In the past, Microsoft has suffered greatly from radical Windows redesigns; Windows 8 is the worst example. However, after using Windows 11 myself, I’ve discovered that even though the interface looks very different, figuring out how to use it doesn’t take long. It’s a good thing (though nearly impossible, considering how many people react to change) that Microsoft Chief Product Officer Panos Panay expressed a desire not to alienate longtime Windows enthusiasts at its introduction event.
On October 4, 2021, the new operating system became available to PC users as an upgrade. You should check to see if your computer can run Windows 11 before making the upgrade. Microsoft states that the rollout will continue until mid-2022 while the various PC hardware and software configurations are verified for compatibility. For news and advice on Windows 11, keep an eye on PCMag’s page. Let’s now begin our examination of the most significant additions and modifications.
Windows 11 Has a New Look:
The Start button is still to the left of the other app icons, even though the Taskbar icons are now centered and smaller than in Chrome OS. Like macOS, Windows has neatly rounded corners. The Taskbar buttons that are always narrow continue to bother me. Wide taskbar buttons for open apps and narrow app icons for pinned apps are available in Windows 10. But since opening an app from the Start Menu doesn’t require dragging the mouse across the entire screen, the centered design might just win me over.
The clean icon design, animations, and transparency are more subdued and signify a development of the Fluent Design System, which although promised in Windows 10 never really took off.
Touch, Pen, and Voice Improvements:
Windows 11 makes significant strides in improving input methods, particularly for users who rely on touchscreens, digital pens, and voice commands.
- Improved Touch Gestures: For touchscreen users, Windows 11 introduces smoother touch gestures and improved responsiveness. The system is better optimized for tablets and 2-in-1 devices, allowing for easier multitasking and navigation.
- Enhanced Pen Support: Digital pen users will benefit from enhanced features, including haptic feedback that mimics the feel of writing on paper. This makes digital writing and drawing more intuitive and natural.
- Voice Typing: Voice typing has been improved, with more accurate dictation and the ability to insert punctuation automatically. This feature is especially helpful for users who need hands-free input options.
New System Requirements and Rollout:
While Windows 11 introduces many exciting features, it also comes with stricter system requirements compared to its predecessor. Windows 11 is optimized for modern hardware and requires certain specifications, including:
- 64-bit processor
- 4 GB of RAM
- 64 GB of storage
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2. x
- TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot capable