Q&A – everything you need to know about Windows 11
Microsoft will soon launch an unexpected, new version of its operating system. Here's everything you need to know about Windows 11 which offers a new interface and smarter features.
What is Windows 11?
Microsoft once said that Windows 10 was the final version of Windows. That wasn't quite the case. This autumn, Windows 11 will launch, giving the operating system a new interface and a bunch of new and updated applications. Although under the hood it is more of a hefty update to Windows 10 than a generational shift.
When will Windows 11 be released?
Windows 11 will be released in stark release on October 5, 2021, and will be rolled out to users worldwide in batches. Exactly who will get the operating system when remains to be seen. Starting from the same date, PC manufacturers will also start selling computers with Windows 11 preinstalled.
How can I test Windows 11 now?
By joining Windows Insider, you can already download a beta version of Windows 11. You start by browsing the Windows Insiders site, logging in with your Microsoft account, and then signing up.
Next, go to the settings on your computer and open Updates and Security, and then click the Windows Insider Program option in the left menu. Next, follow the instructions to activate the beta version of the operating system on your computer.
How much does Windows 11 cost?
If you have a computer with a Windows 10 license, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free. Microsoft has so far not revealed what it will cost to purchase a new Windows 11 license. Buying a Windows 10 Home license from Microsoft today costs $1,399, and the price level of the new operating system will probably end up in the same region.
What is the big difference with Windows 10?
The most obvious thing is that the interface is thoroughly redesigned. Online, many have said that Windows 11 moves a little bit for MacOS in both the look and the new audio design, and it's easy to understand why.
The taskbar at the bottom of the image has been centered, and the start menu has undergone a major transformation.
A new menu for widgets, i.e. type plugins, has appeared and can be customized with everything from calendar and weather applications to news feed and easily accessible to-do lists.
Several of the included Microsoft applications have also received major updates. The email program, app store, calendar, watch and not least Paint have been given new interfaces and features.
Can Windows 11 run Android apps?
One of the big innovations with Windows 11 is that the operating system should support Android apps. Note "will." The support will not be built in at launch on 5 October 2021.
Can my computer run Windows 11?
The system requirements for Windows 11 are significantly higher than for Windows 10. If your computer is more than a couple of years old, there is a high risk that it contains unsupported hardware.
Microsoft states that it may well be possible to install the operating system on older computers, but that they do not have official support for this.
The full list of system requirements can be found here, and these include:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least two cores, a list of compatible processors can be found here.
- Working memory: 4 GB.
- Storage: At least 64 GB.
- Security: Hardware support for UEFI, Secureboot and TPM 2.0.
- Graphics card: Requires support for Directx 12 or later.
- Screen: At least 9" and resolution of 720p or higher.
What happens to Windows 10 now?
So far nothing, but in the long run, the operating system will be phased out. Currently, Microsoft has set October 14, 2025 as the day Windows 10 "retires."
Source: New Technology