Windows 11 is released worldwide on Tuesday as a free upgrade for users of Windows 10.
The latest edition of Windows is “clean and fresh and simpler” for the user, told Panos Panay to BBC. It will be possible to use the new operating system without having to learn a completely new interface. He stated that it would not be an “extreme departure” from what people are used to.
He assured even beginner users will be able to upgrade their operating system without having a problem.
“I use the frame of my father – he’s 89. I’m so excited for him to hit that button and upgrade, you have no idea. Not because he’s my dad – because I just want it to be easy for him,” he commented.
The redesigned Start menu will be available on the first day of Windows 11
Windows 11 has significant design modifications, as well as some technical changes. The Start menu will be located in the center of the screen by default together with icons in the taskbar. When we click on the Start menu it will display a list of frequently used applications.
It has a similar appearance to that of a smartphone app menu. Microsoft has also eliminated the “Live Tiles” from Windows 10’s start menu. Mr. Panay stated that the company has learned from Windows 8. In Windows 8, Microsoft had removed the start menu completely, this resulted in a lot of negative feedback.
“You learn from that, of course, and then you adapt,” he commented on the subject.
Watching how people use their computers was a large part of designing Windows 11’s user interface.
Panay: “The Start button is right there. It’s right in the middle of the screen. It’s not gone.”
Windows 10 is not an “end of the era” after all
Microsoft stated that Windows 10 would be the final version of the system when it was first released. That has, however, changed.
“We’re in a time where there is a bit of a new era for the PC happening right now,” said Panay. “I think Windows 11 kind of stamps that moment and it is a signal for that moment,” he added.
The design is identical across the operating system, with rounded corners and reduced complexity in most menus and folder views. We will also be able to reach Widgets, they will be in a sidebar on the left. These widgets will work together with Microsoft services.
There are several changes that extend beyond the interface and aesthetic. Microsoft has been advertising heavily on Windows 11. Microsoft Teams and the Xbox app are both promoted in marketing campaigns. The new Microsoft Store is a completely different experience than the old one, and it allows third-party applications to sell their product on the platform without taking a substantial cut.
One innovative element that sparked curiosity in the IT industry was Windows 11’s planned use of the Amazon app store to run Android smartphone apps.
Should I upgrade to Windows 11?
Microsoft claims that its new drive technology, Direct Storage, will result in significantly quicker game loading times by allowing a graphics card to access storage drives without going through the CPU. However, like many other features, it relies on more recent hardware to function.
Not everyone will be exposed to all of the benefits of upgrading, and some computers may not be able to upgrade at all. Only computers with a type of security chip called a TPM will be able to upgrade to Windows 11.
Microsoft officials also commented on this subject: “If your device does not meet these requirements, you may not be able to install Windows 11 on your device and might want to consider purchasing a new PC.”
The firm has just introduced a new line of its own hardware products to go along with the new Windows version. Users who already run Windows 10 do not have to spend money on upgrading if their computer is still functioning. Windows 10 will get new security updates until 2025, so no worries.
