For about 2 months now, the new Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft's operating system, has been on the market. It launched on October 5th. Even though by far not every Windows 10 user has received an update offer from Microsoft for their device/devices, the latest features are now known, tested, and commented on multiple times. After we already provided you with "a good overview of the new Windows 11 coming soon" in a blog post on September 29, 2021, we would now like to introduce you to the most important new features in Windows 11, shortly after the official launch of the new system.
Start Menu and new Windows 11 look
Windows 11 simply looks great. This is due to fresh wallpapers and the new Start menu. The menu floats above the taskbar and has been moved and re-centered. However, it can also be placed on the left, in its usual position. The Live Tiles have disappeared from the Start menu. The most important icons for folders and symbols have been redesigned.
Also new are the rounded corners. Everything looks familiar, but somehow new, innovative, and tidier. After all, the goal of the "Window Redesign" was to make users more productive in their daily work, even when using not just one app, but multiple applications simultaneously. Dark mode and light mode are also available in Windows 11.
Not new, rather a step backward: The Windows 11 taskbar
Somewhat surprising: The new Windows 11 taskbar has fewer functions than in Windows 10. The icons are smaller and more minimalist. Furthermore, the taskbar is significantly less flexible. While it can be hidden, its size or position cannot be changed. The options and settings here are limited.
For example, the "Taskbar settings" menu item in every version of Windows 10 offers many more functions and options than in Windows 11. Labels instead of icons or changes in size and position work in Windows 10, but not in Windows 11.
Users who want to change this can use the free tool Taskbar 11, which allows the taskbar to be freely arranged in Windows 11. You can download the tool for free, for example, on chip.de. Simply download the file and install it with a double click.
New: Widgets return to the desktop with Windows 11
Widgets are small mini-applications and information snippets, such as weather, news, stock market prices, etc. Everyone is certainly familiar with widgets from smartphones and tablets. Widgets serve for quick information and are usually also an interactive element with a graphical user interface. What Microsoft tried with widgets in Windows Vista is therefore coming back with Windows 11 – only better. Because not only can users freely determine the size, position, arrangement, and content of widgets on the desktop, Microsoft is also opening up widgets to developers and providing them with the necessary APIs (application programming interfaces). This means we can expect new widgets from WhatsApp, Telegram, Spotify, and others in the foreseeable future.
Snap Assist guarantees better and faster work
New and helpful for faster work and more productivity is Snap Assist. This is what Microsoft calls its new window manager. The function reliably remembers which program is open where on the monitor (or on which monitor). If you have sorted several windows, Microsoft remembers the arrangement of your windows (Snap Groups). You can save these settings, called Snap Layouts. This allows other content to be arranged clearly much faster. There is also already a corresponding shortcut for the window manager: Windows + Z.
New: Store with new programs for Windows 11
Microsoft wants to breathe new life into its store. More good programs, easier access, improved navigation and better presentation of apps that customers can buy. To achieve this, Microsoft plans two things:
- Developers can bring their own pricing and licensing model, and Microsoft's commissions for each app will also be lower.
- Win32 programs and Android apps will be integrated into the store. For this, Microsoft is entering into several collaborations – including with Amazon, who will provide the App Store in Windows. Android apps are expected to be available in the store starting in 2022. However, these will then run without an emulator and will function like classic desktop applications. There is also a cooperation with Adobe. Because the Creative Cloud will also be available as a new app in the Microsoft Store in the future. Streaming services are also planned for the store.
More speed and gaming fun for gamers
Also new is the DirectStorage feature introduced with the Xbox Series X/S.
With DirectStorage, game data can be transferred directly from the storage device to the graphics card – without the detour via the processor. This allows games to load faster with Windows 11 by offloading work to the graphics card. As a result, games for Windows 11 can be designed to be more complex and graphically appealing. The consequence: More gaming fun for gamers.
This function also promises more enjoyment of PC games: the new Auto-HDR, which automatically increases the contrast for game graphics.
Microsoft Teams replaces Skype
Also new in Windows 11 is the installation of Microsoft Teams – Microsoft's flagship for video conferencing and digital collaboration. Skype has thus been replaced by another app.
Since the Corona pandemic at the latest, Microsoft Teams has been used in numerous companies. With Windows 11, Microsoft is now also trying to push Teams for private video conferences. This replacement of Skype by Teams clearly shows this. What the app can do and how it differs from Zoom, you can also read in this blog post: Zoom or Teams – Which video conferencing software is ahead?
Get to know Windows 11
You are interested and want to finally try out and get to know Windows 11 yourself. Then come back to us in the next few days. Because then we will show you how to switch from your operating system to Windows 11 – and what you need to consider.
Whether it's the prerequisites for updating from a previous version, the system requirements for the upgrade, or the possibilities of a manual installation: You will learn all this shortly here.
In the meantime, feel free to subscribe to our newsletter. This way you will always stay up to date.
Image source: Microsoft
