The recently released version of Microsoft’s computer operating system (OS), Windows 11, launched worldwide today. Moreover, the tech giant released a free upgrade for Windows 10 users to move on to the new one. Panos Panay, the chief product officer of Windows, told the BBC that the developers built the latest version by keeping in mind points that it will be clean & fresh, and simpler for the user.

Panay vowed that the new OS wouldn’t be an extreme departure from what people know. He added that the least tech-savvy users could also upgrade the windows easily. Further, he added that expert users had already tested the OS extensively through the Insider trial program of Windows and were confident there would be no teething problems in it, and the upgrade is ready now.

Changes in Windows 11

There are some significant design changes in Windows 11 and some alterations on how the system works under the hood. The Start menu by default is centered on the bottom screen, along with other icons in the taskbar. When a Windows user clicks on the Start button, it opens a menu of frequently used apps.

In some ways, it resembles the look of a smartphone app menu or launcher. Additionally, the company removed the “tiles” which were present in the start menu of the previous Windows version. Panay added that the developer team learned from the past experience of Windows 8, which got rid of the start menu completely, which upsets several users.

New Era of Operating System

Developing the interface of Windows 11 involved watching how users use their computers and what they want to click on. At the release time of Windows 10, Microsoft announced that it would be the last version of the operating system. Panay said that the world is living in a bit of a new era for the personal computer happening right now. Windows 11 is a type of stamp that moment, and it is a signal for that instant.

The design favors the rounded corners across the operating system and mostly has simplified folder and menu views. Moreover, there are innovative, improved options for arranging Windows and snapping them into grids. Widgets, a key selling point of Windows Vista of 2007, also make a comeback – but instead of floating on the Windows screen where the user puts them, they live a sidebar on the left, and additionally, it linked to Microsoft services.

Some changes go deeper than the design and interface. Systems integrations for Microsoft Teams, replacing the Xbox and Skype app, both feature heavily in advertising of Microsoft. In addition, the developers completely redesigned the Windows version of an app store, the Microsoft Store, and will allow 3rd-party apps to sell inside it without taking a significant cut.

The amazing and remarkable feature of Windows 11 is that it can run Android smartphone apps through the Amazon app store. In addition, early adopters of Windows 11 reported that the default search function of the latest release is significantly faster on most devices. However, it favors its own services of Microsoft, such as the Edge Browser and Bing, while delivering web results.

Upgrade Time to Windows 11

For gamers, Microsoft vows that its new drive technology, Direct Storage, will lead to much better leading times in games by allowing a graphics card to access storage drives instead of going through the central processor, which results in the best game performance. However, that feature needs newer hardware to work. Consequently, not every computer will see all the possible advantages to upgrading – and some devices may not be able to upgrade at all.

The minimum requirement of Windows 11 includes a type of security chip – called a TPM – only installed on modern computers. Microsoft adds that if a user’s device doesn’t meet these requirements, you may not be able to install Windows 11 on their device and might want to consider buying a new personal computer.

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