Written by: Jay H.
Microsoft has officially unveiled the long-awaited next version of Windows – Windows 11. The successor to Windows 10 will be available as a free update for Windows 10 users later this year. With this new operating system come an array of new features, improvements, and more.
Here’s what you need to know about the new Windows 11.
What’s New in Windows 11
Windows 11 brings a slew of exciting new features.
Predominantly, the new user interface brings rounded windows, colourful icons, new animations, and updated user interface controls.
Rounded Windows corners
In addition to the updated user interface, Windows 11 includes other new features such as a redesigned and centered Start Menu, Android compatibility, new window snapping feature, redesigned settings, and much more.
Windows 11 Start Menu
Other new features include:
- Updated File Explorer with new icons, rounded corners, and dark mode improvements.
- Touch screen optimization.
- Windows Widgets for a customized news experience and weather.
- Camera configuration settings.
- Content-adaptive brightness control feature to improve battery performance at the cost of image quality.
- Battery settings page for monitoring battery usage.
- Virtual desktop multitasking improvements.
- New clipboard, including a new way to insert GIFs and emojis.
- DNS over HTTPS (DoH) feature that allows DNS resolution over encrypted HTTPS connections to protect your browsing privacy.
- Improved GPU controls when running apps.
- Improved sound device settings.
The Bad News
Unfortunately, there is some bad news for many users wanting to upgrade. The operating system has elevated system requirements, specifically the need for a trusted platform module (TPM). A TPM is an independent processor that may be on your motherboard that secures hardware using cryptography. This means many consumer devices, especially older machines, won’t make the cut. If you would like to see whether your PC can run Windows 11 or not, use Microsoft’s PC Health Checkup tool.
Thankfully, most modern motherboards should have support for a TPM, and you may just have to enable it in the BIOS or purchase and install the module.
What If I Don’t Like Windows 11?
There are bound to be users who update and are unhappy with the new operating system with so many new changes. The good news is that, even if you don’t like the update, you can change your settings so that it pretty much looks like Windows 10. Furthermore, Microsoft included legacy features in this new update, including Control Panel, Device Manager, and Disk Management.
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