Microsoft launched Windows 11 worldwide on Tuesday and more so as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users.
The Chief Product Officer of Microsoft, Panos Panay described Windows 11 as “clean and fresh and simpler” for the user. Adding that it’s not an “extreme departure” from what people know.
Also those who are less tech savvy users can operate easily.
“I use the frame of my father – he’s 89,” Mr Panay said. “I’m so excited for him to hit that button and upgrade, you have no idea.
“Not because he’s my dad – because I just want it to be easy for him.”
According to Paney, Windows 11 have been tested by expert users through Windows Insider trial programme and it was void of no teething issues.
What to Look Out For in Windows 11
The start menu is placed at the middle of the screen along with icons in the taskbar. When a user clicks the start button, it opens a menu of frequently used app.
It’s sort of similar to how a smartphone app menu appears and does come with the “tiles” that’s present in Windows 10
Panay said that to develop Windows 11, a careful study of how people use their computers was done. “what they want to click on, where their eyes are on the machine when they come into our labs,” he explained.
“You get this confidence of learning from history,” he added.
Window 11 comes with an improved option of arranging windows and “snapping” them into grids. Also has a similarity with 2007’s Windows Vista only it does not float on the screen but lives in a sidebar on the left and also linked to Microsoft services.
The Microsoft Store has a complete new look and allows third-party app sales without taking too much profit.
One interesting feature of Windows 11 is that it would run Android smartphone apps through the Amazon app store.
Early adopters have reported that the in-built search function of the new version is significantly faster on most devices – but also that it favours Microsoft’s own services, Bing and the Edge browser, when delivering web results.
Users still running Windows 10 might not need to upgrade immediately so long as their computer is still working. Windows 10 will continue to be supported and receive security updates until October 2025.
