Windows 10 has arrived with a revolutionary upgrade.
After being revealed during Microsoft’s big event on June 24, Windows 11 is now available, featuring a new design and more.
While an early version had leaked before, revealing the new appearance and name, we finally got to view everything in an official role, with the Insider Build following shortly after.
The new Microsoft Store has also received a lot of attention, with loosened restrictions and the Amazon App Store going to it as well, so that you can download TikTok if you like.
There’s still some uncertainty about what Windows 11 requires for your PC, mostly owing to a component called TPM, but it seems like Microsoft is working into it.
With that in mind, here’s what we know about Windows 11, including the release date, new features, and more.
Table of Contents
Let’s get right to the point
- What exactly is it? The successor to Windows 10 is Windows 11.
- When will it be released? Late October is most likely.
- How much does it set you back? Free
When will Windows 11 be released?
Microsoft has said that Windows 11 release date will be available “this holiday season,” implying that it would be released somewhere between late November and Christmas.
The new operating system will also get an annual upgrade, similarly to Apple’s efforts with macOS.
While Microsoft provided a tool to determine if your desktop PC or laptop would be able to run Windows 11, it was found to be flawed, yielding incorrect results for devices that would be able to run the upgrade without issue.
Now, another tool has been developed that provides considerably more information about whether or not you are qualified for PC.
Microsoft seems to be hinting at a release date for Windows 11 in October. Countless screenshots show October 20 as the date, with comments stating that many people are looking forward to “turning it up to 11 in October!”
How to Download Windows 11
We have a helpful tutorial on how to download the test version, dubbed 22000.51 for Windows Insiders on the development or beta channel, now that Microsoft has published it.
However, if your PC fits the criteria, the best place to start would be to make sure it’s registered in Microsoft’s Insider Program.
However, since there are still a number of minor problems, we recommend running it on a PC that isn’t your primary system.
Minimum Requirements
The question of that which devices are suitable for Windows 11 has sparked a lot of debate. Others are just wondering whether they need to replace their PC or laptop soon, regardless of the TPM requirements.
For the time being, Microsoft has announced the update’s prerequisites, but they may change as we get closer to the release date and Microsoft considers user input.
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster on a suitable 64-bit processor or SoC with at least two cores
- 4 GB RAM
- 64 GB of storage
- System Firmware: UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), Secure Boot support
- TPM 2.0: stands for Trusted Platform Module.
- Graphics card: WDDM 2.0 driver with DirectX 12 or later
- Display: At least 9-inch diagonal, 720p, 8-bit per color channel
- Microsoft Account and Internet Connection: To complete the initial, first-use setup of Windows 11 Home, or to move a device out of Windows 11 Home in S-mode, you’ll need an active internet connection and a Microsoft Account.
- Railway Computer: Shock resistance and numerous analogue or digital I/O to receive monitoring and surveillance signals from cameras, for example, are common features among railway computer.
What is the price of Windows 11?
Existing Windows users will be able to download, install, and activate Windows 11 for free; but, you’ll need to be online to download, install, and activate Home editions, and If you want to use Microsoft Store apps or services on your PC or tablet, you’ll need a Microsoft account.
So far, Microsoft has published the hardware requirements for Windows 11, but there is some uncertainty over TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and if the firm is pushing too hard for machines to be upgraded to the next version.
While we have a helpful TPM explanation for you, hardware manufacturers may still provide new Windows 11 PCs that don’t need this requirement, albeit with good cause.
Features of Windows 11
Windows 11 boasts a number of enhancements, including Microsoft’s promise that updates would be 40% smaller and that it will be “the most secure version ever.”
The taskbar has been renamed the dock and is now designed for touch as well as mouse peripherals.
Snap Layouts, a feature that allows you to arrange several windows across the screen not just side by side, but in columns, sections, and more, adds new multitasking capabilities.
Snap Groups is another feature that allows you to return to previously snapped windows from the dock, so you can go to your email app, Edge browser windows, or whatever without having to snap them back to the original view.
Multi-monitor support has also been enhanced, so when you attach an external monitor, Windows 11 maintains the previous locations of the windows on that display.
There’s also an anticipated installation time of Windows Update, so that you can see whether you need to wait until later in the day to update your PC.
Teams is also linked to the dock, allowing you to quickly participate in meetings and family calls. This seems to be the first sign of Skype’s demise on Windows, particularly because Skype noises were heard in the demo when a call was received.
The Microsoft Store is getting a makeover, with better-curated content and more ways to manage your bought programs, such as mirroring those to your TV. Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Pinterest, and more apps are now available in this new shop for Windows 11, and they’re ready to use.
The Microsoft Store now has WPA, EWP, and Win32 applications that are ready to use. When a developer has a commerce engine, they will be able to retain 100% of the money generated through the Microsoft Store.
Android applications are also available for Windows 11 and can be downloaded through the Microsoft Store or the Amazon App Store, allowing you to utilize TikTok and other Android apps on your PC or tablet.
Other apps, like as Apple’s iMessage, may be added to Windows 11 as a result of the new store, which could come after iTunes and Safari.
Edge extensions are now available in the new Microsoft Store in Windows 11.
A New Look and Design for Windows 11
One of the most noticeable changes is that the Start menu has been relocated to the middle of the screen, and it is now “cloud driven,” meaning it changes dynamically based on the time of day and the material you’re working with.
Light and Dark Modes are now official, with softened edges and a consistent style throughout the operating system, as well as colorful backgrounds.
There are also other windows that seem like they came from Windows Vista and display information in bite-sized chunks.
Windows Widgets are returning in Windows 11, accessible through the dock, with Microsoft boasting AI-powered dynamic capabilities that allow widgets to alter based on the applications you’re using and the time of day, similar to how the Start menu does. Widgets appear when you move from the left on the desktop on the touchscreen.
There are several options, including weather, Bing maps, news, and more.
Third-parties will be allowed to use them as well, so there may be as many widgets to choose from as there are on Apple’s iOS and iPadOS operating systems.
Gaming on Windows 11
The slow and frustrating-to-use Windows 10 Xbox software will be replaced with a new Game Pass program that allows you to purchase, manage, and delete titles, making it simpler for you to access and download games ranging from Doom Eternal to – shortly – Halo Infinite.
On compatible computers, HDR will be enabled as well, providing better lighting and contrast both gaming and watching movies. Direct Storage is also available, allowing you to download and install the major game assets, allowing you to enjoy your games even quicker than before.
Read: 14 Best Local WiFi Multiplayer Games
Touch Improvements
Since Windows 8, the tablet mode has been one of the operating system’s weaker points, and the new tablet features that Microsoft demonstrated for Windows 11 could be crucial to the operating system’s success, especially with future Surface products on the way from Microsoft – having a new, numbered operating system because of its upcoming tablets might be a big selling point for new users.
Microsoft highlighted larger touch targets and simpler methods to move windows about, as well as improved rotation optimizations, such as how windows are reorganized, so you don’t lose track of the apps you’re using.
Gestures that were previously only available on the Surface trackpad are now available on the touchscreen, providing some familiarity. When you use a stylus to draw or sketch, you’ll get greater input with haptics in Windows 11.
The touch keyboard has been updated as well, with a smaller keyboard for your thumb and ready-to-use emoji’s. Microsoft claims that dictation will be enhanced, along with voice commands, ‘remove that’ choices, and other features.
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