Windows 11

Microsoft Corporation has released the latest edition of its famous operating system for desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile PCs, Windows 11.

This new version of the operating system, available as a free upgrade to compatible PCs running Windows 10, aims to provide all users with a wide range of new features and improvements for enhancing daily use, professional workflows, compatibility with touch-friendly devices, re-thinking of many User Interface elements, direct infusion of new local and cloud-based apps and services, a new version of app download and management experience, and much more. 

Family, friends, obsessions, music, and creations—Windows 11 OS is the one location for everything. It has a fresh new feel and tools that make it easier to be efficient, so you'll be ready for whatever comes next. 

At its core, Windows 11 is not a total rebuild of Windows 10, but rather a huge upgrade that promises to improve all elements of its operation while remaining fully compatible with all older apps that hundreds of millions of Win10 customers already use. 

The most visible new element of Windows 11 is its user interface, which all PC users will have to engage with on a daily basis. The most significant change is in the taskbar, which now features a centered row of larger icons than in any prior version of Windows OS. The leftmost icon launches the new Start Menu, which has been overhauled to highlight the most frequently used apps, recent files, and quick access to the entire app list and search.

• Maximize your productivity
• New ways to connect
• Your content, curated by you
• Playtime. Anytime.

Other taskbar icons represent a wide range of bundled apps, including the latest version of the Microsoft Edge web browser and the fully optimized Microsoft Teams software for seamless online communication via text, voice, and video. The entire operating system is packed with new animations and transitions, and the main visual theme is a striking frosted glass design. This makes the entire OS appealing and approachable to both new and experienced users. 

Under the hood, Windows 11 hides an incredible variety of new tools, services, and optimizations, ranging from the ability to resize windows to much more versatile virtual grids (similar to what is available in the PowerToys app and its FancyZones service), all the way to full integration of Android apps that can be run directly on the Win11 desktop like any other app. It is worth noting that those Android apps will be available through the Microsoft Store in partnership with the Amazon Android app store. 

Windows 11 is available for free to all Windows 10 users with a suitable PC. Hardware compatibility can be checked using two apps: Microsoft's official PC Health Check software and the open-source solution WhyNotWin11.

Minimum system requirements

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores, suitable 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). 
• Requirements: 4 GB RAM and 64 GB or bigger storage device. 
• System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot 
• TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) Graphics card: DirectX 12/WDDM 2.x compatible. 
• Display: >9" with HD resolution (720p). 
• Internet connection – Microsoft account and internet connectivity are necessary for setup for Windows 11 Home.

Feature-specific requirements for Windows 11

• A modem that can support 5G is required. 
• Auto HDR requires an HDR monitor. 
• BitLocker to Go requires a USB flash drive (available in Windows Professional and higher editions). 
• Client Hyper-V requires a CPU that supports second-level address translation (SLAT) (available in Windows Pro and higher editions). 
• Cortana requires a microphone and speaker and is presently available on Windows 11 in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 
• DirectStorage requires an NVMe SSD to store and execute games that use the "Standard NVM Express Controller" driver, as well as a DirectX12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0. 
• DirectX 12 Ultimate is compatible with supported games and graphics processors. 
• A sensor capable of detecting human distance from the gadget or desire to engage with it is required for presence. 
• A video camera, microphone, and speaker (with audio output) are required for Intelligent Video Conferencing. 
• Multiple Voice Assistant (MVA) requires a microphone and speaker. 
• Snap three-column layouts require a screen that is at least 1920 effective pixels wide. 
• Mute/Unmute from the Taskbar requires a video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output). The app must be compatible with the features that enable global mute/unmute. 
• Spatial Sound necessitates supporting gear and software. 
• Teams need a video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output). 
• Touch requires a screen or monitor that supports multiple touches. 
• Two-factor Authentication involves a PIN, biometric (fingerprint reader or lighted infrared camera), or a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled phone. 
• Voice typing requires a computer with a microphone. 
• Wake on Voice requires a modern standby power model and a microphone. 
• Wi-Fi 6E requires upgraded WLAN IHV hardware and drivers, as well as a Wi-Fi 6E-capable AP/router. 
• Windows Hello requires a camera with near infrared (IR) imaging or a fingerprint reader for biometric authentication. Windows Hello can be used on devices without biometric sensors by entering a PIN or using a portable Microsoft security key. 
• Windows Projection requires a display adapter that supports the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0 as well as a Wi-Fi device that supports Wi-Fi Direct.

Why is TPM required for Windows 11?

It requires TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for added security. TPM interacts with several security components and software in your operating system. TPM serves as a last line of defense in the event that your antivirus and VPN solutions fail, stopping hackers from gaining illegal access. It is critical for protecting your system and data when utilizing tools such as web browsers. 

Enabling TPM varies depending on the motherboard, and you may need to upgrade your BIOS or UEFI settings to do so. Some ASUS BIOS updates already include the necessary TPM version, removing the need for any changes.

How to obtain Windows 11

If your system meets the requirements for upgrading from Windows 10, or if you want to make a new purchase, you can obtain Windows 11 in the following ways:

• Direct download: Simply download the OS file and let the setup wizard complete the installation for you. 
• Create a bootable DVD to install Windows 11 on a PC. 
• ISO Virtual Disc: Run the Windows 11 ISO file from a virtual disk.

Introducing the Cortana upgrade

Cortana, the default personal productivity assistant, was initially included with both Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, Windows 11 offers a new AI-powered helper named Windows CoPilot. This integrated assistant boosts productivity by easing workflows across all programs. CoPilot is easily accessible from the taskbar, making system management and customization more easy and integrated. 

Furthermore, Windows CoPilot in Windows 11 performs similarly to other AI helpers. It can generate summaries of the stuff you're now seeing, whether in apps or online browsers. With a user interface similar to Bing Chat dialog windows, you can ask CoPilot questions and start online searches just like you would with any other search engine.

Upgrading from Windows 10

After a lengthy wait, it has now arrived as the successor to Windows 10, bringing with it a number of new features. While there are no significant changes to the style or design, the functionality has been significantly improved. Gamers will like the enhanced performance, which rivals that of NVIDIA GeForce. 

Furthermore, it facilitates meeting participation and communication possibilities. It also features an Android emulator that lets you play mobile games on your PC. We may expect many more features in the coming years as Microsoft continues to develop its new operating system.

PROS

• Exciting new features are introduced 
• Strong video gaming capability. 
• Improved enhancements to existing features. 
• Free installation for Windows 10 users. 
• Better performance compared to earlier versions. 
• Runs Android applications. 
• Includes Microsoft Teams integration.

CONS

• The redesigned Start menu and Taskbar may take some time to adjust. 
• The loss of important capabilities like Timeline, some tablet motions, and the Action Center is a drawback. 
• Requires severe system requirements. 
• Not compatible with all PCs. 
• Roll-out launches may have limits.

Conclusion

Overall, Windows 11 features a modern and visually appealing interface, new tools and default apps, enhanced capabilities, and improved speed. While preserving Windows 10's wide feature set, Windows 11 introduces modern interface components and useful tools such as Snap Layouts and Widgets. 

For these reasons, it remains a top choice for desktop operating systems, receiving distinction from the Filesalad Review team alongside the clean and powerful Apple macOS.

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Also, check out: Windows 10