Microsoft unveils Windows 11 operating system.
Wondering when Windows 11 is coming out? We've got the details on when you can finally say goodbye to Windows 10.
Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11, its "next generation" operating system, at a virtual event.
Feeling familiar may take some adjusting, however. Windows 11 is built around a simplified user interface for productivity, creativity, and ease of use. The new design entails a smaller, centered taskbar and a new approach to task switching.
Other new features include a transparent sliding widgets panel that does not interfere with your desktop layout, an enhanced focus on gaming, and overall system performance. Windows 11 also comes with a completely rebuilt Microsoft Store.
The new software will let Android apps run on the Windows desktop.
Windows 11 will also let users configure multiple desktops for work, home, and gaming, like on a Mac.
Microsoft says there are currently about 1.3 billion devices running Windows 10.
An early preview version of the new system will be released for app developers next week.
Windows 11 will be available as a free update to existing Windows 10 users - although some devices will not have the right specifications. These include a minimum of 64 gigabytes of storage and 4 gigabytes of RAM.
One cosmetic change is putting the "Start" button at the bottom-centre of the screen rather than left-hand side.
The Windows upgrade comes as an intersection of hardware and software with voice, touch, and pen functionality powered by an open hardware ecosystem.
The platform's security has been significantly improved, user interface changed, the store changed, interfaces improved with voice getting a massive improvement, and performance has been changed dramatically, lowering boot times and improving application performance.
Gaming on Windows:
In addition, Windows 11 will feature tighter integration with Microsoft's communications platform Teams. Xbox Games Pass, a subscription service offering access to hundreds of games, will also be pre-installed.
With Xbox Game Pass for PC or Ultimate, gamers get access to over 100 high-quality PC games with new games added all the time. Three elements advance the game-playing experience on Windows 11.
The performance boost results from superior graphics support with Auto HDR, direct storage on optimized hardware and driver support, and over 1,000 compatible games that support HDR, according to Sarah Bond, corporate vice president for gaming partnerships and business development at Microsoft.
No Forced Upgrade:
When Windows 10 launched in 2015, Microsoft said it would be the final version of the operating system. It has since announced Windows 10 will be retired in 2025.
Perhaps the most uncompromising change with adopting an upgrade to Windows 11 is the freedom of choice. Microsoft will not force upgrades. But Windows users who decide to upgrade can do so for free.
But Microsoft promised continued support for Windows 10 for those that cannot or do not want to upgrade.
Windows 11 will reportedly be a free upgrade, much as Windows 10 was for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users. The main requirement will be system compatibility, but that is relatively modest.
How attracted users will be to adopting Windows 11 is hard to tell before the marketing campaign takes off, Windows 11 will not be released until this fall.
The free upgrade will begin to roll out to eligible Windows 10 PCs around the holidays (so likely November or December), and will continue into 2022, the post said. No specific date was announced. To find out if your computer is compatible, check out Microsoft's PC Health Check app.
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