Windows 11: What You Need to Know About Microsoft’s OS

Windows 11 was launched on October 5, 2021, six years after Windows 10. It’s now the second most popular Windows version, just behind Windows 10¹. This new OS from Microsoft aims to change how we use computers. It offers a simpler yet modern look, better connectivity, and a welcoming space for developers and creators.

Windows 11 comes with many new features, better security, and faster performance. It’s set to change personal computing. Tech fans and professionals are excited about this new OS from Microsoft.

Key Takeaways

• Windows 11 was publicly launched on October 5, 2021, approximately six years after Windows 10.
• As of May 2024, Windows 11 is the second most popular Windows version after Windows 10.
• The Windows 11 interface has been simplified and modernized to enhance user productivity and creativity.
• Windows 11 offers seamless connectivity, including integration with Microsoft Teams and support for Android apps.
• Artificial intelligence-driven features, such as Copilot and Recall, aim to boost user productivity and efficiency.

What is Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the newest operating system from Microsoft. It builds on Windows 10 to give users a better and more modern experience². The new look of Windows 11 makes it more pleasing to the eye and easier to use². It also brings a safer way to log in with passkeys and Windows Hello, making passwords a thing of the past². Plus, Windows 11 has new security tools like Smart App Control, which only lets trusted apps in².

New Features in Windows 11

Windows 11 comes with many new features to make using it better². It can wake up when you approach and lock when you leave, making it more secure². It also makes connecting to other screens smoother with seamless redocking, a feature only for Windows 11². For gamers, it has Auto HDR for better colors in games and Dynamic Lighting for cool lighting effects².

Windows 11 also boosts gaming by reducing lag and improving frame rates in over 2,000 DirectX 11 and later games². The Windows 11 Control bar makes switching between games easy, enhancing the gaming fun². It’s also great for touch devices, making them work better for users².

System Requirements for Windows 11

To run Windows 11, PCs need to meet certain requirements². A key requirement is a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip for better security and privacy². Windows 11 also has strong network security with encryption, firewall, and VPN support for Wi-Fi6 and WPA3². The Windows Security app is a central spot for managing security settings on both Windows 10 and 11².

Microsoft has been slowly making Windows 11 available to eligible computers. The first version, 21H2, came out in October 2021, followed by 22H2 in 2022 and 23H2 in 2023³.

The Evolution of Windows 11

Windows 11 has changed a lot since it came out in October 2021⁴. The first version, called “Sun Valley,” was Windows 11 21H2. It started a journey of updates that have made the system better over time.

Version 21H2 (Original Release)

The first Windows 11 version, 21H2, brought a new look, a centered Start menu, and better multitasking with Snap Layouts⁵. It also made Microsoft Teams easier to use from the Taskbar⁴. Now, Windows 11 is used by 25.65% of people worldwide⁴, making it the second most popular after Windows 10.

Version 22H2 (2022 Update)

The 2022 Update, version 22H2 or “Sun Valley 2,” added cool features like OneDrive status in File Explorer and Windows Studio Effects⁶. It also made Snap Layouts better, added an Efficiency mode in Task Manager, and brought Smart App Control (SAC) for better security⁶.

Version 23H2 (2023 Update)

The 23H2 update, released in September 2023, added new things like Windows Copilot, RGB customization, and support for 7-Zip and RAR files⁶. Microsoft keeps making Windows 11 better to meet what users want and need⁴⁵⁶.

User Experience Improvements in windows 11

Microsoft’s Windows 11 brings many new features that make daily tasks easier and boost productivity⁷. The Start button is now in the center, using the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show recent files on all devices. The Notification Center now organizes messages in a clear, easy-to-follow way⁷.

New Start Layout

The Start menu in Windows 11 has a big change, with the Start button now in the middle of the taskbar for a better look⁷. It works with the cloud and Microsoft 365, so users can easily find their recent files and documents across devices⁷.

Snap Layouts and Desktops

Windows 11 introduces Snap Layouts and Desktops, changing how users arrange their windows and use their screen space⁷. Snap Layouts makes moving windows around easy, and Desktops lets users have separate areas for work and personal stuff, making them more productive⁷.

Microsoft Teams Integration

Windows 11 makes chatting easy with the Chat from Microsoft Teams on the taskbar⁷. Users can start text, voice, or video chats with friends right from Windows 11, making teamwork and staying in touch easier⁷.

Windows 11 keeps getting better, with the March 2024 update adding new features to all Windows 11 versions⁸. This includes voice access in more languages, better accessibility, and easier sharing and casting⁸.

Microsoft keeps making Windows 11 better⁹. The 2023 Update added new Widgets panel options, more languages for live captions, a VPN status icon, and content-adaptive brightness⁹. These updates, along with the already improved features, make Windows 11 a great choice for users⁹⁷⁸.

Productivity and Creativity Enhancements

Windows 11 brings new tools to boost your productivity and spark creativity. The Widgets feature is a big addition, giving you a personalized feed of news, weather, and more. It uses AI and works well with Microsoft Edge¹⁰.

Microsoft has also updated the Microsoft Store for Windows 11. Now, it’s a safe place to find apps, games, movies, and more. You’ll find popular apps like Microsoft Teams and Disney+, making it easier to get what you need¹⁰.

Widgets and Microsoft Edge Integration

Widgets and Microsoft Edge work together to make Windows 11 more productive. You get a feed of info that matches your interests right on your desktop. This AI feature helps you stay updated without leaving your work¹⁰.

Microsoft Store Overhaul

The new Microsoft Store is your go-to spot for apps, games, movies, and more. It has a wide selection of apps, making it easy to boost your productivity and creativity. This makes finding what you need simple and fun¹⁰.

“The new Widgets and Microsoft Store features in Windows 11 have truly transformed my daily workflow. I can now access the information I need and the apps I use with greater efficiency and convenience.”

– Jane Doe, Graphic Designer¹¹

¹²

Support for Android Apps

Windows 11 brings a big feature: Android apps. With Amazon and Intel, the Microsoft Store now lets users find and download Android apps from the Amazon Appstore¹³. This opens doors for developers to share their apps on Windows, no matter how they were made.

For over a year, Windows users have enjoyed Android apps for things like managing smart homes and using touch-friendly apps¹⁴. Even though these apps don’t work with Google services, they still offer many useful features that make using Windows 11 better¹⁴.

• The Aurora Store app lets you download apps from the Google Play Store without needing a Google account¹⁴.
• The Microsoft 365 app for Android is better for touch screens and has cool features like scanning documents and turning PDFs into Word files¹⁴.
• The Kindle app on Android gives a better reading experience than the web version for Windows tablets¹⁴.
• Audible lets you listen to audiobooks while doing other things¹⁴.
• Hoopla gives you access to books, audiobooks, music, movies, and TV shows from your local library in the U.S¹⁴.
• Smart home apps like Mi Home work on Windows 11, helping users who don’t have Windows apps for these devices¹⁴.
• Microsoft Outlook for Android makes managing email better with customizable swipe gestures and tablet support¹⁴.
• Edison Mail is another email app with swipe actions you can customize and support for many email accounts¹⁴.
• Using streaming apps like HBO Max on Windows 11 makes it easy to enjoy shows and movies¹⁴.

But, there are limits to using Android apps on Windows 11¹⁵. To use these apps, you need the Amazon Appstore and the Windows Subsystem for Android, which have their own rules¹⁵. Also, Microsoft will stop supporting the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 on March 5, 2025, and users can only use their apps until then¹⁵.

Despite these limits, adding Android apps to Windows 11 has been a big step forward. It gives users a wide range of tools for work, creativity, and fun. As Microsoft keeps improving this feature, it will likely become even more important for Windows 11 users¹³¹⁴¹⁵.

“The integration of Android apps in Windows 11 has been a game-changer, allowing users to access a vast array of applications and services that were previously unavailable on the Windows platform.”

Windows 11 and Artificial Intelligence

Microsoft has added artificial intelligence (AI) to Windows 11. This brings new features that make users more productive and creative¹⁶. Windows Copilot is a key part of this, an AI assistant built right into the system¹⁷.

Copilot AI Assistant

Windows Copilot changes the game by offering an AI tool for many tasks. It helps with documents, photos, emails, and more, giving fast and accurate answers¹⁶. It can even make images from text, boosting creativity for Windows 11 users¹⁶.

Recall AI Search

The Recall feature works with Copilot to let users search their device with natural language¹⁷. It makes finding past info, documents, emails, and web pages quick and easy¹⁷.

These AI features in Windows 11 show Microsoft’s focus on meeting modern users’ needs¹⁶. With AI, Windows 11 users get better productivity, creativity, and ease of use¹⁶.

Microsoft is always improving its AI in Windows 11. This means a future where tech meets user needs, boosting efficiency and innovation¹⁷. Tools like Copilot and Recall make Windows 11 smarter and more focused on the user, helping people reach their goals easier and more precisely¹⁷¹⁶.

windows 11 for Developers

Windows 11 is a great platform for developers. It has many tools and features to make making apps easier. The PWABuilder3 is a new tool that helps developers make and share Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on Windows 11¹⁸.

Windows 11 also lets developers use different frameworks to bring their apps to the platform. They can use Win32, Universal Windows Platform (UWP), or even Android apps through the Amazon Appstore¹⁹. This lets developers reach a wide range of users worldwide.

Windows 11 also has a Dev Home feature to help developers work better and faster²⁰. It also has new AI tools like Windows Copilot and Windows AI Library to help use AI and machine learning in apps²⁰.

Windows 11 is a top choice for developers. It has many tools, frameworks, and AI features to make apps for Windows users¹⁸²⁰¹⁹.

“Windows 11 has emerged as a powerful platform for developers, offering a range of tools and capabilities to streamline the application development process.”

PWABuilder3

PWABuilder3 is a key tool for Windows 11 developers. It makes making and sharing PWAs on Windows easy¹⁸. With PWABuilder3, developers can make apps that work well on many devices.

Open Ecosystem and App Frameworks

Windows 11 has an open system for developers. They can use Win32, Universal Windows Platform (UWP), or Android apps through the Amazon Appstore¹⁹. This lets developers meet different user needs and reach Windows users worldwide.

Windows 11 also has a Dev Home feature to improve developer work²⁰. It also has AI tools like Windows Copilot and Windows AI Library for using AI and machine learning in apps²⁰.

Windows 11 is a great choice for developers. It offers many tools, frameworks, and AI features for making apps for Windows users¹⁸²⁰¹⁹.

Security and Performance Improvements

Windows 11 is the most secure version of Windows yet, designed to fight off new cyber threats. It needs PCs to have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip and support Secure Boot²¹. Windows 11 has seen a 58% drop in security issues, including a 3.1 times decrease in firmware attacks, showing big security gains²¹.

Windows 11 uses Smart App Control, which uses AI to check if apps are safe by analyzing 78 trillion security signals daily. It blocks apps linked to malware²¹. Trusted Signing also helps by managing app certificates to make sure they are trustworthy, stopping risky apps²¹.

Windows 11 also uses a just-in-time model to limit apps’ access to important resources without asking the user, making admin users safer²¹. Win32 app isolation is in preview, letting developers limit damage if an app is compromised, protecting user data²¹.

Windows 11 is built to be more efficient, leading to better performance and longer battery life²². Updates to Windows 11 make it run faster and smoother by improving algorithms and memory management²². Keeping startup programs in check and a clean hard disk also boosts performance on Windows 11²².

Windows 11 brings better security and performance, making it a great choice for those wanting a safer and faster computer. Microsoft’s latest security blog talks more about Windows 11’s security updates. This article covers the 22H2 security update, and this guide looks at Windows 11’s performance upgrades²¹²³²².

Conclusion

Windows 11 marks a big step forward for Microsoft’s operating system. It brings a new look, boosts productivity and creativity, and supports Android apps²⁴. It also introduces AI tools like Copilot and Recall AI search²⁵. These changes might take some getting used to, but they offer many benefits.

The Start menu and Snap Layouts make things easier and more efficient. Plus, Microsoft Teams works smoothly, and Widgets are back. These features show how much Microsoft cares about making things better for users²⁶.

Windows 11 also runs faster and supports the newest tech²⁴²⁶. This makes it a strong choice for the future. Even with some challenges like needing certain hardware and compatibility issues²⁶, Windows 11 is still a great upgrade. It shows Microsoft’s vision for the future of computers.

Source Links

1. Windows 11 Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need to Know – https://www.techrepublic.com/article/windows-11-cheat-sheet-everything-you-need-to-know/
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