Windows 11, the new Microsoft operating system we have all been looking forward to since its first initial announcement back in June, is now available for download worldwide for Windows 10 users. According to the Windows chief officer, he said that the new operating system would not be an “extreme departure” from what we are already used to with Windows 10, and that Windows 11 has been thoroughly tested through the Windows Insider Beta Programme, and he is confident that Windows 11 is all ready to go.
Changes and Adjustments to Windows 11
When starting Windows 11, the first thing you’ll notice is the Start Menu being centred on the screen by default, along with all the icons in the taskbar. When clicked on, it will open a menu of used apps. Now, in my opinion, this view is very clean display, but it gives off the appearance of a smartphone app menu or tablet. When you dig a little further in, you’ll find that the designs are more pampered towards rounded corners and have rather simple menus and folder appearances.
There are also, some custom options which allow users to arrange tabs and snap them into grids. Furthermore, widgets are starting to have a bit of a comeback now, where they live in the sidebar on the left, which is also linked to Microsoft services.
When it comes to changes to the interface, Windows 11 has got some interesting features to show off. Firstly, Microsoft is replacing Skype and the Xbox App with the Microsoft Store, which has been completely redesigned and will allow third-party apps to sell inside. One of the most interesting things Microsoft has decided to do, is that Windows 11 will run Android smartphone apps through the Amazon app store!
Early users have claimed, that the operating system’s built-in search engine, is considerably quicker on most devices. This seems to favour Microsoft’s services like Bing and Edge browsers when displaying online results.
Am I able to upgrade to Windows 11?
Microsoft has released a minimum requirement list so users can see if their devices will work under Windows 11.
Models which can be upgraded to Windows 11 but are running the older technology, may not get the full performance benefits. However, you will continue to receive latest security and supported updates. For users using more high end machines like gaming PCs, will notice more a difference in loading times and performance.
One of the minimum requirements is that you need a security chip called a TPM (Trusted Platform Module), which is only installed on modern computers. If your device doesn’t meet these requirements, you are more than likely not going to be able to install Windows 11.
However, for Windows users who can’t upgrade to Windows 11, you will still be able to use Windows 10. As Windows 10 users will continue to be supported and receive updates until 2025.