Windows 11 Features
Major OS updates bring big changes. This isn’t to say Windows 10 hasn’t seen improvements over the years, but a major update like Windows 11 wouldn’t be considered major without some significant changes.
Beyond small adjustments, like rounded corners, the ability to delete preinstalled apps, and new icons, are these bigger ideas:
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- Updated taskbar: It’s clear that Windows 11 is changing a lot when it comes to visuals, with the taskbar being the primary focus. This means big UI changes, windows with rounded corners, an updated Start menu, and buttons in the middle of the taskbar.
- New Start menu: The Start menu has been overhauled. The upper portion of this menu shows a search bar and pinned apps, with a link for easy access to all your installed apps. The lower part has recommended files, folders, and apps based on your usage habits. Sign out, lock, shutdown, and other related actions are accessible here as well.
- Battery stats: If you find it helpful to see battery usage statistics on your phone, you’ll enjoy the same on your Windows 11 computer. You can trigger battery saver mode automatically when your battery drops below a threshold, and see usage stats from the last seven days and 24 hours.
- Modern Menu Interfaces: The upper portion of File Explorer is updated in Windows 11 to favor buttons rather than the traditional File and Home menu items seen in Windows 10. There’s also a more sophisticated right-click menu when you look for more options on folders and files.
- Flexible Store app: There have been reports that rules will be relaxed to allow developers to submit any app to the Microsoft Store. This could include apps that connect to a third-party commerce platform and apps that update via their own CDN.
- Android app support: Windows can already run Android apps through third-party emulation software, but now that native support is arriving with this OS, you’ll be able to get Android apps in Windows 11.
Beyond new features are several changes that take place after upgrading to Windows 11. They’re all listed on Microsoft’s feature deprecations and removals page, but here are a few:
- Cortana: Won’t be pinned to the taskbar or included in the first boot experience.
- Internet Explorer: The browser is disabled, with Edge taking its place.
- S Mode: Only available for Windows 11 Home edition.
- Tablet Mode: This mode is removed, and new functionality and capability is included for keyboard attach and detach postures.
- Apps: These apps remain during an upgrade to Windows 11, but won’t be auto-installed during a clean install: 3D Viewer, OneNote, Paint 3D, Skype.
Below are some screenshots of the interface, taken from Windows 11 Pro. You can see that there’s a completely new center-focused taskbar with a newly designed Start menu, widgets menu, updated File Explorer and Control Panel icons, Microsoft Store, search tool, Settings, and a refreshed setup procedure. Microsoft is also testing a new Photos app for Windows 11.
