It’s official: Windows 11 is coming.
Microsoft announced the follow-up to Windows 10 earlier today at their “What’s Next for Windows” event.
This reveal comes after screenshots of the much-anticipated OS leaked online last week, along with the software itself. A cursory look at Microsoft’s breakdown of the OS should tell you that the official OS and the leaked OS are pretty much the same.
Windows 11 sees Microsoft overhauling the OS’s user interface and incorporating elements from Xbox and other Microsoft marquee products. This overhaul is primarily focused on simplifying the software, welcoming a new Windows Store, and improving performance and multitasking functions.
As seen in the leak last week, Windows 11 looks a lot like the canceled Windows 10X.
The new Start menu and the updated Start button appear in a taskbar that now lies at the bottom center of the screen. The new Start Menu also does away with the Live Tiles initially introduced in Windows 8 and goes for a more no-frills launcher that you would probably find in Chrome OS or Android.
From an aesthetic standpoint, the interface also features more rounded corners; very MacOS-like.
What’s also worth noting is that all Windows 11 updates will be 40% smaller, and more importantly, happen in the background. This improves overall performance and also ensures that you’re not pestered with update requests while you’re busy working.
For Microsoft, Windows 11 is the medium that will merge the Xbox and PC gaming worlds.
The OS includes several features that have been deployed in the Xbox Series consoles, especially Auto HDR, which adjusts color balance in older games to make them look better on new-gen hardware.
Windows 11 will also come with Xbox Game Pass pre-installed, potentially making seamless integration of games on multiple platforms possible.
What’s more, Xbox apps will not be the only apps coming to Windows 11.
In a surprise announcement, Microsoft also revealed that the new OS would support Android apps available on the new redesigned Microsoft Store. In addition, Microsoft Teams, the company’s business communications platform, will also be available to use directly from the Task Bar.
This will enable Windows 11 users to text or chat with anyone on Microsoft Teams, regardless of whether they use a Windows, Android, or iOS device.
Current users on Windows 10 will be able to upgrade to the new OS for free. Microsoft is planning to launch a closed beta on June 28 and a full release later this year.
First, however, Windows 10 users will have to make sure that their machines have the required specs to handle Windows 11. You can check out the system requirements for the new OS by clicking here.
Those whose machines don’t make the cut for Windows 11 need not worry. Microsoft will provide official support for Windows 10 until 2025.
About Microsoft
Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, Microsoft is an American MNC that creates, licenses, supports and sells computers, software, electronics, video games, and corresponding services.
Some of the most popular titles in the world, like Age of Empires, Forza, Gears of War, Halo, Minecraft, Microsoft Solitaire, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and State of Decay, have been developed and published by Microsoft.
Microsoft is also known for establishing the famous console brand Xbox, along with the video game subscription Xbox Game Pass.
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