Windows 11: Here is everything you need to know about Microsoft’s new OS

Dimapur, June 24 (EMN): Six years since the launch of Windows 10, Microsoft has finally unveiled the next version of the Operating System (OS) with Windows 11.

Microsoft launched the new OS through a live stream event today on the company’s website with its chief product officer Panos Panay as host.

Although an unofficial build of Windows 11 was leaked before release, it is nice to see Microsoft finally taking the wraps off the highly anticipated OS. It is frankly a welcome change to see a new Windows OS and we will get to the bottom of all the new stuff that Windows 11 brings.

Windows 11 will be a free upgrade

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 will be available as a free update to existing Windows 10 users. However, the system requirements for Windows 11 has been updated as well. You will need a minimum of 64GB storage and 4GB of RAM to install Windows 11.

Windows 11 gets a centred taskbar like MacOS

As seen in the leaks, Windows 11 definitely has a centred taskbar. Windows 11 feels like a major design overhaul over its predecessor and it will take Windows 10 users some time to adjust to the design changes. You can drag the taskbar to the left side if you want though.

Windows 11 taskbar will integrate Microsoft Teams

Online communications platforms like Microsoft Teams and Google Meet have seen unprecedented growth in usage, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, Microsoft is pushing its Teams platform to the forefront by integrating it directly into the Windows 11 taskbar.

Windows 11 brings massive visual overhaul to Microsoft Store

The new Windows 11 OS brings a massive visual upgrade to the Microsoft Store. The new Microsoft Store will come with updated icons, different layouts and sleeker animations.

Windows 11 will support Android apps

Apart from design changes, Microsoft has announced that the new Windows 11 OS will have support for Android apps. This is huge news as Windows 11‘s compatibility with Android will make it an appealing OS for mobile and touch-centric workflows. Not to mention, the number of Android apps available in the Google Play Store far exceeds that of the Microsoft Store. Enabling cross-platform compatibility is a huge game-changer for Windows 11.

Windows 11 will be more developer-friendly

Microsoft has announced huge changes for developers with the launch of Windows 11. For starters, Microsoft has confirmed that developers can now use their own payment systems or third-party systems to handle in-app purchases on the Microsoft Store. Doing this will allow developers to keep hold of all the revenue with Microsoft promising that it won’t take a cut of those transactions. This is a huge statement by Microsoft against rivals like Apple who take more than 30 per cent of in-app payments on their platforms.

Secondly, developers will no longer have to format Microsoft Store apps in the MSIX format. A simple .EXE will suffice.

Thirdly, Win32 apps will now be accepted by Microsoft Store.

Windows 11 brings Auto HDR and Direct Storage

Microsoft is bringing the Auto HDR feature, first seen on the Xbox Series X and S, to desktops with Windows 11. Similarly, Direct Storage technology from the new Xbox consoles is also heading into the desktop space. This would mean faster loading times while gaming in Windows 11.

Final thoughts

Overall, Windows 11 seems to be a step in the right direction. Microsoft is pushing for Windows 11 to be more flexible and the compatibility with Android is going to have huge implications for the near future. Windows 11 definitely looks and feels like a more mature OS. Sure it brings some much-needed changes but the changes are not that extreme to make Windows 10 users anxious. It is still Windows 10 at its core but on steroids.

Watch this space for more Windows 11 updates.