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Windows 11 Overview
Linsey Knerl
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February 3, 2023
In 2021, Microsoft rolled out updates for eligible PC owners to start using the new Windows 11 operating system. For many, this is a long-awaited upgrade, full of features that appeal to professionals, gamers and creators.
But what can you expect from this new operating system and is your computer eligible? Here's what you need to know about the free upgrade, plus a list of our favourite features in this Windows 11 review.
What is Windows 11?
Windows 11 is the latest version of the Microsoft Windows operating system. It follows Microsoft Windows 10 and is available to select users and those buying new PCs.
Microsoft regularly releases updates to its operating systems, but every few years it starts fresh with a brand-new system. For reference, Windows 10 was released in July 2015.
Note for Windows Pro users: If you are using Windows 10 Pro, the features in this article do not specifically apply to you. Even though Windows 11 Pro may include some of these updates, this article focuses on the consumer version of Windows 11. Also, some of the best features - like gaming-specific ones - require certain specifications, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) and a certain amount of RAM.
Windows 11 highlights
Some of the benefits of Windows 11 are upgrades to existing features you already know and love. Others are brand new and will take some time to explore and fully understand.
Here are the major changes coming to Windows users with this latest release.
1. Beautiful new design
The first thing you'll notice with the Windows 11 upgrade is the new look, including a change to the Start button. The button now sits in the middle of the screen, similar to how Android and Apple products. But you also have the option of moving it wherever you want.
There's also a new dark mode, five new wallpapers and new icons for your board that really pop. All Windows 10 themes are gone, but they are replaced by six new eye-catching themes. Even if you don't usually use pre-made Windows themes, these new options are worth checking out.
2. Improved sounds
With a keen ear for what the industry calls "quiet technology," Microsoft has completely revamped all of its system sounds. The beeps, chimes, and alerts you know for inbox notifications and successful USB connections? They are all different.
They are now more subdued, replacing some of the high-pitched trills and longer sequences with barely distinguishable chimes of just a few notes. You will need to get to know the sounds again, but the new ones may eventually cause less irritation and stress.
3. Improved Start Center
The Start menu has also received an upgrade. The live tile look of the past now connects to your Microsoft 365 workspace for a more seamless experience.
You'll see your most used and recent files and programs right off the bat, giving you a head start on projects you just left. It's also an easier way to find the software you use the most.
This feature is a cross-platform benefit, so if you're signed into your Microsoft account on another PC, laptop, or tablet, your recent files will appear on all devices in that Start menu. For those balancing work from home, mobile devices, and the office, this is a welcome upgrade.
4. Instant Layouts
Windows 11 makes it easy to put every open window where you want it with Instant Layouts, which is a godsend for those of us with lots of programs open. Just look for the square button in the upper right corner of any window and hover your mouse over it.
You will see a few different layout options appear and you can select the one you want to position this window. Windows 11 will remember the layout, so you won't have to continually arrange them.
5. Snap groups
Snap groups add convenience to snap layouts. This feature allows you to minimize or maximize the entire instant layout as a single collection of windows.
Find your browser in the taskbar, then hover your mouse over it to see the layouts you've created. Click to select the one you want to activate, and the whole group will open up for you to use. It works for Microsoft Edge browser as of this post; other browsers are not yet guaranteed to work this way.
6. Better desktop computers
If you feel like your desktop is the catch-all for every part of your work and personal life, you'll love Windows 11's approach to desktop computers. Now you can create a separate virtual desktop with its own wallpaper for every part of your day, from your gaming life to your work life to your school life.
Simply press the plus button on your new desktop area to create a new desktop. From there, you can switch to any desktop you create, whenever you want.
7. Microsoft Teams Integration
With so many people working remotely during the pandemic, Microsoft Teams has become a popular tool for keeping teams connected. And with remote teams still on the rise, you might find that the new built-in video chat feature will save you time.
Teams should already be on your Windows 11 taskbar, or you can search for it (you won't need to install it). Use shortcuts to connect with your Teams colleagues directly from the icon, or launch the full version of the software for more features.
8. Widgets
Widgets are a cool AI-powered feature that you can access from the Start menu. You'll see things like the Weather app, and News available to you, the same way app notifications work on your smartphone.
You can access your calendar, to-do lists, and any other Microsoft apps from Widgets. Best of all, the more you use this feature, the smarter it gets, so it will show you the most relevant things first.
9. Microsoft Edge improvements
If you've ever avoided Microsoft's web browser in the past, you'll think again after seeing Edge's updates. It's designed to work seamlessly with all the features we've already mentioned - like widgets and layouts - and it just looks nicer.
There are a few other notable perks, including tab sharing and in-browser surf game upgrades - this perk may be the one that completes your Windows 11 experience.
10. Features for gamers
Some of the most exciting Windows 11 upgrades are for gaming. Microsoft, which also makes the Xbox line of consoles, has stepped up its efforts to ensure gamers enjoy its updated operating system.
Here are some of the most notable improvements:
- Auto HDR, which automatically upgrades DirectX 11 or higher SDR-based games to a brighter and better range of colour and brightness. This technology is already appearing on the Xbox Series X and S consoles.
- Faster game loading with DirectStorage technology, which is also a feature of Xbox Series consoles. If your PC has an NVMe solid-state drive and the correct drivers, you can load your games onto the graphics card with less stress on the CPU and reduced load times.
- Focus on compatibility with Xbox-branded gear, including headsets, keyboards, and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Windows 11 is also compatible with many other gaming devices.
- Continue to enjoy integration with PC Game Pass and play cross-platform games between your PC and Xbox. There are over 100 high-quality PC games on the subscription service, including major hits like Doom Eternal, Back 4 Blood and Destiny 2.
How to install Windows 11
If your PC is eligible for the upgrade, you should receive a notification. Microsoft gradually rolled out the Windows 11 update, so you might have to wait before you can make the change.
The update is available for most PCs with an 8th Generation Intel® CoreTM processor or an AMD RyzenTM 2000 or later processor. You can use the PC Health Check app to see if you're eligible, but it's only available through the Windows Insider Preview program. If your PC can handle the update, it's completely free.
Some other computers may be eligible but may require manual installation. Also, if you bought a brand new PC after Fall 2021, it should come with the Windows 11 update.
What to do after installing Microsoft Windows 11
Windows 11 rolled out as of this release date, which means you may have received an invitation to try out the latest version of Microsoft's operating system. Remember that new versions of products almost always have a few bugs, and a new operating system is no exception.
Keep an eye on the update icon in your taskbar for any notifications for fixes that address these issues. You can also set up automatic updates through your settings, so you never miss one. Updates from Microsoft are necessary to ensure that their product remains secure, so it's always advisable, no matter what version you use.
