Today is the day when Microsoft will finally show us the next generation of Windows. Microsoft is hosting a dedicated launch event, where it will announce Windows 11. It’s safe to assume we will learn a whole lot more about the next version of Windows, the world’s most popular desktop operating system.
The livestream has begun on the Microsoft website with the company’s chief product officer Panos Panay on stage talking about the next generation of Windows. Windows 11 has a new Start menu and a centered taskbar will be a part of the revamped user interface.
Microsoft is also introducing Snap layouts to help users with multi-tasking on Windows 11. The new generation of Windows will also be more touch friendly, according to the presentation. Teams integration is coming directly to Windows 11. Users will be able to call anyone, video call anyone; it will not matter if the other user is on a different device, even a Mac.
Will the upgrade to Windows 11 be free?
Everyone wants to know if Windows 11 will be a free upgrade or not. We still don't know. However, it is likely to be a free upgrade. The original consumer edition of Windows 10 was announced as a free upgrade, if we recall correctly. Users of Windows 7 and Windows 8 were able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free, however Microsoft limited the free upgrade to a one-year period.
The Start Menu has moved to the center as we saw in the leaks. Windows 11 feels like a complete design overhaul. The dock bar at the bottom feels very much like we what get on Macs.
Two apps can be used side-by-side. Windows 11 is also more touch friendly. Snap layouts lets users choose from different layouts when opening multiple apps on Windows 11. Windows will remember the layouts you choose and keep in mind for later. Snap Groups will remember the apps you were using before an email or call disrupted your work.
Support for Dark Mode can be found in Windows 11 where the main elements of the UI such as Start Menu, File Explorer, Context Menu can be available with rounded corners. With the new update, a new Windows logo can also be launched. Recently some of its photos were leaked, which revealed that the new logo will be presented with a new Sun Valley design theme with blue color.
To help you be more productive and creative, we've simplified the design and user experience. It's modern, fresh, tidy, and lovely. Everything was done with the purpose of putting you in control and bringing a sense of peace and ease, from the new Start button and taskbar to each sound, typeface, and icon.
Start is now in the centre, making it easier to discover what you need immediately. Start makes use of the cloud and Microsoft 365 to display your recent files regardless of what platform or device you were viewing them on previously, including Android and iOS devices.
Windows has always aimed to make it easier for you to work the way you choose by allowing you to open numerous windows and snap apps together. Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Desktops are new features in Windows 11 that provide you even more control over how you multitask and remain on top of your tasks.
Faster way to connect to the people you care about
These are new tools that will help you manage your windows and maximise your screen real estate so you can view all you need in a visually appealing layout. You may also build different Desktops for different aspects of your life and configure them to your desire — for example, a Desktop for work, gaming, and education.
Another important aspect of becoming closer to what you enjoy is getting closer to the people you enjoy. In the last 18 months, we've seen a shift in how we make meaningful digital connections with individuals. Make it easier for individuals to stay in touch with each other no matter where they are, even as we begin to return to more in-person engagement. And we don't want your device or platform to be an impediment.
Delivering the best PC gaming experiences yet
If you're a gamer, Windows 11 is tailor-made for you. Gaming has always been central to the Windows experience. Hundreds of millions of people play games on Windows now, bringing joy and connection to their loved ones and friends. Windows 11 unleashes the full power of your system's hardware, allowing you to take use of some of the most cutting-edge gaming technology.
Such as DirectX 12 Ultimate, which allows for spectacular, immersive graphics at high frame rates; DirectStorage, which allows for faster load times and more complex game worlds; and Auto HDR, which allows for a wider, more vivid range of colours for a genuinely compelling visual experience.
A faster way to get the information you care about
Widgets, a new tailored feed powered by AI and best-in-class browser performance from Microsoft Edge, bring you closer to the news and information you care about faster in Windows 11. We need breaks even when we're at our most concentrated and creative — a time to check in with the outside world or reset our minds.
Frequently check our phones these days to check the news, weather, or notifications. You may now see a similarly personalised experience from your PC. When you open your customised feed, it slides over your screen like a sheet of glass, obstructing your work. Widgets also provide fresh real estate within Windows for producers and publishers to deliver customised content. Our goal is to build a thriving pipeline for both big brands and local creators that benefits both consumers and creators.
An all-new Microsoft Store where your favorite apps and entertainment come together
The new Microsoft Store is your one-stop shop for apps and content that you can use to watch, create, play, work, and learn. It's been rebuilt for speed and has a brand-new, gorgeous, and easy-to-use design. Not only will we bring you more apps than ever before, but we'll also use curated stories and collections to make all content - apps, games, shows, and movies – easier to find and discover.
Delighted to shortly welcome major first- and third-party apps to the Microsoft Store, including Microsoft Teams, Visual Studio, Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom, and Canva, all of which provide fantastic experiences to entertain, inspire, and connect you. When you download an app from the App Store, you must first instal it.
