Microsoft today officially announced Windows 11, the next major version of the company’s permanent desktop operating system. This new version brings several improvements, including a redesigned user interface, updated window management features, and even support for Android apps.
Immediately, the first thing you’ll notice is the redesigned taskbar and Start menu. Windows 11 has a macOS-style central taskbar icon placement, avoiding the old left-aligned layout from all previous Windows installments. It still keeps miscellaneous items like the clock and icons on the right, leaving the left side blank.
At the front and center of this enormous design is the new Start menu, which drops right down the middle with a completely redesigned user interface. The new menu has a search bar at the top, along with installed apps and then a number of recommended items below. You can still change user profiles and shut down your computer from here.
The rest of the user interface has also received a fresh coat of paint. The window now has rounded corners, which are more noticeable compared to older versions of Windows and especially the sharp edges of Windows 10. The user interface is now more transparent, almost reminiscent of Windows Vista, with some apps featuring a smooth, frosted glass look. Themes have been improved and can now have a greater impact on the appearance of the user interface.
Windows 11 also offers Snap, Snap, and Desktop layouts, making it easy to quickly organize multiple windows around your desktop. It will also remember this layout so it can be moved when switching between screens.
Moving away from the user interface, Microsoft also took this opportunity to integrate the Microsoft Teams application directly into the operating system. Teams, located on the taskbar, is a messaging/video calling app that you can use to call or text your friends, family or colleagues.
Windows 11 is also getting tools. These widgets live on their own split screen, which can be dragged at any time from the left edge of the screen. As seen on other platforms, the gadget will provide quick and viewable information of all your applications that will support this feature.
Microsoft has also improved support for touch screen devices. The operating system will change its layout when it detects your transition to tablet mode, such as for computers with detachable touchscreens. Voice and text typing have also been improved with the new one-handed keyboard. Those who use pens will also get haptic feedback with certain pen models.
For gamers, Microsoft is introducing Auto HDR from its Xbox Series consoles, which will allow HDR output even from games without HDR. Another feature designed for Xbox consoles and now on PC is DirectStorage, which takes advantage of modern NVMe SSD storage and dramatically speeds up game load times. Game Pass, a subscription service for games, will also be integrated into the operating system via a new Xbox app.
Microsoft has also overhauled the Store app for Windows 11. While it has a completely new user interface designed to load and run faster, the main new feature here is Android app support. Partnering with Amazon and Intel, existing Android apps will be available through the Microsoft Store and will run on Windows 11 without any special modifications.
All things considered, Windows 11 seems like a pretty big update to the Windows operating system. Unfortunately, Microsoft hasn’t revealed the exact release date yet, only promising that it will kick off this holiday season and run until 2022. However, it will be a free upgrade for anyone currently using Windows 10.
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