Buzz
I've upgraded to Windows 11 Insider Preview through Microsoft's official Dev Channel, and the build from Microsoft itself has notable differences compared to the previously leaked version. Almost everything introduced by Microsoft in the June 24 event is now present in this Insider Preview. Here are the changes in Windows 11 Insider Preview compared to the earlier leaked version. Share your thoughts in the comments if you've downloaded and experienced it.How to Download Windows 11 Insider Preview?
To experience the Windows 11 Insider Preview early, you need to have a Microsoft Insider Program account. If you don't have one yet, you can go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program and sign up to explore the experimental builds.After registration, choose the Dev Channel because currently, Microsoft only releases this Insider Preview for the Dev Channel. For those wondering if their computer can run Windows 11 Insider Preview, boldly register for the Insider Program, select the Dev Channel, and then check for updates to try your luck. Note that this is a very early build, very new, and certainly will have many bugs. If you only have one working computer, it's better to wait at least until Microsoft releases Windows 11 Insider Preview in the Beta channel. For now, you can take a look at my overview of the new Windows 11 😁.Start Menu
The revamped Action Center is a visual delight compared to the leaked version—simpler, more elegant, featuring sliders for volume and screen brightness. Quick controls on the Action Center have undergone a redesign, with fewer, rounded buttons, giving it an overall much-improved appearance.
Furthermore, the Notifications area is now completely separate from the Action Center, no longer sharing the same space as in the previous Windows 10 version. Users might find it a bit disorienting initially, but it enhances the clarity of the notification area, making it more visually appealing without being overshadowed by the Action Center below. The Calendar app now occupies the former position of the Action Center.Settings/Control Panel
Experience the all-new Settings, a definite transformation from the leaked version. Settings undergo a complete overhaul with redesigned interface, fresh icons, and a reorganized layout. Major setting categories are now on the left, while expansive customization options are on the right. The new design embraces rounded and elevated elements for a modern look.
Within the revamped Settings, users can now personalize themes, choosing from a variety of colors curated by Microsoft or setting their own wallpapers and colors based on personal preferences. The leaked wallpapers from the previous Windows 11 build align perfectly with this Insider edition.
In the updated Settings, tablet users utilizing on-screen keyboards can now switch between vibrant themes, adding a youthful and standout touch with a spectrum of colors.
Here is the virtual keyboard layout when using Windows 11 in tablet mode.
A Completely Revamped File Explorer
The much-anticipated change that everyone has been waiting for has finally come. The File Explorer now looks simpler, with fewer buttons and fewer unnecessary features on the screen. The icon set resembles the previous leaked version, but the ribbon bar has been streamlined significantly, retaining only the essential and necessary features.
The revamped right-click menu in File Explorer brings a breath of fresh air with intuitive icons, making it easier for users to navigate. File Explorer has truly embraced modernity, leaving the old, clunky interface far behind.Microsoft Store remains unchanged; no luck installing Android apps yet.
Microsoft Store takes center stage in Windows 11, boasting a more cohesive interface. While the anticipation for running Android apps and a 0% developer fee adds allure, this Insider Preview disappoints as the Store retains its old look with no discernible changes.After attempting to download an APK file and proceed with the installation, I encountered difficulties. It seems that the Store remains unchanged and lacks integration with the Amazon App Store. Therefore, installing Android applications poses challenges. I will further investigate this matter and share updates with everyone later.UPDATE: A new Microsoft Store appeared after restarting my device. The updated Microsoft Store boasts a more appealing interface compared to the old version, with a wider array of apps available. Despite the improvements, I still face challenges installing Android apps on my ROG Flow X13 running Windows 11. I will continue my research and keep everyone informed.
Snap functions well in dividing the active windows (excluding File Explorer and some third-party apps)
Windows Insider Preview introduces a fantastic Snap feature, allowing seamless window management. This feature works smoothly with most native Windows apps, except for a few third-party applications using their own graphic rendering (such as Telegram, Franz). Users can easily utilize Snap by simply hovering over the maximize button. Grouping windows is also reliable, and I haven't encountered any issues as of the time of writing this experience.Ironically, Snap doesn't cooperate with File Explorer, possibly due to being in the Insider Preview version, leading to some lingering bugs.Introducing Widgets
In the realm of Windows 11 Insider Preview, Widgets have made a grand return without much alteration from the leaked version. Microsoft, after a considerable hiatus, reintroduces Widgets, transforming them into a data source for users to effortlessly track and grasp fresh information. Unfortunately, opening a widget restricts any additional launch of applications or windows.What's fresh in Windows 11 Insider Preview?
The revamped design of the battery monitoring interface is a sight to behold, radiating sheer beauty.
The Storage interface flaunts a fresh look, with nearly every index in the Settings adorned in a new attire.In Windows 11, we also welcome a symphony of new sounds—from startup melodies to notification tunes and the echoes of changes. Customizable in settings, these sounds dynamically respond to user interactions, enhancing the operating system's daily user experience. Furthermore, the transition effects and animations in Windows 11 have undergone a significant makeover—smoother, more graceful, eliminating the jerky transitions that plagued Windows 10. This is a crucial change directly impacting users' daily usage, bringing Windows 11 closer to, if not surpassing, the visual finesse of macOS.Upon a swift exploration of Windows 11, I've observed a deliberate effort to break away from the clunky and outdated aesthetics of previous Windows versions—those rigid interfaces and lifeless effects. The disappearance of Live Tiles doesn't leave much nostalgia, as it served limited purposes on PCs compared to its heyday on Windows Phones. Its replacement with a more modern, softer interface successfully fills the void left by Live Tiles.If you find yourself using a laptop with a CPU predating 2018 and aspire to upgrade to Windows 11, boldly enroll in the Insider Program. Simply check for updates to see if your machine is eligible. Interestingly, many users with Intel 6th generation CPUs (equipped with TPM 2.0) have successfully joined the Windows 11 Insider Program. Wishing you all the best, and feel free to share any new experiences with Windows 11 in the comments below.
