TL; DR
- Today Microsoft officially announced Windows 11, the first major Windows upgrade since 2015.
- In addition to a new aesthetic appearance, the new Windows offers a number of productivity tricks and the ability to install Android apps.
- You can update Windows 10 to this new version this fall.
During the live stream (which was plagued by technical issues as Microsoft didn’t use YouTube), the company discussed key changes to the operating system. Most of the highlights focus on the aesthetics of the operating system, with major updates in the look and feel. Everything now has rounded corners and the glass-like backgrounds from the Windows 7 era are back. The Start button moves to the center of the screen, and there are more options to customize the operating system to suit your needs.
With the new Windows there are also some important innovations.
Windows 11: New Features
Aside from how Windows 11 looks, there are also some new productivity tricks. One of the more exciting updates is called Snap Layouts. This allows you to choose how your programs “snap” to different areas of the screen. For example, you can have one app on the left and then two apps on the right or three equally spaced apps on the screen. In addition, Windows remembers this layout selection so that you can quickly pick it up again later.
See also: Your next Windows PC could be in the cloud
Another big productivity change is better storage capabilities for virtual desktops. You can have as many VDs as you want and customize them however you want, including the wallpaper. Windows then remembers all of these tweaks for each desktop you create so you can create specific VDs for different areas of your life. For example, you could have a desktop for work, school, and games, and each could have different themes, wallpapers, and layout options.
Finally, and most excitingly, Windows 11 will also bring Android apps to the Microsoft Store. Interestingly, this is done through the Amazon App Store, not the Google Play Store. Either way, however, you can find and install Android apps right in Windows, just like you would with a Windows app. You can even manipulate these apps like a Windows app, with snap functions, minimize / maximize etc.
Windows 11 will land as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users sometime this fall. Stay tuned for a more accurate date.