Windows 11 - what's new in the next edition of Windows

What are the new features of Windows? When will Windows 11 be released? What will change for users with the latest Windows version? We answer the most important questions about Windows 11 here.

Windows 11 is in the starting blocks and is due to be released this year! After a preview was leaked in June 2021 and made headlines worldwide, Microsoft officially unveiled the new Windows version this summer. "Windows 11 offers a calm and creative space where you can pursue your passions through a new experience. From a fresh Start menu to new ways to connect with your favourite people, news, games and content, Windows 11 is the place where you can think, create and express yourself naturally," Microsoft wrote about the new Windows edition.

In this blog post we answer the most important questions about Windows 11.

When is Windows 11 coming?

According to insiders, the latest Windows version will be released in autumn 2021. A preview was already leaked in mid-June and Microsoft officially presented Windows 11 on 24 June 2021. The US tech giant itself reveals only this much on its website: "Windows 11 is not yet here, but will be available this year."

What are the new features of Windows 11?

Here is an overview of the new functions and possibilities of Windows 11:

Control

Windows 11 includes new Snap controls that you can access via the maximise button on all apps. They are modern equivalents of the cascading window function that has existed in the operating system for years. This allows you to quickly snap windows next to each other or arrange them in sections on the desktop.

Setup

Microsoft has also integrated a new setup experience. It is very similar to Windows 10X and guides users of new hardware or those upgrading to Windows 11 through a series of steps to configure Windows. In addition, there is a new startup sound that is triggered at every boot.

Xbox

The Xbox experience will also be enhanced. "Windows 11 takes gaming to a whole new level with graphics capabilities that rival reality," Microsoft says. The new Xbox app is integrated into Windows 11 and provides quick access to over 100 Game Pass games, the social parts of the Xbox network and the Xbox Store.

Animations:

There are numerous animations in Windows 11. When you move Windows around the screen while multitasking, a glass-like blur effect appears against the background. And when you touch the top of a window with your finger, the outline of a new window appears so users know where to go. But that's not all: opening and closing apps and maximising and minimising windows also have new animations. Apps are now minimised when they jump into the taskbar.

Grouping Apps

Split-screen apps are one of the most frequently used features of Windows. In Windows 11, Microsoft seems to have added a "group" feature. There are six choices on how to pair your active windows with all other open windows. To do this, click the button and create a group. Windows will remember the combination.

New icons with Windows 11

Windows 10 struggled with outdated icons as many were left over from Windows 8, Windows Vista and even Windows 98. Microsoft has introduced new icons across its product range and the new Windows version also brings fresh icons for documents, downloads and images.

Better user experience for tablet users

One of the main problems with Windows 10 was the way it handled touch. Compared to Chrome OS, iPad OS and other operating systems, it lagged behind due to a clunky interface. Windows 11 now brings some much needed changes. In the latest version of Windows, when you touch a window with your finger, the window enlarges and moves. This should make it easier to use Windows on a tablet. Microsoft is also introducing a new keyboard that supports the insertion of GIF files, provides a cleaner display and has better sound feedback when touching the keys.

Audio feedback

When Windows 10 was introduced in 2015, not much changed in terms of sounds compared to previous versions. For years, there was the same audio feedback for common tasks such as plugging in USB drives, error messages as well as notifications. With Windows 11, there are new sounds.

Tip: Do you want to make sure that your IT infrastructure is up to date when you update Windows? We have compiled resources here:

• Your IT infrastructure should meet these five requirements in 2021
• In 2021, be prepared for perfidious cyberattacks such as ransomware.
• A guide for cloud migration

How does Windows 11 differ visually from Windows 10?

According to the tech news platform "The Verge", the visually biggest changes are noticeable along the taskbar. Here, Microsoft has centred the app icons, cleaned up the tray area and integrated a different Start button as well as a new menu. This updated Start menu is a simplified version of what currently exists in Windows 10 - but without Live Tiles. The Start menu includes pinned apps, recent files and the ability to quickly shut down or restart Windows devices.

Tip: If you do not want app icons and the start menu centred, there is an option to move them to the left side.

Microsoft also uses rounded corners throughout Windows 11. These are visible in context menus, around apps and the file explorer. The Start menu itself also contains rounded corners.

Are there similarities to Windows 10X?

Although Microsoft has discontinued its Windows 10X operating system, the company is reusing many of the characteristics of that version with Windows 11, according to The Verge. Windows 10X was originally designed for dual-screen devices before shifting towards traditional laptops and then being discontinued. Windows 10X included a number of refined and simplified aspects of Windows, and numerous tech journalists recognise several similarities. The new Windows 11 user interface and Start menu actually look very similar to the original Windows 10X.

What's new in the Windows Store?

There don't seem to be any big updates for the Windows Store yet. However, it is likely that the updates planned by Microsoft have not yet appeared in the leaked version. The Windows Store interface is largely the same as that of Windows 10 and only contains those apps that are already available today.

Microsoft has reportedly been working on a new app store for Windows for the last few months. Big changes are expected, they say. According to insider rumours, Microsoft is said to be considering allowing third-party trading platforms in apps. This would allow developers to avoid the levies that Microsoft normally charges for in-app purchase systems.

In this blog post, we have tried to provide an overview of Windows 11. If you have any further questions, our Windows experts will be happy to help. Fill out the contact form or send us an email: contact@xelon.ch