Compared to Windows 10, here’s what’s new in Windows 11.
Windows 11 has here, and it brings with it a slew of significant changes to the operating system. Aside from offering the basic functionality that has made Windows an industry standard for more than three decades, the new features included in Windows 11 seem to appeal to a broad cross-section of computer users. To learn more about Windows 11, check out our in-depth review.
While discussing childhood homes and favourite locations in the summer of 2021, Microsoft Chief Product Officer Panos Panay said that Microsoft’s new Windows is created for peace and tranquilly. “It’s the fabric that’s sewn into our existence,” Panay remarked of the operating system.
A large portion of Windows 11 is devoted to the idea of continuity and familiarity. Many of the new features in the most recent edition of Windows are essentially the same features seen in the previous version of Windows.
In spite of the fact that Windows 11 may seem familiar, there is still a lot that has changed. Android applications will operate as desktop windowed programmes alongside your familiar programmes, but not immediately – Microsoft is currently fine-tuning that functionality). There are new Snap Layouts and virtual desktops that are better than ever with more options and flexibility.
The newest version of Windows is less crowded, more streamlined, and more straightforward than Microsoft is normally renowned for. From the icons to the toolbar to the typefaces on screen.
From increased gameplay and security to improved battery life owing to system efficiency, there are several improvements beneath the hood to be found in the new version of the tablet. Some of Windows 10’s less-used features will be removed from Windows 11 as well.
Let’s take a look at some of the most significant changes in Windows 11.
It’s time for a new look for Windows.
The aesthetics of Windows 11 are the most striking aspect of the new operating system. A lot has changed since the days of drab boxes and lush green backgrounds. To go along with the new Windows logo and startup sound (which was removed in Windows 8), Microsoft has also included a new set of icons that augment flat designs with gradients of colour and give the otherwise 2D pictures a sense of depth.
One of the most noticeable changes is the more rounded appearance of almost everything. Everything has rounded sides to give it a more refined appearance.
This includes an OS-level dark mode, which allows you to change the colour palette of everything from the desktop wallpaper to menus and programmes to one that’s darker and more muted.
Comparing the taskbars in Windows 10 and Windows 11
The Start menu has been moved to the bottom centre of the screen by default in Windows 11, which is an aesthetically beautiful alteration. In addition, applications on the taskbar have a new design, with utilities represented exclusively by icons that can be pinned to form a fast menu of your most often used tools.
The start menu may be moved to the bottom left corner of the screen in earlier versions of Windows to give them a more nostalgic experience.
The Start menu in Windows 11 and Windows 10
Windows 11 replaces the live tile start menu with a more traditional start menu. Instead of big live tiles for each programme, an intuitive grid of app icons is now available.
As far as I can tell, Microsoft has abandoned their lengthy scrolling list of apps in favour of a more user-friendly arrangement of recommended files and tools.
One-touch reopening of an app not only opens the application you want, but it also brings up your files in exactly the same state as you left them.
Snap Layouts and multitasking in Windows 11 vs Windows 10
You may now arrange your open applications in a grid-based arrangement using Snap Layouts, a feature added to the snap feature in Windows 11. Stacking windows, creating quadrants, and even a triptych, which combines three windows with identical window sizes or a central panel with sidebars ideal for reading feeds and chat applications, have joined the traditional side-by-side window arrangement.
These alternative layouts are based on the dimensions of your screen and the aspect ratio and resolution of the monitor you’re using. You don’t have to reshuffle windows when you dock and undock your laptop thanks to multi-monitor screen management.
A single click brings back groups of windows so that you may get back to work straight away.
Microsoft has also upgraded virtual desktops, and now you may have as many of them as you’d like. Using virtual desktops, you may set up distinct work, school, and gaming environments. The ability to organise projects and apps for easy switching is provided by several desktop choices.
Microsoft Windows 11 versus Microsoft Windows 10: Touch, pen, and voice
New features in Windows 11 seem to have been developed with mobile device users in mind, as seen by the enhancements to input methods. When you don’t have a keyboard or mouse, Microsoft has updated the interface such that it works better when you don’t have access to either.
Windows 11’s larger touch targets and visual signals for window resizing and movement will be welcomed by touch screen users. If you currently utilise trackpad gestures, the new touchscreen gestures will be more consistent. In addition, a redesigned on-screen keyboard includes thumb-friendly choices and an emoji shortcut menu.
Using a pen or stylus should also be more pleasant due to increased haptic feedback, and voice input — without the need for additional software — delivers not just speech typing but also improved voice recognition and automated punctuation as well as voice typing. Using “comma” and “exclamation point” correctly is no longer a source of stress or embarrassment.
Widgets in Windows 11 and Windows 10
A wide range of live updates and recommendations are provided by the Windows 11 Widget collection. These include anything from calendar events to weather conditions to tailored news and article choices. Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to construct a collection that includes anything from task lists and traffic reports to book recommendations based on your current location and preferences.
Using a slide-out panel on the left-hand side of the screen, widgets may be accessed either partially or completely across the screen, depending on how much space they take up on your desktop. Forget about launching new windows to go back to what you were doing; the whole widget interface is on a transparent pane.
Widgets won’t have much of an impact at first. Most of the ones that will be accessible in Windows 11’s launch are plain and few in number, at least based on our testing of Windows 11.
Android applications are now available for Windows 11 and Windows 10. (eventually)
It was one of the most anticipated additions to Windows 11 this summer when it was revealed that Android apps will be supported. As part of Windows 11, Android users will be able to utilise Snap Layouts, as well as touch, keyboard, and mouse to interact with the desktop version of the app. And you’d be able to add applications to the taskbar and start menu, just like other programmes, so that they’d become an integral part of your daily routine.
To put it another way, that’s what I wanted. Android app compatibility is still missing from Windows 11. Microsoft, on the other hand, is still working on this functionality in beta. There’s a chance we won’t see it for another year.
This relationship with the Amazon App Store raises a few issues regarding what Android applications will be accessible and if there are methods to run apps from other sources on the Windows Store when Android compatibility finally arrives (like, Google Play). The good news is that owing to Intel Bridge technology, all of the Android applications you may download will work on your laptop, desktop, or Windows tablet.
It’s time for a fresh start with Windows 11 vs Windows 10.
Microsoft Teams Chat is now part of the taskbar in Windows 11, making it easier for users to communicate online. Additionally, Teams is now included as part of Windows, making it available to everyone for free. Other platforms and devices can use it, too. Even if you’re talking to a buddy on an iPhone, the device agnostic approach should make it much simpler to transition between desktop and mobile.
Comparison of Windows 11 vs. 10: Gaming improvements
Windows 11 should improve PC gaming as well. High-speed gaming will benefit from DirectX 12 support and Auto HDR will make it easier to run HDR upgrades without having to fiddle around with graphics card settings or change every time you wish to switch displays.
Xbox Game Pass received a lot of attention from Microsoft as well, although the majority of the game selections and features, such as cross-platform play between PC and console, seem to be existing.
Microsoft Windows 11 vs. Microsoft Windows 10:
In addition to new features and interface modifications, Microsoft has touted the operating system’s improved speed. With Windows Hello, the firm promises that users may log in more quickly, wake up from sleep more quickly, and browse the web more quickly.
The business promises that Windows updates would be 40% smaller, and that they will take place in the background. We’ll have to wait and see whether this is true when the updates are released. Laptops and tablets should benefit from Windows 11’s improved efficiency and longer battery life.