Windows 11 is the youngest operating system to date. It is the natural successor to Windows 10, a version that has been around for over six years. Does it live up to the hype and offer features that make your life easier? If these questions are running through your mind, don’t worry. In the following paragraphs, we’ll go over all the new features in Windows 11 so you’ll know if it’s really worth the download or not.
The first new feature, the minimum requirements
The first change you should be aware of regarding Windows 11 is the minimum requirements. They are as follows:
- processor. Clock frequency of 1 GHz or more. CPU with two or more with 64-bit architecture.
- RAM. 4GB or more.
- storage space. At least 64GB is required. More disk space may be required to download updates and enable certain features.
- graphic card. Must support DirectX 12 or higher and have a WDDM 2.0 driver.
- System-Firmware. UEFI with Secure Boot.
- TPM. Secure Platform Module Version 2.0.
- Monitor. 720p resolution or higher. 9 inch monitor or larger with 8 bits per color channel.
- internet connection. Mandatory for Windows 11 Home Edition
As you can see, the hardware and component requirements Microsoft is making with the new version of its system are more stringent than they were with Windows 10. This means that most computers of a certain age are not officially supported for Windows 11.
Major UI changes
The most important changes of Windows 11 concern the user interface. In the following sections we will explain in more detail which of these are particularly relevant.
The start menu and the taskbar
New start menu
That start menu has been completely redesigned. This time the developers were more careful and didn’t remove it. But you will quickly notice that it is now in a central position. If you can’t get used to it, Microsoft also allows you to pin it to the left. The animated tiles or live tiles, on the other hand, say goodbye with Windows 11. The start menu now only contains docked applications and recently used files.
Die taskbar comes in a more modern design. It is fully adapted to the touch environment, although it has lost some functions. For example, it is no longer possible to drag items to the taskbar. She is prettier, but also more limited.
Icons
Most of the Windows icons have been replaced. At least those that correspond to the applications most used by the user. The control panel is still very much alive, and inside is a museum of classic icons from other versions. However, most users of the new system will feel that Windows 11 has renewed all of its icons.
File Explorer
File Explorer
File Explorer changes with the removal of the top ribbon. It now shows you a more minimalist look and clearer options. There are also changes to the context menus, with some of the old menus remaining.
Transparencies and animations
Another innovation are the animations and transparencies that are now included in the system. The idea behind this is to make it feel more fluid, and Microsoft seems to have succeeded in that. With both functions, most applications take on the colors of the background image and scroll more smoothly.
Revision of the classic apps
Microsoft releases new versions of applications like Photos, Paint, Alarm Clock and many more. Other functions such as mail and calendar have not been revised and will apparently be replaced by a new development based on Outlook Web.
Widgets and other new features
Leaving the physical aspect aside, let’s talk about some of the features that the US company has built into Windows 11.
Widgets for quick information
Widgets in Windows 11
Widgets can be accessed using the Windows + W key combination. They are also available in the taskbar. Its main function is to provide the user with useful information at all times.
Integration mit Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is the platform that serves as the basis for the new chat function. It is now possible to start video calls and chat with other users from the taskbar.
Optimization in touch environments
Windows 11 is now even better optimized for touch environments. The buttons are larger and new gestures are supported. In addition, the on-screen keyboard has new functions to make it easier to use the touchscreen.
Fast window docking
Docked windows
Windows can now be quickly docked using the maximize button. You just have to hover your cursor over it to see the different combinations. These vary depending on the screen resolution and size.
A revamped app store
Another notable new feature of Windows 11 is the App Store. In the previous version, this element was somewhat despised by users. Will this perception change with the new version? We do not know it. At the moment we can only tell you what changes have been made.
changes in appearance
New App Store
The shop looks and feels new. It’s not just the famous rounded corners that you’ll see here. There are also new animations, a more useful featured apps section, and a neater updates section.
Support for Android apps
Undoubtedly one of the most striking new features of this new version. Thanks to an integrated subsystem, Windows 11 can now too Run Android apps. Microsoft had previously taken similar steps with Linux. Now the operating system also has a place for mobile applications. At the moment it is a test function that is planned to be rolled out to all users sooner rather than later.
Unpacked applications
Firefox im Microsoft App-Store
Now you can in the store too Win32 applications download that have not been packaged. This allowed classic applications like Firefox, VLC and others to be included in the Microsoft Store.
More improvements to win the heart of the user
There are other new features in Windows 11 that we don’t want to overlook in this article.
Video game improvements
There are new features in the field of video games. For example, Windows 11 now includes one automatic HDR function, which makes games look better than ever. It also comes with DirectStorage, which improves game loading on NVMe SSD computers, provided they have the right drivers. There is also a new Xbox app using the xCloud cloud gaming service.
Better performance
Microsoft wants Windows 11 to be faster than its predecessor. So far it has partially achieved this. For some users, the performance at the start has improved, others were forced to return to Windows 10. As with any development, we expect the performance of this new version to improve with updates.
How to download Windows 11
Windows 11 is there officially only since October 5, 2021. If after discussing the main new features you feel like trying the program, all you have to do is download the ISO installation image from the Malavida servers. Then you can create a bootable USB stick that you can use to install the new version of Microsoft operating system on your computer. Remember that the download is completely safe and free. However, you must activate Windows with a valid license. If you already have the previous version installed on your computer, activation will be automatic.