After long six years, Microsoft is going to release its newest operating system: Windows 11. It was initially announced on June 24th, 2021, and on October 5th was released for eligible Windows 10 PCs and PCs that come pre-loaded with Windows 11.
Windows 11 offers a variety of features that cater to end-user productivity and accommodate the ever-growing needs of today's hybrid workplace.
Here are some of our favorite new features of Windows 11:
A Redesigned Appearance
Windows 11's new design is more "Mac-like" with its pastel colors and rounded corners. It has a start menu and a separate "widget" panel on the taskbar, replacing its "live tiles." The buttons on the taskbars are aligned centrally by default and permanently pinned to the screen base, unlike prior versions of Windows.
Snap Layout
The snap layouts feature allows you to organize your open windows in different layouts. The layouts can be accessed and saved within the app's taskbar icon, which means you do not need to create them again whenever you complete a task on your PC.
New Settings App
The new Settings app in Windows 11 is much easier to use. The flat design makes things look clean and modern without clutter or confusion, which was common with Microsoft's last operating systems' interfaces.
The minimalist sidebars make it much easier to find what you're looking for without having a cluttered overview screen. Each sub-menu has an informative thumbnail that gives quick details on each settings page so users can easily navigate through them quickly and efficiently.
Microsoft Teams Integrated
Microsoft Teams Chat app is an excellent replacement for Skype, and it's pinned into the taskbar. You can do group chats, voice calls, texts, and send video meeting invite links even if the other person doesn't have it installed! They'll be invited to sign up for free so that you won't miss out on any conversations or connections with your friends.
Microsoft Edge
Finally, Microsoft got rid of Internet Explorer and replaced it with a new browser called Microsoft Edge to your computer. We like this because the newer version has improved privacy features and is lighter than other browsers out there!
Microsoft Store
Microsoft Store has a more visual overhaul in the new OS. It now acts as a collective shop for apps and other products. The Amazon Appstore will run inside the Microsoft store app, which means Android apps in the store can now be run on your PC through the Amazon AppStore or by sideloading.
Docking and Tablet Mode
Windows 11 remembers the last app layout you are using whenever you connect your laptop to a monitor. The tablet mode now has more spaces in-between icons within the taskbar. The new three-finger swipe actions allow you to recall running apps and to enable task view. The new surface slim pen 2 gives audio and haptic feedback, and the voice typing is better than the previous OS version.
Performance and Security
Windows updates now occur in the background and are 40% smaller, resulting in more efficiency. The new OS also appears to be a very secure version ever as PCs will be required to have security chips such as the Trusted platform module 2.0 (TPM) and a secure boot capability.
Window 11 System Requirements
You can check if your computer is Windows 11 compatible with a free Microsoft app, PC Health Check. Hit the "Check Now" button after it's installed to see if Windows 11 is compatible with your computer.
Below are Microsoft's requirements for the update.
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- System Firmware: UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, a modern version of the PC BIOS) and Secure Boot capable
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0
- Graphics Card: DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: 720p, 8-bit per color channel, at least 9-inch diagonal
- Internet Connection and Microsoft Account to complete the initial, first-use setup of Windows 11 Home, or when switching out of S-mode, you will need an active internet connection and a Microsoft Account.
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