At the What’s Next for Windows event held on 24/06/2021, Microsoft announced the specific release date for Windows 11 on 5/10. So, what exactly is Windows 11? What are its standout features compared to Windows 10? Let's delve into it.
1. Introducing Windows 11: Release Date and Features
Windows 11 marks the latest operating system for laptops. With this version, users will encounter new functionalities, a fresh interface, and witness a remarkable transformation in the smart features Microsoft developers bring forth. Recently, Microsoft announced the official launch of Windows 11 on 05/10/2021.
2. Editions of Windows 11
As seen in the Windows 11 Beta trial released on 30/07/2021, this new operating system may encompass 11 different Windows editions, including but not limited to: Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Home N, Windows 11 Home Single Language, Windows 11 Education, Windows 11 Education N, Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Pro N, Windows 11 Pro Education, Windows 11 Pro Education N, Windows 11 Pro for Workstations, Windows 11 Pro N for Workstations.
3. Notable New Features of Windows 11 Compared to Windows 10
Fresh Logo: In Windows 10, Microsoft employed a window logo combined with attractive 3D effects. However, in Windows 11, they opted for a simpler approach, utilizing four square shapes arranged to form a window, similar to the company's computer logo.
Revamped Icon System: Users will experience a new collection of icons with bolder and more personalized colors on Windows 11. Except for the File Explorer interface, which remains unchanged, other icons such as Desktop, Download, Document, Music, Pictures, and Videos have been replaced with new icons following the Fluent Design style.
New Icon Repository on Windows 11: Fluent Design is a cross-platform design language released by Microsoft in 2017. When designing the Windows 11 interface with Fluent Design, developers focused on five main elements: Light, Depth, Motion, Material, and Scale.
Refreshed Taskbar and Start Menu: In Windows 11, the Taskbar is sleekly designed with icons centered, and time information positioned at the top right. Additionally, the Microsoft Teams tool is integrated into this taskbar, facilitating quick connections with friends and family through messages, voice calls, or video calls.
Redesigned Action Center and Settings: On Windows 11, icons in the Action Center are arranged closely, rounded, and minimalistic. The volume and screen brightness adjustment sliders have a new attractive design. Furthermore, the Action Center and notification area will be completely separated, aiding users in managing tasks more conveniently.
Action Center on Windows 11
Settings Interface on Windows 11
Snap Feature for Multitasking
Snap Layout only applies to apps available on Windows OS. Users cannot utilize this feature for third-party apps. Microsoft Store allows installation of Android apps.
4. Minimum System Requirements for Updating to Windows 11
To update to Windows 11, your laptop must meet the following system requirements: CPU: Minimum 1 GHz processing speed thanks to 2 cores or more on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on Chip (SoC). RAM: 4 GB. Storage capacity: Minimum 64 GB. System firmware: UEFI, supporting Secure Boot. TPM chip: TPM version 2.0. Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or higher, with WDDM 2.0 driver support. Display screen: Larger than 9 inches, HD resolution (720p). Internet connection: Laptop must have a Microsoft account and be connected to the Internet.
5. Should You Upgrade to Windows 11?
Windows 11 operating system is set to be released by the end of 2021. To ensure data safety and avoid encountering minor issues during usage, users should install the official version instead of using the trial version (Windows 11 Beta). Microsoft will continue to release and support Windows 10 users until the end of 2025. You can continue using the operating system if you find it suitable or upgrade for free to Windows 11 upon its full release.