Windows 11 is finally, definitely official after being announced at Microsoft's big event on June 24.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made sure to tell everyone at the event that this was the first version of a new era for Windows.
While a very early build of Windows 11 had leaked, showcasing a refreshed look and a new name, we finally got to see the new user interface and new features officially.
While Microsoft had in the past said that Windows 10 was going to be the only version of its operating system for years to come, it's now been around for six years, and this new update brings significant features to help justify the jump to a new number.
Read on to find out everything we know so far about the successor to Windows 10.
Microsoft says Windows 11 will be out "this holiday season" – so likely sometime between late November and Christmas. In the meantime, you can download a tool to see if your desktop PC or laptop will be able to run Windows 11.
Windows 11 will be a free update for existing Windows users – you'll need to be online to download, install and activate Home versions, and you'll need to have a Microsoft account when installing it on or upgrading your PC or tablet.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
There are refined features across the board in Windows 11, with Microsoft promising that updates will be 40% smaller, and touting Windows 11 as "the most secure release yet".
The taskbar is optimized for touch as well as mouse peripherals, and is now renamed the Dock.
New multitasking features are also on offer thanks to a feature called Snap Layouts, which enables you to arrange multiple windows across the screen, not just side by side, but in columns, sections and more.
Another feature is Snap Groups, where you can go back to previously snapped windows from the dock, so for example you can go to your email app, Edge browser windows or anything else without having to snap them back to the previous view again.
There's also improved multi-monitor support, so when you reconnect an external monitor, Windows 11 remembers the previous positions of the windows that were on that monitor.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Teams is also integrated to the dock, so you can easily join in with meetings and family calls. This looks like the first inkling of Skype disappearing from Windows, especially with the Skype sounds being heard in the demo when a call was incoming.
The Microsoft Store is finally seeing a redesign, with better-curated content, and a better options for managing your purchased shows, such as mirroring them to your television. Apps such as Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Pinterest and more are already in this redesigned store for Windows 11, ready to go.
WPA, EWP and Win32 apps are now all in the Microsoft Store, ready to go. If a developer has a commerce engine, they can keep 100% of the revenue brought from the Microsoft Store.
Android apps are also ready for Windows 11, discoverable from the Microsoft Store, via Amazon App Store, so you can download TikTok and more, ready to use on your PC or tablet.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
One of the biggest changes users will notice is that the Start menu has been moved to the center of the screen – and it's now "cloud powered", so it dynamically changes depending on the time of day, and the content you're working with.
Light Mode and Dark Mode are official, with rounded corners and a unified design across the operating system.
There are also some windows that look Aero-esque from Windows Vista, showing you bite-sized information.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Windows Widgets are back in Windows 11, accessible in the dock, where Microsoft tout AI in showcasing different widgets, where adaptability is key. On the touchscreen, you can slide from the left on the desktop to have them appear as well.
There are plenty to choose from, such as the weather, Bing maps, news, and more.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Gaming is now a big push for Windows 11, not just as an Xbox app. Lighting is a big thing, with HDR coming to devices on the new Windows.
Direct Storage is also here, with the main assets able to be downloaded and installed, so you can play your games even faster than before.
Xbox Game Pass is built right into the Xbox app at last, making it much easier for you to access and download even more games, from Doom Eternal to soon Halo Infinite.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Tablet mode has been one of Windows' weaker points ever since Windows 8.
These tablet features could be a showcase for Windows 11, especially with future Surface products in the pipeline from Microsoft. To have a new, numbered operating system for its upcoming tablets could be a big selling point for new users in due time.
At the event, Microsoft touted bigger touch targets and easier ways to move windows around, and better rotate optimisations, such as window management.
Gestures on the trackpad of the Surface models are also coming to the touch-screen, bringing in some familiarity here.
Haptics is also coming to Windows 11 when using a pen, making it much easier for you to tell how a line or a drawing is.
The touch keyboard has also been redesigned, with a smaller keyboard just for your thumb also here, with emoji's ready to be used.
Dictation is also much improved, alongside voice commands, with 'delete that' and more in Windows 11.
Continue reading...
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made sure to tell everyone at the event that this was the first version of a new era for Windows.
While a very early build of Windows 11 had leaked, showcasing a refreshed look and a new name, we finally got to see the new user interface and new features officially.
While Microsoft had in the past said that Windows 10 was going to be the only version of its operating system for years to come, it's now been around for six years, and this new update brings significant features to help justify the jump to a new number.
Read on to find out everything we know so far about the successor to Windows 10.
Cut to the chase
- What is it? Windows 11 is the successor to Windows 10
- When is it out? Likely late November/December
- How much does it cost? Free
Windows 11 release date
Microsoft says Windows 11 will be out "this holiday season" – so likely sometime between late November and Christmas. In the meantime, you can download a tool to see if your desktop PC or laptop will be able to run Windows 11.
See more
How much is Windows 11?
Windows 11 will be a free update for existing Windows users – you'll need to be online to download, install and activate Home versions, and you'll need to have a Microsoft account when installing it on or upgrading your PC or tablet.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Windows 11 features
There are refined features across the board in Windows 11, with Microsoft promising that updates will be 40% smaller, and touting Windows 11 as "the most secure release yet".
The taskbar is optimized for touch as well as mouse peripherals, and is now renamed the Dock.
New multitasking features are also on offer thanks to a feature called Snap Layouts, which enables you to arrange multiple windows across the screen, not just side by side, but in columns, sections and more.
Another feature is Snap Groups, where you can go back to previously snapped windows from the dock, so for example you can go to your email app, Edge browser windows or anything else without having to snap them back to the previous view again.
There's also improved multi-monitor support, so when you reconnect an external monitor, Windows 11 remembers the previous positions of the windows that were on that monitor.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Teams is also integrated to the dock, so you can easily join in with meetings and family calls. This looks like the first inkling of Skype disappearing from Windows, especially with the Skype sounds being heard in the demo when a call was incoming.
The Microsoft Store is finally seeing a redesign, with better-curated content, and a better options for managing your purchased shows, such as mirroring them to your television. Apps such as Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Pinterest and more are already in this redesigned store for Windows 11, ready to go.
WPA, EWP and Win32 apps are now all in the Microsoft Store, ready to go. If a developer has a commerce engine, they can keep 100% of the revenue brought from the Microsoft Store.
Android apps are also ready for Windows 11, discoverable from the Microsoft Store, via Amazon App Store, so you can download TikTok and more, ready to use on your PC or tablet.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
A new look for 11
One of the biggest changes users will notice is that the Start menu has been moved to the center of the screen – and it's now "cloud powered", so it dynamically changes depending on the time of day, and the content you're working with.
Light Mode and Dark Mode are official, with rounded corners and a unified design across the operating system.
There are also some windows that look Aero-esque from Windows Vista, showing you bite-sized information.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Windows Widgets are back in Windows 11, accessible in the dock, where Microsoft tout AI in showcasing different widgets, where adaptability is key. On the touchscreen, you can slide from the left on the desktop to have them appear as well.
There are plenty to choose from, such as the weather, Bing maps, news, and more.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Gaming on Windows 11
Gaming is now a big push for Windows 11, not just as an Xbox app. Lighting is a big thing, with HDR coming to devices on the new Windows.
Direct Storage is also here, with the main assets able to be downloaded and installed, so you can play your games even faster than before.
Xbox Game Pass is built right into the Xbox app at last, making it much easier for you to access and download even more games, from Doom Eternal to soon Halo Infinite.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Touch improvements
Tablet mode has been one of Windows' weaker points ever since Windows 8.
These tablet features could be a showcase for Windows 11, especially with future Surface products in the pipeline from Microsoft. To have a new, numbered operating system for its upcoming tablets could be a big selling point for new users in due time.
At the event, Microsoft touted bigger touch targets and easier ways to move windows around, and better rotate optimisations, such as window management.
Gestures on the trackpad of the Surface models are also coming to the touch-screen, bringing in some familiarity here.
Haptics is also coming to Windows 11 when using a pen, making it much easier for you to tell how a line or a drawing is.
The touch keyboard has also been redesigned, with a smaller keyboard just for your thumb also here, with emoji's ready to be used.
Dictation is also much improved, alongside voice commands, with 'delete that' and more in Windows 11.
- Find out where to buy Windows 10
Continue reading...