Windows 11 is now the standard Windows experience, and this cheat sheet covers everything you need to know about it in one place. Since Windows 10 reached its end of support on October 14, 2025, Windows 11 is the only desktop Windows that still receives official updates and security patches. Whether you are upgrading an old PC or setting up a new one, this guide walks you through the features, requirements, and upgrades that matter in 2026.
What is Windows 11?
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s current operating system, first announced on June 24, 2021 and released on October 5, 2021. It replaced Windows 10 with a redesigned interface, a centered Start menu, snap layouts, widgets, and major gaming improvements. Eligible Windows 10 PCs can upgrade to Windows 11 for free, and after the Windows 10 end of support date, upgrading is the recommended path to keep your PC secure. Once you are on Windows 11, our list of the 14 must-have apps for Windows 11 is a great place to start building out your system.
What’s New in Windows 11?
Windows 11 has evolved a lot since launch, with annual feature updates like 23H2, 24H2, and the current 25H2 release. The core experience is still defined by the same pillars: a cleaner interface, better multitasking, deeper Microsoft services, and a strong gaming story. Here are the features that matter most in 2026.
Interface
The Windows 11 interface moved away from the Windows 10 look with a centered taskbar, rounded corners, and a redesigned Start menu. The taskbar and File Explorer now use the modern Fluent design language, and dark mode is more consistent across the OS. Touch gestures were improved too, with three and four finger swipes for switching apps and opening Task View.
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Snap layouts let you arrange windows into preset grids by hovering over the maximize button, and snap groups remember the layout you used so you can restore it with one click. This is one of the most useful productivity features in the OS, especially on ultrawide or dual monitors. You can even snap apps side by side and the layout is saved when you switch between tasks.
Widgets
Widgets bring back glanceable information with a panel that shows weather, news, calendar, and app content. The panel is powered by a personalized feed and can be expanded to fill more of the screen. Widgets have improved steadily since launch and now support more third-party apps than ever.
Copilot and AI Features
Microsoft Copilot is built into Windows 11 and provides AI assistance for searches, settings, and content creation. Newer Copilot+ PCs add an NPU that can run over 40 trillion operations per second, unlocking features like live captions and improved Windows Search. The 25H2 update refines these AI features and adds the ability to remove select preinstalled apps through policy, giving users more control.
Gaming
Windows 11 remains the best platform for PC gaming, with DirectStorage, Auto HDR, and deep Xbox integration. DirectStorage loads games faster by streaming assets straight from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, while Auto HDR improves color and contrast on compatible displays. Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming are built into the Xbox app, and Windows 11 supports the latest DirectX 12 Ultimate features. If your games feel slow, our guide on how to increase internet speed in Windows covers network fixes that apply to Windows 11 too.
Security
Security is a core pillar of Windows 11, and it starts with hardware requirements like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Windows Hello biometric sign-in is faster and more reliable, and Windows Defender provides solid built-in protection against malware and ransomware. Updates are smaller and more efficient than in Windows 10, which keeps the system secure without long downtime.
Android Apps
Windows 11 originally promised Android app support through the Windows Subsystem for Android and the Amazon Appstore. Microsoft discontinued that support on March 5, 2025, so you can no longer install Android apps natively through the Microsoft Store. If you relied on Android apps on Windows, you will now need an emulator or an alternative like linking your phone through the Phone Link app instead.
How to Get Windows 11
The easiest way to get Windows 11 is through Windows Update, which offers the free upgrade to eligible Windows 10 PCs. Microsoft rolled out the upgrade in waves, so you can also use the Installation Assistant or the PC Health Check app to force the update. If you prefer a clean install, you can download the official ISO from Microsoft and create a bootable USB drive. Installing from scratch is also the best way to clear out junk, and our guide on accessing the WindowsApps folder helps you manage app files afterwards.
Windows 11 System Requirements
Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
Memory: 4 GB RAM or more.
Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics with WDDM 2.x driver.
Display: Greater than 9 inches with HD resolution (720p).
System firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot capability.
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
Internet connection: Microsoft account and internet connectivity are required for setup on Windows 11 Home.
Feature-Specific Requirements in Windows 11
Some Windows 11 features need extra hardware. DirectStorage requires an NVMe SSD and a DirectX 12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support. Auto HDR needs an HDR-capable monitor, and 5G support requires a 5G capable modem. Touch features require a multi-touch screen, and voice typing and Cortana need a working microphone. BitLocker to Go and Client Hyper-V are available in Windows Pro and above, and two-factor authentication uses a PIN, biometric reader, or a phone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Keeping Windows 11 Running Smoothly
Most Windows 11 problems are easy to prevent with a few habits. Keep Windows Update on automatic, check for driver updates from your PC manufacturer, and avoid filling the system drive to capacity. If your PC overheats or shuts down under load, our guide on fixing the CPU fan error can help you diagnose cooling issues quickly. Regular restarts and clearing temporary files also keep the OS feeling fast over time.
Conclusion
Windows 11 is a mature, polished operating system in 2026, and the free upgrade from Windows 10 is now the right move for most people. The interface, productivity features, gaming performance, and security improvements make it a worthy daily driver. Use this cheat sheet as a reference whenever you need a quick answer, and pair it with our must-have Windows 11 apps guide to get the most out of your PC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Windows 11
How is Windows 11 different from Windows 10?
Windows 11 has a redesigned interface with a centered taskbar, snap layouts, widgets, and better gaming features. It also adds Copilot AI assistance and stricter security requirements like TPM 2.0, and it is the only Windows version still supported after October 2025.
Is the Windows 11 upgrade free?
Yes. Eligible Windows 10 PCs can upgrade to Windows 11 for free through Windows Update or the Installation Assistant. You only pay if you buy a new license for a PC that did not have Windows.
Will my current Windows 10 PC be eligible for the upgrade?
Your PC must meet the minimum system requirements, including a 64-bit processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and TPM 2.0. The PC Health Check app will tell you if your system is compatible.
Can I still use Android apps on Windows 11?
No. Microsoft discontinued the Windows Subsystem for Android and the Amazon Appstore on March 5, 2025. Android apps are no longer available through the Microsoft Store, so you will need an emulator or the Phone Link app instead.
Will my accessories work with Windows 11?
If your accessories worked with Windows 10, they will almost certainly work with Windows 11. Check with the manufacturer if you use specialized hardware, since some older drivers may need updates.
Does Windows 11 need an antivirus?
Windows 11 includes Windows Defender, which provides solid built-in protection. Adding a second opinion tool like Malwarebytes can help catch browser hijackers and ransomware that Defender sometimes misses.
