Last Updated on April 10, 2022 by Rick Darlinton
Windows 11 finally has an official release date. Besides, judging by the screenshots surfaced online, the new OS comes with a complete UI redesign. Moreover, there are several other Windows 11 features and changes which are not only visually appealing but also improve both the performance and functionality of the system.
Prior to Microsoft’s announcement, several users remained puzzled about the purpose of a new OS when Windows 10 was already going strong with recent updates. Microsoft says that Windows 11 is an OS for all gamers. It is a claim never before made, and so let’s dive in and see what Windows 11 has in store for us.
Windows 11 Release Date
Just recently, Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 would be officially released on October 5. Windows 10 owners will get a free update once again, a similar strategy Microsoft used when rolling out Windows 10. However, this time around, the minimum Windows 11 requirements for the next-gen OS are bumped up to a great extent. So before getting excited about the Windows 11 features and changes, you’ll have to check whether your PC is eligible for an upgrade.
This can be easily done by either comparing your PC specs to the ones listed on Microsoft’s Windows 11 official page or downloading the PC Health Check app. However, even if one’s PC meets the requirements, most devices will have to wait for later in the year to maybe even till 2022, to get the upgrade.
Windows 11 Features and changes you can expect
Aesthetic design is not the only feature that the new OS brings with it. Moreover, there are several Windows 11 features that claim to improve the system’s performance. So here are some of the new features that are promised in the next-gen OS.
Cleaner Design
The first and most obvious Windows 11 feature is the design overhaul. Besides, the Start menu is now position in the center along with the Taskbar. Windows have rounded corners and a cleaner design than their predecessor.
Native Android Apps Support
Prior to Windows 11, users had to use third-party software to run Android apps on their PCs. However, they are natively supported in the OS, and users can download them through the Amazon App Store. This sounds like a great feature to get our hands-on. Yet, Windows 11 has not included these functions in the initial build and will come later with updates.
Widgets
Although they were convenient, Microsoft dropped the Widgets support after Windows Vista. However, they only came back to Windows 10 in a recent update. Still, Windows 11 will have great Widget support, which the users can access directly from the Taskbar and personalized according to one’s liking.
Microsoft Teams Integration
Similar to how Apple handles FaceTime, Windows 11 will integrate it in the Taskbar for easier access. To match the aesthetic design of the new Windows, Microsoft Teams will also get some visual changes.
Better Multi-Tasking Support
Windows 10 already had features for multi-tasking, and although they were nothing out of the ordinary, they were convenient. Windows 11 will improve upon this by bringing features such as Snap Layouts and Snap Groups.
Additionally, these features will group apps on the Taskbar, which the users can either bring up or minimize. Plugging external monitors is also more accessible than ever and now will not disposition the Windows when the users connect a new monitor.
Direct Storage and AutoHDR
Microsoft has designed both of these features of Windows 11 explicitly to improve the performance of games on the next-gen OS. Windows 11 will come with DirectStorage, a feature that will significantly reduce loading times by taking advantage of fast NVME SSDs.
Then comes AutoHDR that will greatly improve visuals on supported games. Moreover, it will deliver a brighter and broader range of colors, making the overall gaming experience a lot better.
Windows 11 VS Windows 10: What’re the differences
Looking at the appearance, Windows 11 looks different from Windows 10, thanks to the overall design changes. However, these changes run deeper than visual purposes, so let’s explore the differences between the next-gen OS and its predecessor.
Aesthetically Pleasing
First coming to the visual ones, Microsoft has positioned the Start Menu and Taskbar in the center instead of the far left position Windows 10 had adopted. However, if one is not happy with this central position, the Start Menu, and the Taskbar, the users can move them back to their previous position.
Improved Monitor Support
Windows 11 also comes with improved monitor support, which was something that Windows 10 was quite far behind as it took a lot of tweaking to get the setup just right. Now with Windows 11, a state is saved whenever a monitor is connected, and when it is removed and reconnected, the state is loaded back up. Multi-tasking is also better with groups in the Taskbar.
Run Android Apps Directly in the OS
Then another significant difference between both operating systems is that Windows 11 can run Android apps natively. However, this feature will come in later updates and will not be available on the launch date.
Tablet mode
Windows 11 has removed the Tablet Mode from its interface.
Conclusion
Windows 11’s official release is just a month away. If Microsoft delivers on everything promised in the new OS, Windows 11 will breathe new life into your PC. Moreover, it will bring a wide range of performance improvements.
Besides, an insider build is currently available online. It obviously doesn’t reflect the complete experience the final release build of the OS will deliver. Still, it can certainly give an idea of how Windows 11 will function. Sign up for the Insider program is available on Microsoft’s official site.
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