Xbox cloud gaming is now available in the Xbox app along with an Xbox game pass. Features like DirectStorage and AutoHDR have been added for improved performance. Direct storage will speed the games by loading them from storage to the graphics card and AutoHDR produces better image quality with more color range and image depth.
Security
Microsoft has made some crucial improvements to Windows 11 which are not just present on the outside. It has been said that this browsing, Windows hello, Waking the PC from sleep will all be faster than ever before. Windows updates will be smaller and will be more efficient which will also improve the battery life. But for this a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip would be required to install Windows 11.
Other changes in Windows 11
Windows PCs running ARM processes will finally get x64 emulation support which was due for a long time.
People with touchscreen computers will have an even better time using Microsoft Windows 11 because changes have been made to make the OS look more fluid on tablets.
3 or 4 finger gestures can now be used to open task view or swap apps.
It is now easier to resize the app box using touch and subtle animations have also been added.
New emoji panel has also been introduced along with the support for gifs.
Single and double-tap along with tap and hold can now be configured to do different on the surface pen.
Pen workspace has also been updated with a new interface and the ability to pin any app on the Pen Quick Launch bar.
The app store now not only will offer a broader range of apps but will also create a curated feed for the user. The store is also said to be faster than ever.
Developers will now be able to submit unpackaged applications and can avoid paying Microsoft the store fee by hosting their own commercial network which means that the app will not be distributed by Microsoft it will be distributed by the Microsoft Storefront.
How to download Windows 11?
The people who already use a PC with Windows 10 and their system meets the Minimum Requirements for Windows 11 will receive a free update to Windows 11 after October 5. If you want to know if your PC meets the minimum system requirements or not you can download the ‘PC health check’ app. Microsoft has a tiered system of rolling out the updates so the time when you will receive the update depends on the type of PC. Also, Microsoft has not set any time limit on the rolling out of updates so you can skip updating to Windows 11 if you wish to.
Installing Windows 11 can also be installed through an iso file but Microsoft has said that the people who install Windows 11 even when their PC does not meet the minimum system requirements for it will not be officially supported.
Even if you do not own a PC that meets the minimum system requirements for windows 11 you can always sign up for the windows insider programs that will roll out Windows 11 insider build for the users. Even for those whose PC does not meet the requirements!
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
Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
Display: > 9″ with HD Resolution (720p)
Internet connection: Microsoft account and internet connectivity required for setup for Windows 11 Home.
System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Feature specific requirements in windows 11
Some features in Windows 11 may require additional hardware, below is the list of all the features and hardware –
5G support requires a 5G capable modem.
Auto HDR requires an HDR monitor.
BitLocker to Go requires a USB flash drive (available in Windows Pro and above editions).
Client Hyper-V requires a processor with second-level address translation (SLAT) capabilities (available in Windows Pro and above editions).
Cortana requires a microphone and speaker and is currently available on Windows 11 for Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States.
DirectStorage requires an NVMe SSD to store and run games that use the “Standard NVM Express Controller” driver and a DirectX12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support.
DirectX 12 Ultimate is available with supported games and graphics chips.
Intelligent Video Conferencing requires a video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output).
Presence requires a sensor that can detect human distance from the device or intent to interact with the device.
Multiple Voice Assistant (MVA) requires a microphone and speaker.
Spatial Sound requires supporting hardware and software.
Teams require a video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output).
Touch requires a screen or monitor that supports multi-touch.
Two-factor Authentication requires the use of a PIN, biometric (fingerprint reader or illuminated infrared camera), or a phone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities.
Voice Typing requires a PC with a microphone.
Conclusion
Officially launching on October 5, 2021, Windows 11 seems like a promising upgrade, and the users will have a good time using it. Microsoft has taken a lot of right decisions and implemented features that translate to real-world utility. While features like android apps integration have yet to be tested for their optimization, needless to say, I’m looking forward to it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Windows 11
How is Windows 11 any different from Windows 10?
Windows 11 has a plethora of new features which differentiate it from Windows 11, even the interface is different.
How much will a PC with Windows 11 cost?
PC prices vary depending on the hardware and type of use, options in any price range and usage type are nearly limitless.
What if I buy a PC now, will I get the update later?
All of the PCs shipped with Windows 10 will be eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11. Make sure your PC has the supported hardware which is required for some features.
Will my accessories work with Windows 11?
If your accessories worked with Windows 10, chances are they will work just fine with Windows 11, although you might want to check with the manufacturer whether your accessory is supported by Windows 11
Will my current Windows 10 PC be eligible for the upgrade?
If your PC runs the latest version of Windows 10 and meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 then the PC will be eligible for the free upgrade rolling out later this year.
Where can I purchase a PC with Windows 11 pre-installed?
Windows 11 PCs will start shipping out later this year.
>Windows Hello requires a camera configured for near infrared (IR) imaging or fingerprint reader for biometric authentication. Devices without biometric sensors can use Windows Hello with a PIN or portable Microsoft compatible security key.
>Windows Projection requires a display adapter which supports Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0 and a Wi-Fi adapter that supports Wi-Fi Direct.
