Contenuti
Intro
Today we discuss the new operating system developed by Microsoft programmers, namely Windows 11. After a full 6 years since the release of its predecessor Windows 10, we are ready to find out what new features, improvements, and improvements are in the new successor to the world’s most widely used operating system series.
First, we should know that it is a completely new operating system, much faster and more responsive than Windows 10, and able to maintain backward compatibility with the previous system. Just in relation to it, there seems to have been a substantial improvement in several aspects, starting with the much better GUI and ending with performance and ease of use. One of the most interesting and appreciated improvements, however, concerns the ability to use Android apps directly on the PC.
It was unveiled on June 24, 2021 with a dedicated event on Microsoft’s official website. Instead, it was released on the night of October 4-5, 2021 with release 21H2 (10.0.22000.194).
In this article we will provide a fairly detailed analysis of Windows 11 to find out where the OS development stands and to see what are its strengths and differences from the past.
System Requirements
The requirements for this version are a bit stricter than in the past, so many older devices will probably not be able to support it. If we want to use it and our PC does not meet these minimum requirements, we will probably have to buy a new, higher-performance computer. If our computer is running Windows 10, and we want to know if it supports its successor, we can open the “PC Integrity Check” app and click on “Check Now.” Once this is done, the app will immediately tell us whether we can download it or not. If not, it will also provide us with an explanation of why we cannot update it.
Let us now see what are the minimum requirements for Windows 11:
- Processor/CPU (Central Processing Units): The processor must be at least 1 Ghz or faster with 2 or more cores and must be on the list of Microsoft-approved CPUs. The processor in the PC is a determining factor, and it is the most important for running Windows 11.
- RAM: 4 GB minimum. If your PC has less than 4 GB of memory, there are often options to upgrade to get additional RAM.
- Storage Space: The storage device must be 64 GB or larger. If the PC does not have sufficient storage space, options are sometimes available for upgrading the drive.
- System Firmware: Firmware must be compatible with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, modern version of PC BIOS) and compatible with Secure Boot. If your device does not meet the minimum requirements because it cannot perform secure boot, in some cases you can perform the necessary steps to enable this feature. In any case, secure boot can only be enabled with UEFI.
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM): Regarding the Trusted Platform Module (chip that enhances computer security), the minimum version is 2.0. If the device does not meet the minimum requirements because of the TPM, in some cases procedures can be performed to solve the problem.
- Video card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later versions that have the WDDM 2.0 driver.
- Resolution: The resolution must be at least of the HD Ready high-definition standard (720p), with a diagonal measurement greater than 9″ and 8 bits per color channel. In case the screen size is less than 9 inches, the Windows interface may not be fully visible in the screen.
- Internet connectivity and Microsoft account: Windows 11 Home edition requires an Internet connection and a Microsoft account to complete device configuration.
- Windows version for upgrade: The device must be running Windows 10 version 2004 or later to upgrade through Windows Update. Free updates available through Windows Update can be found in Settings > Update and Security.
Editions of Windows 11 (Home and Pro)
Windows 11 is available primarily in two editions: The Home edition, which has the most basic features, and the Pro edition, which contains additional networking and security features, as well as a number of professional services.
The Home version requires an Internet connection and a Microsoft account to complete the initial setup, while the Pro version can be set up with a local account. Apart from this, the main differences between the two editions concern the security tools and hardware power supported.
On both editions all the basic computersecurity tools are supported. These include network protection, firewall, Secure Boot, parental controls, Windows Defender antivirus, and Hello biometric security system. The Pro version compared to the Home version has in addition access as a remote host via Remote Desktop, BitLocker support to encrypt local data, and Windows Information Protection (WIP) which is used to prevent and avoid corporate data leaks.
As for hardware-level differences related to maximum supported power. The Home edition holds up to a socket cpu, 128 GB RAM and 64 processor cores. The Pro version raises the bar to two sockets to install cpu, up to 2 TB of RAM and 128 processor cores.
Operating system features and innovations
Now that we’ve taken a look at the requirements and editions, let’s move on to look at the new features of Microsoft’s new OS. Summarizing the special features of Windows 11, we can say that the biggest improvements are in the window layout, the overall design on the smartphone line, and the ability to use third-party apps. But let us analyze these changes closely to grasp their essence.
The New Design and Settings
The new operating system adopts a new look that is mainly based on the smartphone versions of Microsoft operating systems. This involves a radical simplification of the desktop, window layout, and basic settings, made simpler and more intuitive. App windows now have more aesthetically pleasing rounded corners than the classic rectangular windows.
With one or two clicks in the corner of the taskbar you can now open the Control Panel, which is now more like Apple’s Control Center than ever before. This panel allows us to change some primary settings such as brightness, volume, connectivity, etc. The Settings app offers more possibilities to change the way we interact with the operating system; in fact, the options related to accessibility have been increased. New dynamic themes have been created, which can also be adjusted for blind users and users who have special light sensitivity. New sounds and audio alerts have been added for visually impaired users, while there are many new settings for those with light sensitivity problems or those who spend many hours working in front of the screen.
Arrangement of Windows
Many strides have been made with regard to window management, particularly with the Snap Layout and Snap Group functions that are used to easily move and resize windows on the monitor; they also help to group together apps that we want to use at the same time.
To change the type of window display, you have to hover over the window enlargement button to see the different layout options, so you can manage lots of windows together at the same time. However, this feature is very customizable; we can also grab windows and move them to the edge of the screen, or decrease their size.
This new way of managing windows makes organizing jobs and apps easier and more intuitive, offering the ability to keep the screen neater and focus attention on apps.
The New Application Bar
One very interesting design feature is the new taskbar that removes the old square taskbar, which was not great visually and in actual use. The new version removes the superfluous, leaving only what you need in a taskbar. With the new taskbar we can keep a list of recently opened files with a set of blocked apps for easier access, same thing with search windows on web browsers. The lines are much cleaner and seem inspired by one of rival Apple’s trademarks, namely the Mac Dock. Also very pleasing is the new widget system, with which we can display information such as news, photos, weather, and more. They are a great change from the previous version, allowing for more customization and improving screen occupancy, somewhat like what happens in smartphones.
The renovation of the Microsoft Store
Microsoft has finally decided to make the Microsoft Store more organized and useful, again along the lines of the stores for Android devices. Of course, countless strides have been made graphically as well. It is now easier to know which apps are compatible with your device, and the new Store can handle apps from other stores or third-party sites. This app can also take over theinstallation of apps and apks downloaded from browsers, this means that you can finally control all apps from one center. Undoubtedly this is one of the most important and significant improvements.
Security Improvements
The developers of this operating system have spent a lot of time on security with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) available on recent devices. This chip is used to control data encryption, authentication services such as Windows Hello, and biometric passwords. The TPM is critical to enable the operating system to handle the new security features, even as it contributes to more stringent hardware requirements. The biggest step forward in these terms is the ability to eliminate passwords for Microsoft accounts using authentication apps, biometric data or codes for verification, making these processes much simpler and faster.
Gaming Enhancements
One of the most innovative features of Windows 11 concerns gaming functions, which are already available on Microsoft consoles (Xbox). To enhance the gaming experience, it was decided to add Auto HDR to provide high dynamic range for PCs with the appropriate hardware. Most reference is made to DirectX 12 Ultimate, which is the latest version of the NVIDIA GeForce API and new gold standard for the next generation of games. Another important innovation is Direct Storage, which allows some data to be saved in the video cards to enable faster speeds for both game startup and actual use. Also very interesting is the symbiosis with GamePass, the paid subscription service for Xbox games, which allows users to turn their PC into a perfect machine for gaming and entertainment.
Windows 11 Releases
In this section we briefly explain what the milestones and releases have been that are bringing the new OS to light. After the success of the widely used Windows 10, Microsoft programmers tried to create an evolved version designed for two-screen devices, called Windows 10X. This new version was first announced and then immediately cancelled, proving to be an unfinished work.
Windows 11 grew out of this very experiment, which helped revolutionize graphic design and the arrangement of windows on the screen. On June 15, 2021, a leak of the operating system leaked on the web, with an interface very similar to that of Windows 10X. Microsoft takes the ball and starts handing out invitations for an event called “What’s Next” dedicated to Windows, where the new OS is unveiled with specifications and an official page. Shortly thereafter, on June 28, 2021, the first official beta of Windows 11 was released for Windows Insiders, the Build version being 10.0.22000.51.
The public release takes place on October 5, 2021, with version 21H2 (10.0.22000.194) and codenamed “Sun Valley 1,” along with the official release, some PCs are also announced that will use native WIN 11. At present, the most recent version is 10.0.22000.556, released on March 9, 2022, but the development team is about to release version 22H2, or “Sun Valley 2,” which will fix some problems and bring many graphical improvements through Fluent Design.
Version 22H2 (Sun Valley 2)
This new Windows 11 update will be released by the end of 2022 and is expected to introduce many new features, including a new task manager, some improvements to the start menu, taskbar, and other special features. Very pleasing are the new features of the Windows Feature Experience Packs, a system that covers updates and allows us to download only the features we are interested in.
Now let’s take a brief look at the main improvements in this patch:
- The new Task Manager will be recreated following the style of WinUI and Fluent Design. The information screens in version 22H1 will be placed in a side menu, this will serve to make the interface easier to use on touch screen devices.
- Also new about pop-up notifications on the lock screen. The design of notifications with this update will become very similar to the WinUI style, also, their color will change according to the background style.
- Improvement also coming for AI voice, voices will become more natural for the voice assistant to provide a better experience in web browsing and reading text content. The new voice will make use of improved speech synthesis, and it will be possible to download it and then use it even without an Internet connection.
- We will also find a new way to use window snapping. We will be able to fix an app by dragging its icon to the top and adjusting its size.
In addition to these improvements, there will also be minor changes that will fix minor bugs and improve desktop usability. The new features are available for preview in the Windows Insider app. To look at them, all we need to do is go to the Windows Update screen from settings, and select the Windows Insider Program tab , from which we can look at what’s new and download the patch.
