Microsoft officially confirmed the name of their new release – Windows 11. After months of teases, hints of the number 11, and a giant Windows 11 leak, the new upgrade has officially been confirmed. The major upgrade is the all-new, and redesigned user interface, a new Windows Store, and improvements to performance and multitasking. And that’s just the beginning. The new Windows will be supporting Android apps as well.
The first thing you’ll notice is the freshly designed setup screen. There are rounded corners on menus and windows that look similar to the recent iPadOS release. You’ll also see the Start menu at the center that is aimed at providing a modern experience. This is quite similar to the U.I. of Windows X, a project originally planned for dual-screen devices that Microsoft eventually canceled. A lot of the UI work that went into Windows 10X is appearing in Windows 11. This new positioning makes Windows 11 more familiar to people who use macOS or Chrome OS. You can, however, change the position and bring the Start button to the left by going in its settings.
Windows 11 also comes with a new boot-up sound which is more aesthetic and soothing to ears. There are subtle changes in terms of gestures as well. It also has new themes and an improved dark mode. Windows 11 also includes an updated widgets experience. You’re provided with the options to rearrange widgets or resize them — as per your preference. You can also add or remove your widgets that can help you receive the latest news or weather updates.
There’s also a new feature of Snap Layouts, the maximize button now lets you split the active screens between multiple areas of the desktop. These layouts let you simultaneously open multiple different screens on your computer just by hovering your mouse over the maximize button. Once assigned, Windows 11 will also remember where your apps are stored, thanks to something called Snap Groups, and keep them ready along with the apps you were working on there for future access directly from the taskbar.
Performance is also a significant part of Windows 11. Microsoft says the updates will be 40% smaller and happen more efficiently in the background. We hope that it would be nothing like we faced now, disturbing our workflow.
While Windows 11 will be available as a free upgrade to Windows 10 users later this year, members of the Windows Insider Program will start getting this upgrade from the next week. Microsoft has also released the PC Health Check app for people to check if their Windows 10 PC is upgradable. As for Windows 7 and 8 users, they can upgrade to Windows 11 after purchasing a Windows 10 License Key. In 2022, customers will also have the option to purchase Windows 11 at retail and install it on compatible Windows 7 devices.
Microsoft announced that it has worked with almost all major silicon partners, including AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm. Nonetheless, Windows 11 is not going to be as lightweight as Windows 10. While Windows 10 required at least 1GB ram and 16GB storage, Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4GB ram and 64GB storage with at least 64-bit x86 or ARM processor.
