Nearly after five and half years, Redmond tech giant Microsoft unveiled Windows 11 with a fresh new design and a bunch of new features. In the latest edition, Microsoft focuses on simplifying the Windows user interface and improving various aspects including, multitasking and performance. And for the first time, Windows 11 will support Android apps.
Microsoft has changed a lot about Windows, right from looks to performance. While some aspects resemble macOS, Windows 11 brings plenty of features that macOS users don’t have.
In this article, we at Silicon Canals have listed 11 things you need to know about Windows 11.
Minimum system requirements
Similar to Windows 10, Windows 11 will be a free upgrade. Excited about Windows 11? If so, does your system supports its minimum requirements? Not sure about it?
Here are the minimum system requirements you need to upgrade to Windows 11, according to Microsoft:
- CPU: 1-GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
- Memory: 4GB RAM (minimum)
- Storage: 64GB or larger
- GPU: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
- System Firmware: UEFI BIOS with Secure Boot
- TPM: TPM 2.0
- Display: 9-inch or larger screen with 720p resolution
Note: Certain features require specific hardware.
New Start menu
Unlike other Window iterations, the Start button is placed at the center of the taskbar. The new Start menu has recent documents, apps, and a separate search interface on top. Further, Windows 11 includes more rounded corners on apps to make them look fresh.
Snap Layouts
Microsoft has introduced a feature called Snap Layouts, which lets users snap apps side by side. Users can pick any of the available Snap Layout to run multiple apps at the same time.
“These are new features designed to help you organize your windows and optimise your screen real estate so you can see what you need just the way you want in a layout that’s visually clean,” says Microsoft in its blog.
Widgets
Widgets in Windows 11 is a personalised feed powered by AI. It is built on top of the widgets we’ve seen on Windows 10. When you open your personalised feed it slides across your screen like a sheet of glass. Built-in widgets include a news feed, maps, your to-do list, weather, and more. Users can customise how they want it to appear on their desktop.
Microsoft Teams integration
Microsoft is integrating Microsoft Teams directly into Windows 11 for users. The app is integrated directly into the taskbar, allowing users to instantly connect through text, chat, voice, or video.
If the person on the other end hasn’t downloaded the Teams app, they can still connect with them via two-way SMS. The app works across Windows, Android, and iOS.
Improved gaming experience
Gaming and Windows go hand in hand always! With Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced a slew of features aiming at improving the gaming experience.
First, Auto HDR, a feature in Xbox Series X/S will be a part of Windows 11. Enabling this feature will add HDR to a large number of DirectX11 and DirectX12 titles, considering you have a compatible monitor.
Secondly, DirectStorage will be a part of Windows 11 which can be found on Xbox Series X/S. This will speed up game load times. Thirdly, the Xbox Game Pass will be a part of Windows 11, where gamers can access over 100 high-quality PC games.
New Microsoft Store
Microsoft has redesigned the Microsoft Store, making it simpler and faster. Searching apps on the store will be easier, confirms the company. The Microsoft Store will soon add third-party apps like Microsoft Teams, Visual Studio, Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom, and Canva.
Further, the new Store will support Android apps, thanks to Amazon and Intel partnerships. The company will be using Intel Bridge technology to make this a reality. Starting later this year, people will be able to discover Android apps in the Microsoft Store and download them through the Amazon Appstore.
“We’ll have more to share about this experience in the coming months,” says the company in its blog.
Unlocking opportunity for developers and creators
With Windows 11, Microsoft allows developers and independent software vendors (ISVs) to bring their apps regardless of whether they’re built as a Win32, Progressive Web App (PWA), or Universal Windows App (UWP), or any other app framework.
The company also announced changes in revenue share policies, where app developers can now bring their commerce into the Microsoft Store and keep 100 per cent of the revenue.
“App developers can still use our commerce with a competitive revenue share of 85/15,” adds Microsoft.
Better touch inking and voice support
Microsoft has improved the experience for touch, creating more space between the icons in the taskbar, adding bigger touch targets and subtle visual cues to make resizing and moving windows easier, and adding gestures.
With Windows 11, the Redmond giant is also enabling haptics for a more engaging and immersive experience as you click through and edit or sketch. On the voice front, Microsoft has enhanced the feature to such an extent that it can automatically punctuate for you.
Free upgrade
Windows 11 will be available through a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs beginning this holiday. To check if your current Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11, visit Windows.com to download the PC Health Check app. The free upgrade will begin to roll out to eligible Windows 10 PCs this holiday and continuing into 2022.
Working closely with companies
Microsoft is closely working with hardware and silicon partners for seamless integration across software and hardware. From AMD to Intel and Evo Processors, to Qualcomm’s AI prowess, 5G, and Arm support, the company is working to bring out the best of Windows 11.
What do you guys think about the update? Do let us know your comments in the section below.
