Windows 11: Release date, price, and everything that’s new

Windows 11 : Release date, price, and everything that’s new    

 

 

 

.The "next generation of Windows," as described by Microsoft, has finally arrived after what felt like an eternity of waiting.

 

A huge, huge change has come with Windows 11.

 

It's indicative of a significant change in how Microsoft releases Windows, but it also represents a significant UX redesign.

 

Additionally, it will now allow Android apps and have a new store, among other improvements.

 

Here is all the information you require.

 

How to use this page:

 

When will Windows 11 be available?

 

Windows 10 wasn't the final iteration of Windows, though.

 

Windows 10X: Is it dead?

 

Can I run Windows 11 on my computer?

 

Is the update free?

 

Will Microsoft pressure me into upgrading to Windows 11?

 

What has Windows 11 added?

 

The Sun Valley upgrade, is this it?

 

Android Applications

 

a significant cosmetic makeover with softened corners.

 

The updated calculator application

 

Timer for Focus Sessions:

 

game enhancements

 

The updated Microsoft Store

 

A lovely new photo application

 

Snappy Designs

 

Snipping Tool Teams' brand-new integration

 

Widgets for virtual desktop backgrounds

 

Enhancements to Windows on ARM

 

When will Windows 11 be available?

 

The release day for Windows 11 was October 5.

 

Microsoft claims that the tiered distribution will go until mid-2022 and that newer PCs will receive it earlier than older PCs.

If you have a compatible PC and haven't seen it through Windows Update yet, you can still acquire the final build through the Windows Insider Program's Beta and Release Preview channels.

 

Be cautious with it as the development channel is already testing new features using RS prerelease builds.

 

You will need to perform a fresh installation of Windows 11 if you join the Dev channel.

 

The Surface Laptop Studio and Surface Pro 8 are just two examples of the numerous new laptops and desktops that support it.

 

 

The minimum specifications for a PC must be met in order for Windows 11 to be supported on it.

 

Check out our starting Windows 11 guide right here.

 

We also have a guide if you wish to try out various workarounds to install it on unsupported PCs.

 

But be cautious.

 

Although Microsoft will permit you to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, by doing so, you place Windows 10 in an unsupported state for an additional four years.

 

 

 

Windows 10 wasn't the final iteration of Windows, though.

 

When Windows 10 was first introduced, it was intended to be the final release of Windows.

 

After that, Windows would be a service that would be allowed to develop over time.

 

In truth, Terry Myerson probably foresaw the need for a significant redesign and believed that it would happen with a Windows 10 release.

 

   

 

To be clear, only a developer advocate by the name of Jerry Nixon actually asserted that Windows 10 was the final release.

 

Microsoft basically sort of left it uncorrected, therefore appearing to support Nixon's statements.

 

However, this was unquestionably the internal attitude at Microsoft at the time.

 

But here's the real problem:

 

Everyone who said that Windows 10 would be the final release of Windows no longer works there.

 

Currently, Panos Panay, who has a flair for showmanship, is in charge of Windows.

 

A useful metaphor for this is a rebrand, but one that coincides with a significant UX overhaul.

 

This Windows 10 could have been released as a Windows 10 update because it is essentially the same Windows 10 that we've been using for years.

 

The new brand aims to generate interest in the notion that this is something fresh.

.Because Windows 10X was only intended to be available on brand-new PCs, this is not what Windows 10X would have been.

 

Windows 10X retail licenses were also never intended to be offered for sale.

 

There won't be any technological barriers preventing you from installing Windows 11 on any PC.

 

This upgrade will be free because Microsoft will continue to offer Windows as a service.

 

Nevertheless, don't count on this being declared the final iteration of Windows or anything.

 

In a few more years, Windows 12 will probably be released.

 

Because Windows 11 will only receive yearly updates rather than twice a year, we were curious about how version numbers will work in Windows 11.

 

There is no requirement for H1 and

 

H2 is no longer available.

 

Microsoft declined to respond.

 

Windows 10X: Is it dead?

 

Windows 10X was supposed to be the true next version of Windows.

 

It had a total cosmetic makeover as well as numerous technical upgrades, such as running all apps in containers.

 

Its demise was recently confirmed by Microsoft, and many of its features have been included in Windows 11.

 

Windows 10X, which has been referred to as Windows Lite for a long time, really debuted alongside Microsoft's Surface Neo as a dual-screen operating system.

 

In the end, it gave up on its dual-screen plans and promised to offer it on single-screen devices, such as affordable laptops.

 

Despite the fact that you'd need to purchase a new PC to access it, Panos Panay stated in a blog post that he intended to meet people where they are.

 

From there, everything pretty much came to an end.

 

When Microsoft had great ambitions, some Windows 10X emulators were released, but when the single-screen build was leaked, they were no longer able to run Win32 apps.

 

Instead, Windows 11 will arrive, and it will include UX components from Windows 10X.

 

Can I run Windows 11 on my computer?

 

Is the update free?

 

Users of Windows 10 can update to Windows 11 for free, and this update is permanent, in contrast to the initial Windows 10 upgrade.

 

Unfortunately, Windows 11 has more demanding system requirements.

 

Older CPUs won't be supported, and 32-bit support has been discontinued.

 

At least 64GB of storage and at least 4GB of RAM are also required.

 

The requirement of TPM 2.0 appears to be the largest barrier for many.

 

What's on the list?

 

A suitable 64-bit processor or System on a Chip running at 1 GHz or faster and with two or more cores (SoC)

 

Memory: 4 gigabytes (GB).

 

Storage: A storage device of 64 GB or more.

 

Note: For further details on where to keep your storage, see below.

 

Updated Windows 11 "for more information.

 

Hardware firmware:

 

Secure Boot support for UEFI

 

TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 graphics card: It supports the WDDM 2.0 driver and DirectX 12 or later.

 

Display: A high definition (720p) screen with a diagonal measurement of at least 9" and 8 bits per color channel.

 

Microsoft accounts with an internet connection

 

Internet access and a Microsoft account are necessary for Windows 11 Home edition to finish device setup upon initial usage.

 

Internet access is also needed to exit Windows 11 Home in S mode on a device.

 

Here is further information on S mode.

 

Internet access is necessary for all Windows 11 editions in order to run updates, download content, and use some functions.

 

Some functions require a Microsoft account.

 

Microsoft also modified the CPU specifications.

 

Older Intel CPUs from the seventh generation and earlier are, sort of, no longer supported.

 

The Redmond company made an early commitment that it would take a second look at seventh-generation Intel CPUs and AMD Zen 1 processors.

 

It was ultimately decided not to materialize, and the great majority of seventh-generation Intel CPUs are still unsupported.

 

The Xeon processors, and the Core i7-7820HQ were ultimately added to the list for seventh-gen.

 

It just so happens that the Surface Studio 2 has a Core i7.

 

If you utilize an ISO, the firm will also permit you to install Windows 11 on hardware that is not officially supported.

 

After that, though, it's possible that you won't get updates because you'll be

 

seen as being in an unsupported condition.

 

Will Microsoft pressure me into upgrading to Windows 11?

 

The quickest response is that no one will be compelled to upgrade to Windows 11 by Microsoft.

 

With the release of Windows 10 version 1903, the Redmond company stopped requiring feature upgrades.

 

This happened following the disastrous Windows 10 release of 1809, which inadvertently erased files for some users.

 

It employs the more recent "seeker" strategy.

 

Windows Update just informs you that a feature update is available if you want it and that you have the option to accept it when you check for updates.

 

The only time Microsoft pushes a Windows 10 feature upgrade is if the version you're using is getting close to the end of support, but Windows 11 won't even see that.

 

Windows 11 is currently available to users as a free update.

 

There will also be a new Windows 10 upgrade, known as version 21H2, if you don't want it.

 

Microsoft wouldn't confirm whether or not update 21H2 for Windows 10 will be the final one, but it will undoubtedly continue to support the operating system until 2025, so you'll be fine if you don't want Windows 11 for a time.

 

What has Windows 11 added?

 

The Sun Valley upgrade: is this it?

 

Prior to the release of Windows 11, you might have heard the phrase "Sun Valley" mentioned.

 

That is the codename for the significant user experience redesign included in Windows 11.

 

It aims to improve the OS's touch functionality, which Windows 10 has had trouble with.

 

Android Applications

 

The one advertised feature that wasn't included in the product at launch was Android app support.

 

Insiders can now access it in the Beta and Development channels.

 

The Project Latte rumors were accurate.

 

On Windows 11, you'll be able to use Android applications.

 

You may also purchase them from the Microsoft Store, but it's worth noting that Microsoft and Amazon have collaborated to make the Amazon Appstore available there.

 

That confirms that a touch-friendly Kindle app will really be released for Windows.

 

Although the company said that it had worked with Amazon, you won't be able to get Android apps solely through the Amazon Appstore.

 

In fact, Microsoft stated that it aspires to someday be able to run every Android app, even those that depend on Google services.

 

It should be noted that supporting all Android apps is only an aim, not a promise.

 

There are currently a limited number of Amazon Appstore apps that can be used by Windows Insiders to test the capability.

 

Although it appears to be going slowly, Microsoft plans to make it more accessible.

 

a significant cosmetic makeover with softened corners.

 

Visually, Windows 11 differs from Windows 10 in several ways.

 

Windows 10 hasn't received a completely new look, like the kind of fresh look we generally get with a new edition of Windows, despite having undergone some subtle design changes throughout time.

 

There are rounded corners, too.

 

Since Windows 8, the emphasis has been on sharp angles, and those squared-off tiles have continued into Windows 10.

 

Now that iOS and Android are more recent operating systems, Windows 11 will follow suit.

 

There is a new Start Menu that is floating and centered.

 

In actuality, it is identical to Windows 10X.

 

The taskbar is also centered.

 

The operating system has fresher, more vibrant icons as well.

 

These can be found pretty much anywhere, including the more recent File Explorer, Device Manager, and other programmes.

 

These are accessible in Windows 10 previews and, by themselves, they result in a considerable visual shift.

 

But it's not just about a fresh appearance.

 

Your interactions with the UI will also be altered.

 

Making Windows more user-friendly for touch devices is a key objective here, as Windows 10 has had trouble with this.

 

While Windows 8 was fully focused on touch, Windows 10 felt as though it had dialed back a little.

 

much.

 

However, more crucially, Windows 11 should be more consistent with what occurs when you tap on something. It will enable more swiping motions and other user interface features.

 

When utilizing a Precision touchpad, the touch movements are the same.

 

You will be employing gestures that you are already comfortable with in this fashion.

 

The updated calculator application

 

Microsoft is introducing Windows 11 aesthetics in its updated mailbox apps.

 

That implies that it is giving objects like calculators a tonne of rounded corners.

 

Additionally, it offers support for more than 100 units and currencies, as well as graphing and programming modes.

 

Timer for Focus Sessions:

 

This feature is broken up into multiple parts.

 

For your Focus Session, you may set a timer and even link your Spotify account for background music.

 

Additionally, it was integrated with Microsoft To Do, enabling you to keep track of the things you had planned.

 

Additionally, there is a daily progress dashboard and a tonne of choices that you can use to tailor your focus sessions to your specific needs.

 

With the Clock app in Windows 11, Microsoft is introducing a new feature called Focus Sessions.

 

It's really cool.

 

They mainly consist of scheduled sessions to aid in maintaining your attention on a specific task for a predetermined amount of time.

 

game enhancements

 

Why shouldn't Microsoft be completely focused on the gaming industry?

 

It has a console, the only viable PC gaming platform, and an unmatched cloud back end.

 

And as is well known, Microsoft will engage in an Azure play if one is available.Numerous gaming enhancements are present in Windows 11.

 

One of these is Auto HDR, a function that was initially available on Xbox Series X|S consoles and is now available on Windows.

 

As you could have guessed from the name, it automatically adds HDR to older games.

 

DirectStorage is another function that has been taken from the company's most recent consoles.

 

For this one, you'll need a "DirectStorage Optimized" PC because you'll require the kind of SSD that was created as part of the Xbox Velocity Architecture, but the performance will be much greater.

 

Finally, Xbox Cloud Gaming will be integrated.

 

On Windows 11, it will be a part of the Xbox app, but to be clear, there is no reason why that app update shouldn't be included as well

 

Also visit Windows 10.

 

We'll have to wait and see if the capability is available to Windows 10 users.

 

A new Microsoft Store

 

In his keynote address at Build, Satya Nadella mentioned that the new operating system will "open greater economic possibilities for developers and innovators."

 

This brings up a fresh Microsoft Store.

 

This is a significant portion of the update, make no mistake.

 

Microsoft would have preferred it if more desktop apps had made it to the Store.

 

Windows 11 brings about some significant changes.

 

Developers will have the option of submitting their apps without packaging them and hosting them on their own CDN, so they won't actually need to be distributed by Microsoft; instead, they will only need to be published through the Microsoft shop.

 

This will significantly expand the Microsoft Store.

 

Large-scale applications like Google Chrome were previously excluded due to Microsoft's own policies.

 

The process of uploading your app to the store has become much simpler.

 

Developers will no longer be required to use the platform engine, speaking of web browsers.

 

The Microsoft Store now allows for the distribution of any browser.

 

The key takeaway is that Microsoft doesn't give a damn about the type of app you create.

 

Microsoft wants it in the store regardless of whether it is in Win32,.NET, UWP, Xamarin, Election, React Native, Java, a PWA, or another format.

 

According to a Microsoft statement, Adobe Creative Cloud, Disney+, TikTok, and Zoom will all be available in the store.

 

Additionally, it is adding Microsoft Teams and even Visual Studio to its online shop.

 

That's significant, particularly for Visual Studio.

 

Additionally, the business merely wishes to improve the store.

 

There is a "pop-up store" that will handle installations when you try to install programmes that arrive from the web, and it is adding collections to make it easier for you to find new apps.

 

Developers can also use their own ecommerce platforms, in addition.

 

This means that your app can use the platform on which you generate the most revenue while still being available in the store.

 

That also applies to other app marketplaces.

 

The Amazon Appstore is one of those instances.

 

which distributes Android apps.

 

However, the Microsoft Store now features the Epic Games Store as well.

 

A lovely new photo application

 

Microsoft is releasing a brand-new Photos app for the OS that naturally has rounded corners and uses the new Mica material.

 

A new typeface is also present, as well as color schemes that are themed.

 

A "filmstrip" that spans the bottom is more notable than the new toolbar for basic photo editing.

 

This makes it simple to browse the other photos in your library or album.

 

Additionally, there is a multi-view option, as you can see above, that allows you to view multiple images at once.

 

Layouts and Groups in Snap

 

Snap Assist was introduced by Windows 10 and Snap Layouts and Snap Groups will be introduced by Windows 11.

 

This one is cool.

 

You can see layout options in Windows 11 by hovering your cursor above the maximize button.

 

When you choose a tile from the layouts, your app will automatically move to that spot on the screen.

 

You may fill in the rest with the assistance of Snap Assist.

 

While this is helpful for everyone, individuals who utilize ultra-wide monitors should find it very helpful.

 

Prior to now, Microsoft had never enabled three programmes to run concurrently.

 

Your snapped windows are stored in Snap Groups.

 

To put it another way, you can restore all snapped programmes to their original positions if you minimize all of your windows and then hover your mouse over the app in the taskbar.

 

An innovative snipping tool

 

You probably remember that Microsoft put a lot of effort into updating legacy programmes for Windows 10.

 

It had a scheme to swap paint for paint.

 

The OneNote saga is still ongoing, Snipping Tool was replaced by Snip and Sketch, and Internet Explorer was replaced by Edge.

 

This method is being reversed with the Snipping Tool, just as it was with Paint 3D.

 

The Snipping Tool won't be replaced with Snip and Sketch; rather, both of them will be replaced by a new snipping tool.

 

The end result resembles what you'd get if you combined the original Snipping Tool and Snip and Sketch into a single, updated UWP app.

 

You can use the shortcut Win + Shift + S to start using options like Rectangular Snip, Free Form Snip, Window Snip, and Full Screen Snip.

 

After that, it offers editing tools so you can annotate them further.

 

Naturally, it also supports dark themes.

 

Integration of teams

 

Teams are being integrated into the OS by Microsoft.

 

Team Chat is now accessible from the taskbar, making it simple to communicate with friends.

 

In the unlikely event that those pals haven't yet downloaded Teams, it will also function using SMS.

 

Don't anticipate MMS Group to support it because the corporation clearly refers to it as "two-way SMS."

 

to work with texts

 

Along with the choice to start presenting, a mute/unmute button will also appear in the taskbar.

 

A digital desktop background

 

Although this is a relatively minor adjustment, anyone who uses a virtual desktop will likely find it to be significant.

 

Now that you can customize the wallpaper on each of your virtual desktops, you can better define the appearance of each one, which may serve a different function.

 

Widgets

 

Window Pane on Windows 11

 

A widget panel is being added by Microsoft; it will slide in from the left.

 

The businesses frequently liken it to a window that slides out.

 

Widgets from programmes like OneDrive, Microsoft To Do, and others are widely available, although they are all first-party.

 

There will be third-party widgets accessible.

 

At some point, the business won't say when.

 

Enhancements to Windows on ARM

 

Do you recall Windows on ARM?

 

Since they could only handle 32-bit emulation, Windows 10 machines with ARM processors have had trouble finding software.

 

With Windows 11, 64-bit programme emulation will finally be supported on those devices.

 

Long-term testing of this has been conducted with insiders.

 

Another item that is now available is Hyper-V for Windows on ARM.

 

Since February 2020, this has actually been in testing with insiders.

 

Unfortunately, since then, Windows 10 has only received enablement package updates due to numerous delays with Windows 10X and everything else.