Windows was first introduced in 1985 as an operating system – and Windows 11 is Microsoft’s first major release of the Windows operating system since 2015. The company has announced that it will be available as a free download for anyone who currently owns a Windows 10 device and will be available for purchase as an upgrade very soon.
The new Windows 11 features include:
- A new design, with changes to the taskbar, menu ribbon, and more
- An improved Cortana assistant
- A new Edge browser with annotation tools
- Faster start-up time
- Improved privacy and security.
Windows 11 for productivity
Microsoft has introduced many promising features to Windows 11 that focus on productivity which are designed to help people work smarter and faster.
Windows 11 also offers the new and improved Microsoft Edge browser, which is quicker than the previous version and lets users keep their browsing history in sync across devices like their phone or tablet for easy access to links they have opened previously.
Windows Spaces is new; however, it is nothing more than window grouping in different sizes to allow more effortless multitasking. It’s a nice feature but is very much in keeping with tools already available within Ubuntu and Mac iOS.
The improved Cortana virtual assistant is helpful when working on projects that require research or collaboration with others. It can do things like look up information for you or remind you of deadlines on your calendar.
Windows 11 ‘look and feel’
Windows 11 and has a different look and feel than previous versions, which is to be applauded. It is much more minimalist than previous updates. Windows 11 also includes a dark mode that changes the background colour of the interface to dark grey to reduce eye strain, which users can switch on or off at their leisure. The Microsoft design team has also introduced new preset themes as well – which are all very clean and much easier on the eye than their Windows 10 counterparts.
One of the most visually appealing changes is the new Fluent Design system which helps in implementing dynamic light effects with certain elements on the screen – making the look and feel more ‘glassy’ and life-like.
The most dramatic and effective design change is the Start menu, which is more streamlined and provides a lot of shortcuts to your favourite apps, documents, or web pages. In addition, it is fully customisable and makes for a much more clutter-free experience.
Windows 11 for security
Windows 11 has launched with a lot of security features that have been developed with the help of artificial intelligence. The Microsoft team have explained that Windows Defender harnesses AI to be able to detect more threats, as well as provide inbuilt protection from them…
Additionally, Microsoft has also developed a new feature called ‘Tyrant’, which can identify any vulnerabilities in its operating system and then patch them accordingly.
Of course, we will always recommend a multi-layer security approach and advise against a single cyber defence line such as Windows Defender.
Round-up
All in all the look and feel is very easy on the eye – and much more in keeping with the UI we’re used to these days. There are some smart productivity tools, and your journeys from app to app via 365 will no doubt be more succinct.
The new security features appear good on paper – but the evidence will drive this over time as this beds in with users…
Should we upgrade to Windows 11?
No one willingly wants to be a guinea pig, and it’s worth noting that Windows 10 will continue to be supported until 2025.
There are also some essential hardware requirements when upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
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