
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 will begin rolling out on October 5, 2021. Some leaks indicated that the operating system would be made available in October 2021.
Windows 11 will be made available as a complimentary update to Windows 10 users who have desktops or laptops that meet the minimum requirements (covered later). People who want to upgrade from another OS to Windows 11 can either purchase a compatible laptop or install the OS themselves. Microsoft has not yet released pricing information for standalone Windows 11 purchases.
What are the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11?
Windows 11 will only run smoothly on computers that meet the minimum requirements set by Microsoft. These are the requirements:
- Processor1Ghz and faster with two cores or more on a 64-bit CPU
- RAM: 4.5GB
- Storage: 64GB or More
- System Firmware, UEFI Secure Boot Capable
- Trusted Platform Module: TMP 2.0
- Graphics card: Compatible for DirectX 12 and later, with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: A 720p LCD that displays more than 9 inches diagonally
Microsoft released a compatibility tool to quickly determine if your computer meets Windows 11’s minimum requirements. This tool was removed by Microsoft. It returned an error saying “This computer cannot run Windows 11”, without giving any explanation. Even laptops with higher requirements than the ones above were affected by this error. This article will be updated as soon as the PC Health Check app comes back online.
These minimum requirements are not the only requirements. There are also feature-specific requirements for Windows 11. Microsoft has published a complete list of requirements which you can view.
Windows 11 Can I Be a Test User Before It’s Released?
Microsoft has an Insider program where it releases beta software versions for users to test. You can already try a few builds of Windows 11 from it.
Keep in mind, however, that the OS can only work properly if your hardware meets the minimum requirements. Beta versions can also be slow or buggy. We recommend that you do not use Windows 11 Insider Build for your primary OS.
Before installing an OS beta, always make a backup.
This simulation of Windows 11 that third-party developers created can give you a taste of the new interface. Although it is not an operating system that works perfectly, it gives a good idea of what Windows 11 will look. It also gives you a glimpse of the new start bar, widgets, and how they will function!
Windows 11 Security Features
Microsoft made TPM 2.0 a minimum requirement to provide strong protection against malicious software and viruses. The Trusted Platform Module is a technology that provides security-related functions. It employs cryptographic keys to make sure that no malicious software can alter the OS’s security functions.
TPM 2.0 is a security standard that enhances security. However, many Windows users are concerned that they won’t be able to upgrade to Windows 11 despite meeting all hardware requirements. TPM 2.0 is a new security standard, and most laptops manufactured before 2017 will not have it. Laptops that do not have TPM 2.0 could be left on Windows 10 without any future updates.
Windows 11 Privacy Protection
Microsoft has been very quiet about the privacy options in Windows 11. It is not surprising that rivals like Apple make privacy a key selling feature in almost all their new releases. Microsoft’s silence could indicate that privacy issues that were present with Windows 10 will still exist. These include keylogging as well as location tracking. To learn more about privacy issues in Windows 10, and how to fix them, refer to our guide on privacy settings .
Even if you have changed the privacy settings on Windows, your privacy could still be at risk. This is because third party apps or software installed in Windows could still collect your personal data.
There is still much to discover
Windows 11 does not replace the operating system as it was in previous versions. It adds new features that will enhance the Windows 10 experience. More information regarding the changes and bugs in Windows 11 will be made available as we get closer to its release date. These changes will be constantly updated in this article.
