Microsoft has today announced the rollout of Windows 11. This is the latest major OS update by the company and with it comes a number of new features to the popular OS.
With Windows 11, Microsoft has changed some aspects of the design offering a much cleaner interface with additional multitasking features. In addition to this, the company says the new operating system also offers improvements in performance over its predecessor.
Not everyone will be able to upgrade to Windows 11 but before we get to the details of that, let us look at some of the new features it comes with.
What is New with Windows 11?
The design is one of the key changes with Windows 11 having a modern design with rounded corners on windows and context menus. The start menu is at the centre of the taskbar by default.
Windows 11 also has Snap layout to help arrange windows where you want them to be. This will help improve multitasking as it makes the whole process smooth. Snap groups will collect your apps so that you will be able to minimize them together when you disconnect from a multi-monitor setup and restored when you reconnect.
Some of the other notable updates include:
- Chat from Microsoft Teams is integrated into the taskbar.
- Widgets provide a new personalised feed powered by AI.
- Enhanced gaming support with DirectX12 Ultimate, DirectStorage, and Auto HDR.
- Redesigned Microsoft Store that is faster to navigate.
- Accessibility improvements are built for and by people with disabilities.
- New developer tools and more open access to the Microsoft Store for developers.
- Optimisations for speed, efficiency, and better experiences with touch, digital pen, and voice input.
Can you Install Windows 11 on your PC?
The most important question is, can you run Windows 11 on your PC? If you have a PC with a processor from the last four years, chances are high that you will be able to run Windows 11 with no issues. If you have an older PC though, you may not be able at this point.
According to Microsoft, these are the requirements you need to run Windows 11:
- 64-bit processor with 1GHz or faster clock speed and two or more cores (Intel 8th gen or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or later)
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB storage space
- DirectX 12 graphics card with WDDM 2.0 driver
- UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- Trusted Platform Module (TMP) version 2.0
- 9-inch or larger display with 720p resolution, 8 bits per colour channel
- Internet Connection for Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Home in S mode.
If you want to confirm if your PC can run Windows 11, you can check that here.
Windows 11 Availability
Windows 11 will be rolled out it stages for all compatible devices within the coming months. You will get a prompt to download it as an update when it is available for your device.
The update will be free for those who own genuine Windows 10. Those on earlier Windows versions will have to update to Windows 10 first before they can get Windows 11.
Read: Microsoft to Remove Adobe Flash in July From Windows 10