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Windows 11 Update: What’s New and What to Know

The much-awaited Windows 11 is set to officially release on October 2021, and its beta version is already out, available only for users who are part of the Windows Insider program. Ever since the announcement from Microsoft back in June, there has been quite a buzz around the latest version of the Windows OS.

So with the beta version available and the official release date approaching fast, here’s everything you need to know about Windows 11 and its new features.

Windows 11 Release Date

The official version of Windows 11 will be released starting from October 5 and will continue through 2022. The update will be made available for compatible devices in batches during this time. Keep an eye on your computer’s system updates and notifications to know when they will be available for your device.

What’s New in Windows 11

Here’s a rundown of the new features that come with Windows 11:

Brand New Interface

The first noticeable change in the interface is the repositioning of the Start menu, now at the bottom center and not the bottom left where it has resided for all these years. Another new aspect of the interface that immediately catches users’ attention is the rounded corners and new system font. Overall, the new interface is clean and elegant, somewhat resembling the Mac OS.

More Desktop Customization Features

Personalized widgets are here to stay with Windows 11, bringing you news, updates, and content based on your activity, preferences, and interests. You can also arrange apps and programs in groups for easy access and multitasking with the Snap Layout and Snap Groups feature. And now it’s also easier to manage and toggle between virtual desktops.

Android Apps Integration

One of the exciting features in Windows 11 is that you can find and install Android apps on the computer from the Microsoft Store through the Amazon App Store. Now users can enjoy Android apps on their Windows PC, so this integration will be a step forward for cross-platform applications.

Microsoft Teams in the Taskbar

Microsoft Teams will be integrated directly into Windows 11 Taskbar. It will be convenient to access Teams with this feature, which will be a welcome change for many users, especially considering how the pandemic has shifted more and more businesses to a virtual office space on Microsoft Teams.

Improved Xbox Gaming

There are some new features implemented to the Xbox games on Windows 11. It will now support better graphics and higher frame rates with DirectX 12 Ultimate and AutoHDR. Load times will also be improved for games with DIrectStorage. These features will significantly improve the gaming experience on Windows 11.

System Requirements for Windows 11

Microsoft has specified the following system requirements for Windows 11:

• Processor: 1 GHz or higher; 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
• RAM: Minimum 4 GB
• Storage: Minimum 64 GB
• Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM: Version 2.0
• Graphics: WDDM 2.x, DirectX 12 compatible
• Display: 9” or more with 720p HD Resolution

You can check if your computer is compatible with Windows 11 and meets the system requirement by using the PC Health Check app.

Is Windows 11 Free?

Devices that already have a licensed Windows 10 version installed will upgrade to Windows 11 for free when the update rolls out for their device. A retail version of Windows 11 will probably be released soon, but there isn’t any information about it as of yet.

How to Download Windows 11 on Compatible Devices?

For compatible devices, users can go to Update and Security under the Settings and then click on Windows Update > Check for Updates. If the update is available for the device, it will display an option as a Feature update to Windows 11. Clicking on it will commence the download and installation of Windows 11.

Final Notes

If you’re a part of Windows Insider, go ahead and try out Windows 11 beta version right away. If not, just be patient for a little while, as the official release is just a month away. While we eagerly await the new version of Windows, these features should give you a better insight into what you can expect from Windows 11.