What’s New in Windows 11?
After more than 5 years since the release of Windows 10, Microsoft is beginning to roll out the next generation of its operating system, Windows 11. We wanted to provide some info on the differences between the two operating systems, to help you decide if you want to take on the upgrade immediately or hold off for a while. Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until at least 2025, so you have time.
When can I upgrade to Windows 11?
The rollout is being done in phases, so you may or may not be eligible for an upgrade right now. Some users will need to wait until mid-2022 until the upgrade becomes available to them. Another thing to note. Not all PCs will be compatible with Windows 11. You can check your PC’s compatibility with the Microsoft PC Health Check app.
So, let’s take a look at Windows 11 and how it compares with Windows 10.
Overall Design & User Interface
The new interface in Windows 11 is more like that of a Mac. It has rounded corners and pastel colors, and it has a simple design. Both the Start menu and the Taskbar are now located in the center of the screen, but you can also shift them to more familiar left or right locations.
integration of Android Apps (coming soon)
The Amazon Appstore will offer Android apps for Windows 11 (though not immediately) in the Microsoft Store. Windows 10 users have been waiting for this feature for years, so it should be a welcome addition to Windows 11 when it comes out.
Improved Virtual Desktop Support
Taking another page from the Mac, Windows 11 makes it easier to set up virtual desktops for work, school, gaming, etc. This should be an enhancement to Windows 10, where the setup of these virtual desktops is a bit hard to set up and not as user-friendly.
Better Integration Between your Laptop and External Monitor
Snap Groups and Snap Layouts are new features in Windows 11 that let you keep track of which apps you're using at any given time and switch between them more easily. They also let you disconnect from a monitor without losing track of where your open windows are located,
The Taskbar now features Microsoft Teams
To make it more like Apple's FaceTime, Teams is getting a makeover and will be integrated directly into the Windows 11 taskbar. Teams can be accessed from any of these platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS.
More Robust Support and Functionality for Touchscreens, Voice, and Pens.
Microsoft's tablet strategy includes adding gestures and increasing the amount of space between taskbar icons to make the experience better for people using tablets. For taking notes or drawing, you can hear and feel vibrations with Windows 11's haptic-enabled digital pen. Finally, the OS adds support for voice typing and other system commands.
Integrated Xbox technology
Certain Xbox console features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage will be added to Windows 11 to make gaming on a Windows PC more enjoyable.
We hope this helps you make some early decisions about whether upgrading to Windows 11 is in your immediate future (or at least by mid-2022).
