After almost five long years of Windows 10, Microsoft has finally taken a leap with the next iteration of its OS aka the Windows 11. Yes, Microsoft has finally announced the new Windows 11 OS today. The new Windows 11 will take a major shift to touch-based Windows devices and gives more features with some additional customization.
So let us start with the new features or changes that come with the new Windows 11 OS.
New Task Bar and Start Key:
Microsoft has finally done some UI changes this time with the new Windows 11 which gets us the new Taskbar along with the start button. Yes, the new Taskbar is more simplified and looks similar to Windows 10 but gets all-new icons which are the new additions.
Further, the Start Key has now been moved to the center from the left end which has found on each iteration of Windows till Windows 10. So this might be a welcome change as it helps users to reach and also gets easier to quickly find what you need. It can even show your Microsoft 365 account files no matter if it was last seen on iOS or Android.
New Multi-tasking features aka Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Desktops:
The new Windows 11 will also come with an all-new multitasking tray that allows multiple apps to run side by side based on different layouts. Yes, Windows 11 will introduce a new multitasking feature with Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Desktops. The new features will help to use each part of the screen to run multiple apps at a time. One can even create and separate Desktops based on the apps being used for work, gaming, or school.
Chats by Microsoft Teams:
Further, Windows 11 also gets a dedicated Messaging app which has been integrated with Microsoft Teams. Yes, it’s called simply Chats By Microsoft Teams. One can instantly connect through text, chat, voice or video with all of your personal contacts, anywhere, no matter the platform or device they’re on, across Windows, Android, or iOS.
If the person trying to connect has not installed the Teams app can still connect with them via two-way SMS. This app is directly integrated within the Taskbar for faster replies and also instantly mute and unmute, or start presenting directly from the taskbar.
Widgets:
The major feature which we spotted on the Windows 11 is the new Widgets bar which was missing since Windows 7. Now it’s back in an all-new avatar that reminds us of MacOS. Yes, Microsoft has made a separate dock that can hold all your widgets and is located towards the left end of the desktop. It uses a personalized feed powered by AI.
New Microsoft Store:
With the new Windows 11 all your favorite apps, movies, games can be found on a single app with the new Microsoft Store. Microsoft has also managed to bring some major apps to Microsoft Store with Microsoft Teams, Visual Studio, Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom, and Canva.
Finally, Microsoft has managed to bring the Android Apps compatibility directly to Windows 11 with the help of the Amazon App Store.
Windows 11 will be available through a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs beginning this holiday. To check if your current Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11, visit Windows.com to download the PC Health Check app.
