Windows 11 is official after several years of rumors and today we want to share everything you need to know about the new operating system of Microsoft. Some predictions about Windows 11 have been confirmed at the event held by Microsoft. Many other features have caught us by surprise. That is why we decided to review the most outstanding aspects of the upcoming operating system.
Everything you need to know about Windows 11
New design
Although Windows 11 does not represent a change of paradigm as Windows 10 did in its moment with respect to Windows 8, the new version comes to refine the visual inconsistencies. In this case, Microsoft has simplified the interface of applications like the Control Panel or the Start menu by getting rid of overloading elements. The taskbar has also been reworked, this way it will be more accessible on large monitors.
New widget system
The other new features announced by Microsoft include the introduction of a widget system and the renewal of the Quick Settings panel, which in this case is oriented to control the different connections of the computer.
Split-screen apps enhanced with different formats
Windows 11 will allow us to create different cells depending on the size of the windows and the importance they acquire in a certain productive environment.
In addition to dragging the windows to each side to visualize them in a 50/50 proportion, Windows 11 allows us to select different formats depending on the number of open windows: three windows at 25/25/50, four windows at 25/25/25/25/25, three windows at 15/70/15 and so on. To be able to use this feature we will press and hold the Window icon next to the Close and Minimize icon.
Android apps on Windows 11
The main and most striking new feature of Windows 11 is the ability to run native Android applications. Microsoft has already confirmed that the installation of applications will be done through the Amazon App Store from Microsoft’s own store. Applications such as TikTok or Kindle will run natively on the upcoming operating system.
What is not known at the moment is the way in which the system will run these applications, although it has confirmed that it takes advantage of Intel Bridge technology. This could limit the execution of applications to Intel processors, although at the moment nothing has been confirmed.
Microsoft Teams will be integrated as a standard in Windows 11
Microsoft has simplified the integration of Microsoft Teams in Windows 11, the application will be installed by default in the system, not to mention that access to its notifications is more visual and accessible from the program icon itself.
Which computers will be compatible with Windows 11?
Of course, we have to talk about the minimum requirements. One of the requirements of Windows 11 is the activation of the TPM 2.0 protocol, which in this case corresponds to the acronym Trusted Platform Module.
The main function of this protocol is to store the encryption of the encrypted keys of the system. The problem is that the implementation of this protocol was not mandatory on Windows computers until 2016. In addition, some motherboard models do not have this protocol, which may limit the installation of the system on computers that are assembled from different parts.
The good news is that Microsoft has already confirmed that computers with TPM 1.2 will be compatible with Windows 11 out of the box, although the problem arises precisely from the lack of this protocol. In this case, Windows will enable a notification that will serve to the users to recommend (or not) the installation of Windows 11 depending on the requirements of the equipment.
Windows 11 minimum system requirements
As for the minimum system requirements, the list announced by Microsoft leaves us with the following characteristics:
- 1.0 GHz dual-core processor with 64-bit architecture.
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB free storage
- Graphics card with WDDM 2.0 driver with support for DirectX 12
- 9-inch HD (720p) resolution display or monitor
- Motherboard in UEFI format
Is Windows 11 free?
Microsoft has announced that the upgrade from Windows 10 will be free, so we will not have to purchase an additional license. If we do not have an active Windows 10 license, the acquisition cost per key should not differ from that of Windows 10, although we can always purchase a Windows 10 OEM key to upgrade later.
Windows 11 release date
Latest news shows that Windows 11 release date will be October 5th, 2021. Windows 10 will be supported until 2025.
