What’s new in Windows 11?

Microsoft developed Windows 11 in response and in accordance to the huge shift we experienced with the pandemic and our changed relationship with our devices in the world of social distancing and working from home. Our PCs have served as a point of connection to the world for a long while, but never to this extent and in this particular fashion.

Improved user experience puts your daily tasks at ease.

With remote collaboration, communication and creativity at the forefront, Windows 11 is designed to make everyday tasks easier, faster and more effective with a host of new features and improvements to the user experience.

Windows 11 boasts a simplified and friendlier design with rounded corners, updated fonts and icons, meant to make working with OS a visually pleasant experience you can customize so it works the way it’s best for you. The new Start button and Taskbar are centralized and the Start is now connected to the cloud and Microsoft 365, syncing and displaying your most recent files across all your devices (even if they operate on Android or iOS) for a seamless multitasking experience.

The use of multiple desktops is more flexible thanks to the introduction of Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops which help you customize and organize all your windows for a completely optimized screen space. You can create separate and customized Desktops for different purposes, such as work, personal life, gaming, school and etc.

Focus on seamless integrations and communication

One of the most anticipated updates is the ability to use Android apps on Windows 11 natively. Users will be able to install the apps through the new Microsoft Store and use them on their desktop. However, this feature will not be available immediately upon rollout in October and the exact date of the release is still unknown. Microsoft has stated the preview test of the feature will arrive “over the coming months”.

Communication is emphasized with the integration of Chat from Microsoft Teams into the taskbar, allowing you to instantly connect through text, chat, voice or video with your personal contacts, wherever you are, no matter the device or platform the other party is using, be it Windows, Android or iOS. Even if the person you are connecting to doesn’t have Chat installed, you can still reach them via two-way SMS. Teams is also now easier to use and allows you to mute, unmute and start presenting from the taskbar.

Other new features in Windows 11 are aimed at improving the gaming experience. Unlock the full potential of your hardware thanks to additions such as:

      ✔️ DirectX 12 ultimate for improved frame rates and stunning graphics;
      ✔️ DirectStorage for faster load times and more detailed game worlds;
      ✔️ Auto HDR for more detailed and vivid image with a wider range of colors;

Windows 11 also remains compatible with various PC gaming accessories and peripherals.

The new version of Windows has improvements in the realm of security, with an added layer of protection from the chip to the cloud without hampering productivity and you can be sure your data will be protected across multiple devices. Microsoft has worked hard to raise their security baselines – something all users, from students to big corporations will appreciate.

While a lot more stands to be unveiled after the launch, it’s clear Window 11 has a lot of improvements to offer. The new OS will be available for PCs that already have Windows 10 or Windows 7 installed, as long as the hardware meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Otherwise, users might still be able instal Windows 11 but those installations will be unsupported.