Vega Protocol

Windows 11 is the latest major release of Microsoft's Windows NT operating system, released in October 2021. It is a free upgrade to its predecessor, Windows 10 (2015), available for any Windows 10 devices that meet the new Windows 11 system requirements.

Windows 11 features major changes to the Windows shell influenced by the canceled Windows 10X, including a redesigned Start menu, the replacement of its "live tiles" with a separate "Widgets" panel on the taskbar, the ability to create tiled sets of windows that can be minimized and restored from the taskbar as a group, and new gaming technologies inherited from Xbox Series X and Series S such as Auto HDR and DirectStorage on compatible hardware. Internet Explorer (IE) has been replaced by the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge as the default web browser like its predecessor, Windows 10, and Microsoft Teams is integrated into the Windows shell. Microsoft also announced plans to allow more flexibility in software that can be distributed via Microsoft Store, and to support Android apps on Windows 11 (including a partnership with Amazon to make its app store available for the function).

Citing security considerations, the system requirements for Windows 11 were increased over Windows 10. Microsoft only officially supports the operating system on devices using an eighth-generation Intel Core CPU or newer (with some minor exceptions), AMD Ryzen CPU based on Zen+ microarchitecture or newer, or a Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 ARM system-on-chip or newer, with UEFI secure boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 supported and enabled (although Microsoft may provide exceptions to the TPM 2.0 requirement for OEMs). While the OS can be installed on unsupported processors, Microsoft does not guarantee the availability of updates. Windows 11 removed support for 32-bit x86 CPUs and devices which use BIOS firmware.

Windows 11 has received a widely polarized reception. Pre-release coverage of the operating system focused on its stricter hardware requirements, with discussions over whether they were legitimately intended to improve the security of Windows or as a ploy to upsell users to newer devices, and over e-waste associated with the changes. Upon release, it was praised for its improved visual design, window management, and a stronger focus on security, but was criticized for various modifications to aspects of its user interface which were seen as worse than its predecessor. As of May 2022, Windows 11 is the 2nd most popular Windows edition on Windows PCs in the United States, at 11%, and some other countries (also 2nd in North America as a whole and Oceania/Australia), while globally it remains 3rd on average (and in some countries 4th) after Windows 7, far behind Windows 10, which stands at 77% in the United States.<ref>"Desktop Windows Version Market Share United States Of America". StatCounter Global Stats. Retrieved May 8, 2022.</ref> Across all platforms Windows 11 runs on a share of 2.6% of PCs.

Development

At the 2015 Ignite conference, Microsoft employee Jerry Nixon stated that Windows 10 would be the "last version of Windows", a statement that Microsoft confirmed was "reflective" of its view.<ref>"Windows forever: Windows 10 builds will continue even after Microsoft ships it". PCWorld. April 30, 2015. Archived from the original on March 2, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021.</ref><ref>"Windows 10 Takes Its Place as Microsoft's 'Forever OS'". Redmondmag. Archived from the original on April 9, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021.</ref> The operating system was considered to be a service, with new builds and updates to be released over time.<ref>Loeb, Larry (July 28, 2015). "Windows 10: Microsoft Attempts A SaaS Model". InformationWeek. Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.</ref>

In October 2019, Microsoft announced "Windows 10X", a future edition of Windows 10 designed exclusively for dual-touchscreen devices such as the then-upcoming Surface Neo. It featured a modified user interface designed around context-sensitive "postures" for different screen configurations and usage scenarios, and changes such as a centered taskbar and updated Start menu without Windows 10's "live tiles". Legacy Windows applications would also be required to run in "containers" to ensure performance and power optimization. Microsoft stated that it planned to release Windows 10X devices by the end of 2020.<ref>Warren, Tom (October 2, 2019). "Microsoft Surface Neo first look: the future of Windows 10X is dual-screen". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 2, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2020.</ref><ref>Hollister, Sean (October 2, 2019). "Windows 10X is Microsoft's latest stab at a 'Lite' operating system, exclusively for dual-screens". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 2, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2020.</ref><ref>Warren, Tom (October 2, 2019). "Windows 10X has a new Start Menu and no more Live Tiles". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 16, 2021. Retrieved October 16, 2021.</ref>

In May 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, chief product officer for Microsoft Windows and Office Panos Panay stated that "as we continue to put customers' needs at the forefront, we need to focus on meeting customers where they are now", and therefore announced that Windows 10X would only launch on single-screen devices at first, and that Microsoft would "continue to look for the right moment, in conjunction with our OEM partners, to bring dual-screen devices to market".<ref>Warren, Tom (May 4, 2020). "Microsoft confirms Windows 10X is coming to laptops amid big jump in Windows usage". The Verge. Archived from the original on May 4, 2020. Retrieved May 4, 2020.</ref><ref>"Accelerating innovation in Windows 10 to meet customers where they are". Windows Experience Blog. May 4, 2020. Archived from the original on October 14, 2021. Retrieved October 16, 2021.</ref>

In January 2021, it was reported that a job listing referring to a "sweeping visual rejuvenation of Windows" had been posted by Microsoft.<ref>Warren, Tom (January 4, 2021). "Microsoft planning 'sweeping visual rejuvenation of Windows'". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2021.</ref> A visual refresh for Windows, developed under the codename "Sun Valley", was reportedly set to re-design the system's user interface.<ref>Warren, Tom (January 4, 2021). "Microsoft planning 'sweeping visual rejuvenation of Windows'". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved October 16, 2021.</ref> It was rumored to be released as a Windows 10 feature update as version 21H2.<ref>"Floating menus, rounded corners, and more coming to Windows 10 21H2". Windows Central. April 26, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2022.</ref> However, this would later be spun off into Windows 11. Microsoft began to implement and announce some of these visual changes and other new features on Windows 10 Insider Preview builds, such as new system icons (which also included the replacement of shell resources dating back as far as Windows 95),<ref>Warren, Tom (March 4, 2021). "Microsoft's Windows 10 UI overhaul continues with new system icons". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 16, 2021. Retrieved October 16, 2021.</ref> improvements to Task View to allow changing the wallpaper on each virtual desktop, emulation of x64 applications on ARM, and adding the Auto HDR feature from Xbox Series X.<ref>Warren, Tom (March 17, 2021). "Microsoft is bringing its Xbox Auto HDR feature to Windows". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 16, 2021. Retrieved October 16, 2021.</ref><ref>Anton Shilov (December 11, 2020). "Microsoft Brings x64 Emulation to Windows 10 on Arm PCs". Tom's Hardware. Archived from the original on March 8, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2021.</ref>

On May 18, 2021, Head of Windows Servicing and Delivery John Cable stated that Windows 10X had been canceled and that Microsoft would be "accelerating the integration of key foundational 10X technology into other parts of Windows and products at the company".<ref>Warren, Tom (May 18, 2021). "Microsoft confirms Windows 10X is dead". The Verge. Archived from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2021.</ref>

Announcement

At the Microsoft Build 2021 developer conference, CEO and chairman Satya Nadella teased about the existence of the next generation of Windows during his keynote speech. According to Nadella, he had been self-hosting it for several months. He also teased that an official announcement would come very soon.<ref>"Satya Nadella teases major updates coming soon to Windows during Build 2021 keynote". Windows Central. May 25, 2021. Archived from the original on June 5, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.</ref> Just a week after Nadella's keynote, Microsoft started sending invitations for a dedicated Windows media event at 11 am ET on June 24, 2021.<ref>"Microsoft to reveal its next generation of Windows on June 24". The Verge. June 2, 2021. Archived from the original on June 11, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.</ref><ref name=":0">"Microsoft Windows Event – Watch the June 24 LIVE stream". Microsoft. June 2, 2021. Archived from the original on June 16, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.</ref> Microsoft also posted an 11-minute video of Windows start-up sounds to YouTube on June 10, 2021, with many people speculating both the time of the Microsoft event and the duration of the Windows start-up sound video to be a reference to the name of the operating system as Windows 11.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref><ref>"Microsoft teases new Windows 11 startup sound with 11-minute video". The Verge. June 10, 2021. Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.</ref>

On June 24, 2021, Windows 11 was officially announced at a virtual event hosted by Chief Product Officer Panos Panay.<ref name=":03">"Microsoft Windows Event – Watch the June 24 LIVE stream". Windows. Microsoft. June 2, 2021. Archived from the original on June 16, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.</ref><ref>Warren, Tom (June 24, 2021). "Live blog: Microsoft's Windows 11 event". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref><ref>Novet, Jordan; Leswing, Kif; Haselton, Todd (June 24, 2021). "Microsoft just unveiled Windows 11: Here's everything it announced". CNBC. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref> According to Nadella, Windows 11 is "a re-imagining of the operating system".<ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref> Further details for developers such as updates to the Microsoft Store, the new Windows App SDK (code-named "Project Reunion"), new Fluent Design guidelines, and more were discussed during another developer-focused event on the same day.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref><ref>Gallo, Kevin (June 24, 2021). "What Windows 11 Means for Developers". Windows Developer Blog. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref><ref>Jones, Luke (June 18, 2021). "Microsoft Announces Windows 11 Developer Event on June 24". WinBuzzer. Archived from the original on June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref>

Release

The Windows 11 name was accidentally released in an official Microsoft support document in June 2021.<ref>Parmar, Mayank (June 21, 2021). "Windows 11 confirmed in a new Microsoft support document". Windows Latest. Archived from the original on June 20, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref><ref>Allan, Darren (June 21, 2021). "Windows 11 name confirmed in fresh leak from Microsoft". Tech Radar. Archived from the original on June 22, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref> Leaked images of a purported beta build of Windows 11's desktop surfaced online later on June 15, 2021,<ref>"传说中的Windows11，测试版/The legendary Windows 11, beta version". Baidu (in 中文). Archived from the original on June 15, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2021.</ref><ref>Reichert, Corinne (June 15, 2021). "Windows 11 screenshots leak online, report says". CNET. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref> which were followed by a leak of the aforementioned build on the same day.<ref>Mott, Nathaniel (June 17, 2021). "Windows 11: Everything We Know About Microsoft's Next OS". Tom's Hardware. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2021.</ref> The screenshots and leaked build show an interface resembling that of the canceled Windows 10X, alongside a redesigned out-of-box experience (OOBE) and Windows 11 branding.<ref name="reviewgeek-souce code leak">"Windows 11 Build Leaks, Shows a New Desktop UI, Start Menu, and More". reviewgeek. June 15, 2021. Archived from the original on June 16, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2021.</ref> Microsoft would later confirm the authenticity of the leaked beta, with Panay stating that it was an "early weird build".<ref>Warren, Tom (June 25, 2021). "Microsoft's Panos Panay on building Windows 11 during a pandemic, Android, and the leak". The Verge. Archived from the original on July 7, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2021.</ref><ref>Rubino, Daniel (June 18, 2021). "Microsoft issues DMCA complaint against site hosting Windows 11 ISO, confirms authenticity". Windows Central. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2021.</ref>

At the June 24 media event, Microsoft also announced that Windows 11 would be released in "Holiday 2021".<ref name=":6">"Upgrade to the New Windows 11 OS". Windows. Microsoft. June 24, 2021. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref><ref>Rayome, Alison DeNisco. "Windows 11 release date: Here's when you can install Microsoft's free update". CNET. Archived from the original on June 26, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2021.</ref> Its release will be accompanied by a free upgrade for compatible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.<ref name=":7">Panay, Panos (June 24, 2021). "Introducing Windows 11". Windows Experience Blog. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref> On June 28, Microsoft announced the release of the first preview build and SDK of Windows 11 to Windows Insiders.<ref>"Announcing the first Insider Preview for Windows 11". Windows Insider Blog. June 28, 2021. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.</ref>

On August 31, 2021, Microsoft announced that Windows 11 was to be released on October 5, 2021.<ref>Rayome, Alison DeNisco. "Windows 11 release date: Here's when Microsoft's new OS comes out". CNET. Archived from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2021.</ref> The release would be phased, with newer eligible devices to be offered the upgrade first.<ref name="win11release" /> Since its predecessor Windows 10 was released on July 29, 2015, more than six years earlier, this is the longest time span between successive releases of Microsoft Windows operating systems, beating the time between Windows XP (released on October 25, 2001) and Windows Vista (released on January 30, 2007).<ref>Rayome, Alison DeNisco. "Windows 11: What you need to know about the beta, release date, new features and more". CNET. Archived from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2021.</ref>

Microsoft officially released Windows 11 on October 4, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. PT, which was October 5 in parts of the world.<ref>Blog, Windows Experience (August 31, 2021). "Windows 11 available on October 5". Windows Experience Blog. Archived from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.</ref> It can be obtained as an in-place upgrade via either the Windows 11 Installation Assistant application (the successor to the Media Creation Tool from Windows 10, which can also generate an ISO image or USB install media), or via Windows Update on eligible devices.<ref>Rayome, Alison DeNisco. "Download Windows 11 now with this workaround: How to skip the wait for Microsoft's OS". CNET. Archived from the original on November 2, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.</ref> On May 9, 2022, Microsoft released Windows 11 on physical media in the form of a boxed USB drive and product key. These boxed copies were made available on Amazon and Best Buy's online storefronts.<ref>O'Donnell, Deirdre (May 9, 2022). "Microsoft releases physical copies of Windows 11 to retail partners". NotebookCheck. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022.</ref><ref>Baxter, Daryl (May 10, 2022). "You can now buy a physical copy of Windows 11, because, why not?". TechRadar. Future plc. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022.</ref>

Upgrades through Windows Update are a phased rollout, and are distributed on an opt-in basis: Microsoft stated that they "expect all eligible Windows 10 devices to be offered the upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022."<ref>Warren, Tom (October 4, 2021). "Microsoft releases Windows 11 a day early". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 4, 2021. Retrieved October 4, 2021.</ref><ref>Foley, Mary Jo. "Microsoft's Windows 11: How to get it now (or later)". ZDNet. Archived from the original on October 5, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2021.</ref> Eligible devices also may present an option to download Windows 11 during the Windows 10 out-of-box experience (OOBE) on a new installation.<ref>"KB5005716: Out of Box Experience update for Windows 10, version 2004, 20H2, 21H1, and 21H2: October 4, 2021". support.microsoft.com. Archived from the original on November 2, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.</ref>

In launch they partnered up with Mikey Likes It Ice Cream in NYC to make a flavor named "Bloomberry" based on the default "Bloom" wallpaper to promote Windows 11. The ice cream is blueberry with blueberry pie filling, pound cake & candy chocolate pieces.<ref>Warren, Tom (October 5, 2021). "Microsoft is giving away free Windows 11 ice cream in NYC today". The Verge. Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2022.</ref><ref>"Get a taste of Windows 11 with some Bloomberry ice cream". Windows Central. November 10, 2021. Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2022.</ref> The Burj Khalifa was also lighted up to promote the operating system.<ref>Oct 6, TIMESOFINDIA COM |; 2021; Ist, 15:30. "Microsoft lights up Burj Khalifa to promote Windows 11 - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)</ref><ref>"Microsoft comissions ice cream, lights up Burj Khalifa to celebrate Windows 11 launch - MSPoweruser". mspoweruser.com. October 5, 2021. Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.</ref> The ice cream could be compared to Windows 7's launch using a partnership with Burger King to create a 7-patty whopper and Windows 10's launch with a limited "10-scoop upgrade" for an ice cream parlor called Daily Chico that originally did 8-scoop ice cream.

Features

Main article: Features new to Windows 11

See also: List of features removed in Windows 11

Windows 11, the first major Windows release since 2015, builds upon its predecessor by revamping the user interface to follow Microsoft's new Fluent Design guidelines. The redesign, which focuses on ease of use and flexibility,<ref name=":7" /> comes alongside new productivity and social features and updates to security and accessibility, addressing some of the deficiencies of Windows 10.<ref>"Windows 11 Is the Overhaul Microsoft Needed". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref>

The Microsoft Store, which serves as a unified storefront for apps and other content, is also redesigned in Windows 11. Microsoft now allows developers to distribute Win32, progressive web applications, and other packaging technologies in the Microsoft Store, alongside Universal Windows Platform apps.<ref>"Microsoft is committed to the Microsoft Store with Windows 11". Windows Central. June 24, 2021. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref> Microsoft also announced plans to allow third-party application stores (such as Epic Games Store) to distribute their clients on Microsoft Store.<ref>Warren, Tom (September 28, 2021). "Microsoft opens its Windows store up to third-party app stores". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 16, 2021. Retrieved October 16, 2021.</ref> Windows 11 supports x86-64 software emulation on ARM-based platforms.<ref>Warren, Tom (November 16, 2021). "Windows 10 on Arm will no longer get x64 app emulation". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 16, 2021. Retrieved November 16, 2021.</ref>

The collaboration platform Microsoft Teams is integrated into the Windows 11 user interface, and is accessible via the taskbar. Skype will no longer be bundled with the OS by default.<ref name=":3">Warren, Tom (June 24, 2021). "Microsoft announces Windows 11, with a new design, Start menu, and more". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref><ref>Lawler, Richard (June 24, 2021). "Microsoft didn't kill Skype, but Windows 11 is shoving it out of sight". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref><ref name=":11">Welch, Chris (June 24, 2021). "Microsoft Teams will be directly integrated as part of Windows 11". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref>

Microsoft claims performance improvements such as smaller update sizes, faster web browsing in "any browser", faster wake time from sleep mode, and faster Windows Hello authentication.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

Windows 11 ships with the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge web browser (for compatibility<ref>"Microsoft swallows its pride and releases new Chrome-based browser". finance.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2021.</ref><ref>Shankland, Stephen. "Google is loosening its grip on Chrome's foundations, but outside allies still help it control the web itself". CNET. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2021.</ref> with Google Chrome web browser<ref>Microsoft Edge and Chromium Open Source: Our Intent, Microsoft Edge, October 18, 2020, archived from the original on November 17, 2021, retrieved November 17, 2021, our unique web-platform codebase still faces occasional compatibility problems as web developers focus less on HTML standards and rationally focus on widely used platforms like Chrome</ref>), and does not include or support Internet Explorer.<ref>Tom Warren (June 25, 2021). "Windows 11 is deleting Internet Explorer". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.</ref> Its rendering engine MSHTML (Trident) is still included with the operating system for backwards compatibility reasons, and Edge can be configured with Group Policy to render whitelisted websites in "IE Mode" (which still uses IE's rendering engine MSHTML, instead of Blink layout engine).<ref>"What is Internet Explorer mode?". Microsoft Docs. Archived from the original on October 17, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2021. IE mode on Microsoft Edge [..] uses the Trident MSHTML engine from Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) for legacy sites.</ref> Windows 11 is the first version of Windows since the original retail release of Windows 95 to not ship with Internet Explorer.<ref>Ed Bott (August 23, 2019). "How Microsoft lost its monopoly in web browsers". ZDNet. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021.</ref>

The updated Xbox app,<ref>Sarkar, Samit (June 24, 2021). "Xbox Game Pass is built into Windows 11". Polygon. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref><ref name=":5">Machkovech, Sam (June 24, 2021). "DirectStorage on Windows 11: Next-gen gaming performance, with PC requirements". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref> along with the Auto HDR and DirectStorage technologies introduced by the Xbox Series X and Series S, will be integrated into Windows 11; the latter requiring a graphics card supporting DirectX 12 and an NVMe solid-state drive.<ref name=":5" /><ref>Rishi Alwani (June 24, 2021). "Windows 11 Gets Xbox Series X Auto HDR, Direct Storage API, and Game Pass". IGN. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref>

User interface

A redesigned user interface is present frequently throughout the operating system, building upon Fluent Design System; translucency, shadows, a new color palette, and rounded geometry are prevalent throughout the UI. A prevalent aspect of the design is an appearance known as "Mica", described as an "opaque, dynamic material that incorporates theme and desktop wallpaper to paint the background of long-lived windows such as apps and settings".<ref name=":12" /><ref>hickeys. "Mica material – Windows apps". Microsoft Docs. Archived from the original on October 5, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2021.</ref> Much of the interface and start menu takes heavy inspiration from the now-canceled Windows 10X.<ref name="verge-win11-leakstartmenuscreenshots3">Warren, Tom (June 15, 2021). "Windows 11 leak reveals new UI, Start menu, and more". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2021.</ref> The Segoe UI font used since Windows Vista has been updated to a variable version, improving its ability to scale between different display resolutions.<ref>hickeys. "Typography in Windows 11 – Windows apps". Microsoft Docs. Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved September 7, 2021.</ref>

The taskbar's buttons are center-aligned by default, and it is permanently pinned to the bottom edge of the screen; it cannot be moved to the top, left, or right edges of the screen as in previous versions of Windows without manual changes to the registry.<ref name=":1">"Windows 11 Specifications – Microsoft". Windows. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref> The notifications sidebar is now accessed by clicking the date and time, with other Quick Actions toggles, as well as volume, brightness, and media playback controls, moved to a new settings pop-up displayed by clicking on the system tray. The "Widgets" button on the taskbar displays a panel with Microsoft Start,<ref>Warren, Tom (September 7, 2021). "Microsoft Start is a personalized news feed designed for Windows 11, mobile, and more". The Verge. Archived from the original on September 7, 2021. Retrieved September 7, 2021.</ref> a news aggregator with personalized stories and content (expanding upon the "news and interests" panel introduced in later builds of Windows 10).<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":12" /> Microsoft Teams is similarly integrated with the taskbar, with a pop-up showing a list of recent conversations.<ref name=":11" />

The Start menu has been significantly redesigned, replacing the "live tiles" used by Windows 8.x and 10 with a grid of "pinned" applications, and a list of recent applications and documents.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> File Explorer was updated to replace its ribbon toolbar with a more traditional toolbar, while its context menus have been redesigned to move some tasks (such as copy and paste) to a toolbar along the top of the menu, and hide other operations under an overflow menu.<ref name=":12" />

Task View, a feature introduced in Windows 10, features a refreshed design, and supports giving separate wallpapers to each virtual desktop. The window snapping functionality has been enhanced with two additional features; hovering over a window's maximize button displays pre-determined "Snap Layouts" for tiling multiple windows onto a display, and tiled arrangement of windows can be minimized and restored from the taskbar as a "snap group".<ref name=":4">Salter, Jim (June 24, 2021). "Windows 11 is much more than a new theme slapped onto Windows 10". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref><ref>Krasnoff, Barbara (October 5, 2021). "How to use snap layouts in Windows 11". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 9, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2021.</ref> When a display is disconnected in a multi-monitor configuration, the windows that were previously on that display will be minimized rather than automatically moved to the main display. If the same display is reconnected, the windows are restored to their prior location.<ref>Chacos, Brad. "Windows 11 multi-monitor tweaks are toying with my emotions". PCWorld. Archived from the original on November 9, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2021.</ref>

Windows Subsystem for Android

Further information: Project Astoria and Windows Subsystem for Linux

On October 21, 2021, Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) became available to Beta channel builds of Windows 11 for users in the United States,<ref>Bisson, Simon (October 21, 2021). "How to get started with the Windows Subsystem for Android in Windows 11". TechRepublic. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.</ref> which allows users to install and run Android apps on their devices. Users can install Android apps through any source using the APK file format.<ref>"Windows 11 will support Android apps from outside the Amazon Appstore". xda-developers. June 25, 2021. Archived from the original on June 26, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2021.</ref> An Amazon Appstore client for Microsoft Store will also be available.<ref>"Amazon and Microsoft create new opportunities for developers and increase return on investment in the Amazon Appstore : Appstore Blogs". developer.amazon.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref><ref>Jordan, Novet; Leswing, Kif; Haselton, Todd (June 24, 2021). "Microsoft Windows 11 will support Android apps". CNBC. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref><ref>Warren, Tom (June 24, 2021). "Microsoft is bringing Android apps to Windows 11 with Amazon's Appstore". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref><ref name=":14">Gartenberg, Chaim (June 24, 2021). "Windows 11's Intel-powered Android apps will run on AMD and Arm processors, too". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref>

WSA is based on the Intel Bridge runtime compiler; Intel stated that the technology is not dependent on its CPUs, and will also be supported on x86-64 and ARM CPUs from other vendors.<ref name=":14" />

System security

As part of the minimum system requirements, Windows 11 only runs on devices with a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 security coprocessor.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /> According to Microsoft, the TPM 2.0 coprocessor is a "critical building block" for protection against firmware and hardware attacks. In addition, Microsoft now requires devices with Windows 11 to include virtualization-based security (VBS), hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI), and Secure Boot built-in and enabled by default.<ref name=":10">"Windows 11 enables security by design from the chip to the cloud". Microsoft Security Blog. June 25, 2021. Archived from the original on June 26, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2021.</ref> The operating system also features hardware-enforced stack protection for supported Intel and AMD processors for protection against zero-day exploits.

Like its predecessor, Windows 11 also supports multi-factor authentication and biometric authentication through Windows Hello.<ref name=":10" />

Versions

Main article: Windows 11 version history

Windows 11 is available in two main editions; the Home edition, which is intended for consumer users, and the Pro edition, which contains additional networking and security features (such as BitLocker), as well as the ability to join a domain.<ref>"Compare Windows 11 Home vs Pro Versions | Microsoft". Windows. Microsoft. Archived from the original on October 14, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2021.</ref> Windows 11 Home may be restricted by default to verified software obtained from Microsoft Store ("S Mode").<ref>"Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ". support.microsoft.com. Archived from the original on October 23, 2021. Retrieved October 23, 2021.</ref> Windows 11 Home requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account in order to complete first-time setup.<ref>Lyons, Kim (June 24, 2021). "Windows 11 Home will require a Microsoft account and an internet connection at setup". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved October 15, 2021.</ref> In February 2022, it was announced that this restriction will also apply to Windows 11 Pro in the future.<ref name="alsowin11pro">Warren, Tom (February 18, 2022). "Windows 11 Pro will soon require a Microsoft Account". The Verge. Archived from the original on February 24, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2022.</ref>

Windows 11 SE was announced on November 9, 2021, as an edition exclusively for low-end devices sold in the education market, and a successor to Windows 10 S. It is designed to be managed via Microsoft Intune, and has changed based on feedback from educators to simplify the user interface and reduce "distractions", such as Snap Layouts not containing layouts for more than two applications at once, all applications opening maximized by default, Widgets being completely removed, and Microsoft Edge is configured by default to allow extensions from the Chrome Web Store (primarily to target those migrating from Chrome OS). It is bundled with applications such as Microsoft Office for Microsoft 365, Minecraft Education Edition, and Flipgrid, while OneDrive is used to save files by default. Windows 11 SE does not include Microsoft Store; third-party software is provisioned or installed by administrators.<ref>Warren, Tom (November 9, 2021). "Microsoft announces Windows 11 SE, a new Chrome OS competitor". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 9, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2021.</ref><ref>Cunningham, Andrew (November 9, 2021). "The latest Surface is a $250 laptop that takes a swing at cheap Chromebooks". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.</ref>

The Windows Insider program carries over from Windows 10, with pre-release builds divided into "Dev" (unstable builds used to test features for future feature updates), "Beta" (test builds for the next feature update; relatively stable in comparison to Dev channel), and "Release Preview" (pre-release builds for final testing of upcoming feature updates) channels.<ref>Gralla, Preston (October 29, 2021). "Windows 11 Insider Previews: What's in the latest build?". Computerworld. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.</ref>

Supported languages

Before the launch of Windows 11, OEMs (as well as mobile operators) and businesses were offered two options for device imaging: Component-Based Servicing lp.cab files (for the languages to be preloaded on the first boot) and Local Experience Pack .appx files (for the languages available for download on supported PCs). The 38 fully-localized Language Pack (LP) languages were available as both lp.cab and .appx packages, while the remaining 72 partially-localized Language Interface Pack (LIP) languages were only available as .appx packages.<ref>"Update to language imaging in Windows 11". techcommunity.microsoft.com. September 16, 2021. Archived from the original on January 26, 2022. Retrieved January 26, 2022.</ref>

With Windows 11, that process has changed. Five new LP languages were added — Catalan, Basque, Galician, Indonesian, and Vietnamese — bringing the total number of LP languages to 43. Furthermore, these 43 languages can only be imaged using lp.cab packages. This is to ensure a fully supported language-imaging and cumulative update experience.

The remaining 67 LIP languages that are LXP-based will move to a self-service model, and can only be added by Windows users themselves via the Microsoft Store and Windows Settings apps, not during the Windows imaging process. Any user, not just admins, can now add both the display language and its features, which can help users in business environments, but these exact options for languages (both LP and LIP) still depend on the OEM and mobile operator.

Available languages

These languages are either preloaded or available for download,<ref>windows-driver-content. "Available Language Packs for Windows". docs.microsoft.com. Archived from the original on October 16, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2022.</ref> depending on the OEM, region of purchase, and mobile operator.

For each of the manufacturers listed, Yes is displayed if the language is supported or available for download in at least one region, and No is displayed if it is not supported in any region.

Available lp.cab language packs

Language/region	English translation	Surface	Samsung	HP	Lenovo	Asus	Acer	Dell	LG
Català	Catalan	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Čeština	Czech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dansk	Danish	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Deutsch	German	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Eesti	Estonian	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
English (Australia)	English (Australia)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
English (Canada)	English (Canada)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
English (United Kingdom)	English (United Kingdom)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
English (United States)	English (United States)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Español (España)	Spanish (Spain)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Español (México)	Spanish (Mexico)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Euskara	Basque	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Français (Canada)	French (Canada)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Français (France)	French (France)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Galego	Galician	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hrvatski	Croatian	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Indonesia	Indonesian	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Italiano	Italian	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Latviešu	Latvian	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lietuvių	Lithuanian	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Magyar	Hungarian	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nederlands	Dutch	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Norsk bokmål	Norwegian Bokmål	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Polski	Polish	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Português (Brasil)	Portuguese (Brazil)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Português (Portugal)	Portuguese (Portugal)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Română	Romanian	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Slovenčina	Slovak	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Slovenščina	Slovenian	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Srpski	Serbian	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Suomi	Finnish	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Svenska	Swedish	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tiếng Việt	Vietnamese	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Türkçe	Turkish	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ελληνικά	Greek	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Български	Bulgarian	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Русский	Russian	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Українська	Ukrainian	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
עברית	Hebrew	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
العربية	Arabic	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
ไทย	Thai	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
한국어	Korean	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
中文 (简体)	Chinese (Simplified)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
中文 (繁體)	Chinese (Traditional)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
中文 (香港)	Chinese (Hong Kong)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Template:Nihongo2	Japanese	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Notes

Surface

The following languages are available for download on all 2021 and newer Surface devices regardless of the region:

• Danish
• German
• English (Australia)
• English (Canada)
• English (United Kingdom)
• English (United States)
• Spanish (Spain)
• Spanish (Mexico)
• French (Canada)
• French (France)
• Italian
• Dutch
• Norwegian
• Polish
• Finnish
• Swedish
• Japanese

These additional languages are available for download exclusively in their respective markets, in addition to the above languages:

• Americas: Portuguese (Brazil)
• EMEA: Czech, Estonian, Croatian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Portuguese (Portugal), Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Turkish, Greek, Bulgarian, Arabic
• Asia Pacific: Thai, Korean, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Hong Kong)

System requirements

Hardware requirements for Windows 11<ref name=":8">"Windows 11: Minimum Hardware Requirements" (PDF). Microsoft. June 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref><ref>"Compatibility for Windows 11- Compatibility Cookbook". Microsoft Docs. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref>

Component	Minimum
Processor	A compatible 64-bit processor (x86-64 or ARM64) with at least 1 GHz clock rate and at least 2 processor cores
Memory (RAM)	At least 4 GB
Storage space	At least 64 GB
System firmware	Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
Security	Secure Boot, enabled by default
	Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Graphics card	Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
Display	High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9" diagonally, 8 bits per color channel
Internet connection and Microsoft accounts	Internet connection and Microsoft account required to complete first-time setup on Windows 11 Home (and soon, also on Windows 11 Pro<ref name="alsowin11pro" />)

Additional requirements for optional functionality

Feature	Requirements
5G support	5G capable modem
Auto HDR	HDR capable monitor
Biometric authentication and Windows Hello	Illuminated infrared camera or fingerprint reader
BitLocker to Go	USB flash drive (available in Windows 11 Pro and higher editions)
Hyper-V	Second Level Address Translation (SLAT)
DirectStorage	NVMe Solid-state drive<ref>Hagedoorn, Hilbert. "Microsoft removes mandatory >1TB storage requirement for DirectStorage NVMe SSDs". Guru3D.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.</ref>
DirectX 12 Ultimate	Available with supported games and graphics cards
Spatial sound	Supporting hardware and software
Two-factor authentication	Use of PIN, biometric authentication, or a phone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities
Speech recognition	Microphone
Wi-Fi 6E support	New WLAN IHV hardware and driver, Wi-Fi 6E capable AP/router
Windows Projection	Wi-Fi adapter that supports Wi-Fi Direct, WDDM 2.0
Android apps support and functionality	A supported processor and a solid-state drive At least 8 GB of RAM (minimum) At least 16 GB of RAM (recommended)

The basic system requirements of Windows 11 differ significantly from Windows 10. Windows 11 only supports 64-bit systems such as those using an x86-64 or ARM64 processor; IA-32 processors are no longer supported.<ref name=":9">"Windows 11 won't work without a TPM – What you need to know". BleepingComputer. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref> Thus, Windows 11 is the first consumer version of Windows not to support 32-bit processors (although Windows Server 2008 R2 was the first version of Windows NT to not support them).<ref>Joel Hruska (May 18, 2007). "Windows Server 2008 declared 32-bit's last hurrah". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021.</ref><ref>Jason Perlow (April 30, 2009). "Make no bones about it: Server 2008 R2 is really Windows Server 7". ZDNet. Archived from the original on September 30, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.</ref> The minimum RAM and storage requirements were also increased; Windows 11 now requires at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. S mode is only supported for the Home edition of Windows 11.<ref>Lindsay, Greg. "Windows 11 requirements – What's new in Windows". Microsoft Docs. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref> As of August 2021, the officially supported list of processors includes Intel Coffee Lake (eighth generation Intel Core) CPUs and later, AMD Zen+ CPUs/APUs and later (which include the "AF" revisions of Ryzen 1000 CPUs, which are underclocked Zen+ CPUs that supplant Ryzen 1000 parts that could no longer be manufactured due to a change in process),<ref>"AMD Ryzen 5 1600 AF Review". TechSpot. Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.</ref> and Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 and later.<ref>"Windows Processor Requirements". Microsoft Docs. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2021.</ref> The compatibility list includes the Intel Core i7-7820HQ, a seventh-generation processor used by the Surface Studio 2,<ref>Lilly, Paul (September 9, 2021). "Asus is issuing BIOS updates to support Windows 11 on unsupported Intel CPUs". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.</ref> although only on devices that shipped with DCH-based drivers.<ref>"Update on Windows 11 minimum system requirements and the PC Health Check app". Windows Insider Blog. August 27, 2021. Archived from the original on August 27, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2021.</ref>

Legacy BIOS is no longer supported; a UEFI system with Secure Boot and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 security coprocessor is now required.<ref name=":1" /><ref>Hanson, Matt (June 24, 2021). "Windows 11 system requirements are bad news for old laptops and PCs". TechRadar. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref><ref>Thurrott, Paul (June 24, 2021). "Microsoft Unveils Windows 11". Thurrott.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref><ref name=":2">"Compatibility for Windows 11- Compatibility Cookbook". Microsoft Docs. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.</ref> The TPM requirement in particular has led to confusion as many motherboards do not have TPM support, or require a compatible TPM to be physically installed onto the motherboard. Many newer CPUs also include a TPM implemented at the CPU level (with AMD referring to this "fTPM", and Intel referring to it as "Platform Trust Technology" [PTT]),<ref>Cunningham, Andrew (October 6, 2021). "How to upgrade to Windows 11, whether your PC is supported or not". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.</ref> which might be disabled by default and require changing settings in the computer's UEFI firmware,<ref>"Windows 11 update: TPM 2.0 and PC Health Check confusion". SlashGear. June 24, 2021. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref> or an UEFI firmware update that is configured to automatically enable the firmware TPM upon installation.<ref>Warren, Tom (August 5, 2021). "Asus releases Windows 11-ready BIOS updates with automatic TPM support". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.</ref>

Original equipment manufacturers can still ship computers without a TPM 2.0 coprocessor upon Microsoft's approval.<ref name=":82">"Windows 11: Minimum Hardware Requirements" (PDF). Microsoft. June 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.</ref><ref>Parmar, Mayank (June 27, 2021). "Microsoft: OEMs can still ship some Windows 11 PCs without TPM". Windows Latest. Archived from the original on June 27, 2021. Retrieved June 28, 2021.</ref> Devices with unsupported processors are not blocked from installing or running Windows 11; however, a clean install or upgrade using ISO installation media must be performed as Windows Update will not offer an upgrade from Windows 10.<ref>Warren, Tom (August 27, 2021). "Microsoft won't stop you installing Windows 11 on older PCs". The Verge. Archived from the original on August 27, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2021.</ref> Additionally, users must also accept an on-screen disclaimer stating that they will not be entitled to receive updates, and that damage caused by using Windows 11 on an unsupported configuration are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.<ref>Hollister, Sean (September 21, 2021). "Windows 11 won't stop older PCs, but it might make you sign this waiver". The Verge. Archived from the original on September 21, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2021.</ref><ref>Hollister, Sean (August 28, 2021). "Microsoft is threatening to withhold Windows 11 updates if your CPU is old". The Verge. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2021.</ref> Some third-party software may refuse to run on "unsupported" configurations of Windows 11.<ref>Stanton, Rich (September 7, 2021). "Valorant leads the charge on enforcing Windows TPM to perma-ban cheaters' hardware". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2021.</ref>

Reception

Pre-release

Reception of Windows 11 upon its reveal was positive, with critics praising the new design and productivity features.<ref>"Windows 11 hands-on: A cleaner OS to keep you productive". Engadget. Archived from the original on July 1, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2021.</ref> However, Microsoft was criticized for creating confusion over the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.<ref>Bott, Ed (June 25, 2021). "Will your PC run Windows 11? Even Microsoft can't say for sure". ZDNet. Archived from the original on July 1, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2021.</ref> The increased system requirements (compared to those of Windows 10) initially published by Microsoft meant that up to 60 percent of existing Windows 10 PCs were unable to upgrade to Windows 11,<ref>Kingsley-Hughes, Adrian (July 1, 2021). "Windows 11 chaos, and how copying Apple could have helped Microsoft avoid it". ZDNet. Archived from the original on July 1, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2021.</ref> which has faced concerns that this will make the devices electronic waste.<ref>Warren, Tom (June 29, 2021). "Windows 11 Will Leave Millions of PCs Behind, And Microsoft is Struggling to Explain Why". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on July 13, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.</ref>

While unsubstantiated, it has been theorized by some users that these system requirements were a measure intended to encourage the purchase of new PCs, especially amid a downturn in PC sales and increased prices due to the global chip shortage.<ref name=":12" /> While Microsoft has not specifically acknowledged this when discussing the cutoff, it was also acknowledged that the sixth and seventh generation of Intel Core processors were prominently afflicted by CPU-level security vulnerabilities such as Meltdown and Spectre, and that newer CPUs manufactured since then had increased mitigations against the flaws.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13">Alspach, Kyle (September 9, 2021). "Windows 11: Partners Say It's A 'Smart Play' By Microsoft To Put Security First". CRN. Archived from the original on October 4, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2021.</ref>

Speaking to IT news outlet CRN, a dozen independent solution providers all felt that they “believe Windows 11 will be a meaningful step up in security, and they agree with Microsoft’s strategy of putting security first.”<ref name=":13" />

Marc Menzies, president and CTO of Ronkonkoma, N.Y.-based Overview Technology Solutions believes that “Microsoft is doing the right thing by prioritizing security” with Windows 11, and that he is “fine with them prioritizing security over being able to roll this out to every computer.”<ref name=":13" />

Research Vice President of Gartner Stephen Kleynhans felt that Microsoft was "looking at the entire stack from the hardware up through the applications and the user experience and trying to make the entire stack work better and more securely.<ref name=":13" />

Launch

Andrew Cunningham of Ars Technica praised the improvements to its visual design (describing the new "Mica" appearance as reminiscent of the visual appearance of iOS and macOS, and arguing that Microsoft had "[made] a serious effort" at making the user-facing aspects of Windows 11 more consistent visually), window management, performance (assessed as being equivalent to if not better than Windows 10), other "beneficial tweaks", and its system requirements having brought greater public attention to hardware security features present on modern PCs. Criticism was raised towards Widgets' lack of support for third-party content (thus limiting it to Microsoft services only), regressions in taskbar functionality and customization, the inability to easily select default applications for common tasks such as web browsing (now requiring the user to select the browser application for each file type individually), and Microsoft's unclear justification for its processor compatibility criteria. Cunningham concluded that "as I've dug into [Windows 11] and learned its ins and outs for this review, I've warmed to it more", but argued that the OS was facing similar "public perception" issues to Windows Vista and Windows 8. However, he noted that 11 did not have as many performance issues or bugs as Vista had upon its release, nor was as "disjointed" as 8, and recommended that users who were unsure about the upgrade should stay on Windows 10 in anticipation of future updates to 11.<ref name=":12">Cunningham, Andrew (October 4, 2021). "Windows 11: The Ars Technica review". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on October 5, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2021.</ref>

Tom Warren of The Verge described Windows 11 as being akin to a house in the middle of renovations, but that "actually using Windows 11 for the past few months hasn't felt as controversial as I had expected"—praising its updated user interface as being more modern and reminiscent of iOS and Chrome OS, the new start menu for feeling less cluttered than the Windows 10 iteration, updates to some of its stock applications, and Snap Assist. Warren noted that he rarely used the Widgets panel or Microsoft Teams, citing that he preferred the weather display that later versions of Windows 10 offered, and didn't use Teams to communicate with his friends and family. He also acknowledged the expansion of Microsoft Store to include more "traditional" desktop applications. However, he felt that Windows 11 still felt like a work in progress, noting UI inconsistencies (such as dark mode and new context menu designs not being uniform across all dialogues and applications, and the modern Settings app still falling back upon legacy Control Panel applets for certain settings), regressions to the taskbar (including the inability to move it, drag files onto taskbar buttons to focus the corresponding application, and the clock only shown on the primary display in multi-monitor configurations), and promised features (such as dynamic refresh rate support and a universal microphone mute button) not being present on the initial release. Overall, he concluded that "I wouldn't rush out to upgrade to Windows 11, but I also wouldn't avoid it. After all, Windows 11 still feels familiar and underneath all the UI changes, it's the same Windows we've had for decades."<ref>Warren, Tom (October 4, 2021). "Windows 11 review: a familiar home that's still being renovated". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 4, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2021.</ref>

PC World was more critical, arguing that Windows 11 "sacrifices productivity for personality, but without cohesion", commenting upon changes such as the inability to use local "offline" accounts on Windows 11 Home, regressions to the taskbar, a "functionally worse" start menu, Microsoft Teams integration having privacy implications and being a ploy to coerce users into switching to the service, File Explorer obscuring common functions under unclear icons, using "terribly sleazy" behaviors to discourage changing the default web browser from Microsoft Edge, and that the OS "anecdotally feels less responsive, slower, and heavier than Windows 10." It was concluded that Windows 11 "feels practical and productive, but less so than its predecessor in many aspects", while its best features were either "hidden deeper within", required specific hardware (DirectStorage, Auto HDR) or were not available on launch (Android app support).<ref>"Windows 11 review: An unnecessary replacement for Windows 10". PCWorld. Archived from the original on October 5, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2021.</ref>

See also

• List of operating systems

External links

• Windows 11 release information from Microsoft