Windows 11: All you need to know about Windows 11

Windows 11 is Microsoft's latest desktop operating system. Windows 10 used to be called “the last version of Windows,” but few people predicted its arrival a few years ago.

But during the pandemic, Microsoft's stance appeared to change, with people around the world relying on Microsoft software for everything from working remotely to staying in touch with friends and family. 

Some of these trends are more enduring, so the company decided it was time to do something new. The new operating system represents a significant design change aimed at simplifying the user experience and reducing clutter. 

Many factors are stimulated via way of means of Windows 10X, the canceled Windows 10 spin-off designed for touchscreen devices.

Compatible laptops were offered a free upgrade, but no need to upgrade until Windows 10 support ends in 2025. But these days, almost every computer that isn't a Mac or Chromebook runs Windows 11.

This complete guide is designed to answer all your operating system questions and provides links to comprehensive information about Windows 11 at the bottom of the page.

What about Windows 11?

Clearly, Microsoft doesn't want to upset millions with a radical change (as it finally did with Windows 8), Despite the redesign, it still maintains the same basic layout. 

Everywhere you look you'll find rounded corners and a new centrally positioned Start menu, although the latter can be positioned to the side if you prefer.

There's a new widget panel that can show weather, stocks, news, and more, and it seems to replace the old Start menu live tiles. 

It also improves the grouping and arrangement of open windows to help you multitask more effectively.

Windows 11 on the tablet is a significant improvement thanks to the introduction of gestures and a new on-screen keyboard that looks a lot like a smartphone keyboard. 

You can also install and use Android apps from the Amazon Appstore, but there is currently no workaround available that allows you to use the Google Play Store instead.

There are a lot of visual changes, but for most people, Windows 11 should be an easy transition from Windows 10.

When did Windows 11 come out?

Windows 11 coming in October 2021 Officially released on May 5th.

Deployment has been gradual but should offer all compatible devices the option to upgrade from Windows 10 to USB.

New features were added regularly, but the most significant new part to date was released on September 20, 2022. Then came the big update of 22H2, adding even more new features a month later.

What is the price of Windows 11?

USB and download link versions available price has probably always been a big deal, but the good news is, means that eligible PCs are free. 

This may continue as long as Windows 11 is supported.

However,  not all Windows 10 devices get Windows 11 so easily. Microsoft has updated the hardware requirements for new operating systems as described below.

Of course, upgrading from Windows 10 is not the only way to move to Windows 11. Many new laptops and PCs can run operating systems right out of the box. So far, pre-installing Windows 11 doesn't seem to affect the asking price.

However, you can now purchase Windows 11 as a standalone operating system. The easiest way is to use the download link emailed to you after completing your purchase. Wanted - This is currently available for Windows 11 Home ($139 / £115.99), but not Pro. A disc version is also available from Amazon UK for £99.

Isn't Windows 10 the last version of Windows?

That's what Microsoft said when they announced Windows 10. But apparently, he's changed his mind about it. The company could have rolled out these changes in a Windows 10 update but chose not to go back to that statement during the launch event, presumably, hoping customers would have a short memory. Interestingly, Microsoft eventually referenced it.

What's new in Windows 11?

Too many to go into detail here, but here are the main ones you should know:

• First, there's a major visual overhaul. Windows 10 has maintained a similar look and feel throughout its life, but that has changed with Windows 11.

• The new taskbar moves icons to the center, but this can easily be reverted to the old layout. What you can't change are some of the features that Microsoft removed compared to the Windows 10 version, but Microsoft is slowly adding most of those features.

• The all-new design won't appeal to everyone, but the all-new Start menu isn't particularly lacking. The aesthetic is similar to what Microsoft hinted at with its now-discontinued Windows 10X. Here's what it looks like with Dark Mode enabled:  The Recommended heading at the bottom shows your recently used files, apps, and folders, including cloud services like OneDrive and Microsoft 365, so you can quickly pick up where you left off, even if you last used a different device. You can resume.

• But many were disappointed—especially with the lack of customization. However, Microsoft has since added the ability to choose between fixed and recommended section splits.

• One of our favorite new features is the new multitasking capabilities of Snap Layouts. By hovering over the maximize button, you can choose how the app is positioned on the screen. 

• Widgets weren't a significant feature in the last version of Windows, but that's changed now. The control panel slides in from the left but can be adjusted to fill the entire screen if necessary.

• widgets for weather and stocks are also built into the taskbar, but now you can use them to trigger notifications in your taskbar. As The Verge reports, static icons have been replaced with live animations. This means you can get a clearer warning that a thunderstorm is coming, or your favorite stock is going down. This might be a distraction for some people, but there needs to be an obvious way to turn it off in its current form. 

• Additionally, Microsoft Teams chat functionality is now built into Windows 11. A future update will allow you to share and mute windows directly from the taskbar.