Last days a version of Windows 11 appeared on the Internet that Microsoft should have presented on June 24, 2021 during the official launch event.We already know a lot of things about the new operating system at this point, but I said I have to see with my eyes to believe, so I got the file.ISO and I installed the new bone in a virtual car.And in this article we discover together what changes the new version of Windows brings.
Windows 11 has a slightly more dichissed interface
The new operating system is still at an early stage, so we have not noticed many massive differences.But there were a few items that attracted my attention and I don't necessarily seem to upgrades, like adjustments that improve the experience.Or better said, a few changes that Microsoft had to make to bring Windows in 2021, after years of having used an already outdated interface.
The most obvious change you will notice at Windows 11 is the placement of icons in Taskbar.Both the shortcuts to the apps and the start buttons are now focused, offering a macos -inspired look.And once you pressed the Start button you will see the second big change: the old context menu has now become a window that floats above the taskbar and gives you quick access to the most useful/used applications.I mean about the same behavior as the launchpad on Apple systems.
I also like the new menu that displays your weather and most important news.It was also introduced on Windows 10 with the update that places you the weather icon in Taskbar, but on Windows 11 is more refined and every contents with content appears in a floating menu with a transparent background, giving it a futuristic look.Unfortunately, it does not work so well in the version tested by me, but with the official launch I am sure we will receive more customization options and who knows, maybe we will be able to add custom elements like RSS feeds from favorite sites..
The rounded edges represent another pleasant addition visually, but as in the case of the news menu and weather, I did not find it very well in the Windows 11 version that I tested.I searched in menus I got bored, but it seems not yet completely introduced, so the windows still have the square edges, but the menus of the operating system is rounded.And also on this area of small changes that you only notice in use, are the animations that again, they seem borrowed from macos, but they look good and give an extra fluidity.
And the last change that jumped into my eyes was the appearance of folders and icons.Windows 11 offers a new set of colorful icons and more airy menus that reminds me more than Linux this time, especially of Manjaro KDE's interface.
The focus mainly falls on gaming
Microsoft understood that the only chance to win some of Sony's public is by unifying Xbox and Windows platforms.And Windows 11 is fixed gaming incarnation on your PC, and this is visible from the moment of initial configuration, where the first option that the operating system recommends is the gaming.In what way does this choice affect the experience of use remains under the question mark, but it is a feature that the manufacturer is definitely developing and I hope we will see even an integration with the Xbox Game Pass and Steam.
The Xbox app is a little better developed this time and gives you more options, along with a Library menu that shows you all the titles you own on the Windows Store.I would love to evolve and allow me to add in one interface all the games, similar to what the GOG Galaxy 2 tried.0, but this remains up to Microsoft and how much they want to work alongside competitive platforms on the PC, such as Steam, Epic Games Store and Orig..
The beach of ways you can choose is quite large and covers almost all the operating system use scenarios: gaming, creativity, family, schoolwork, organization.Depending on your activity environment, Windows 11 will focus on applications to help you become more efficient or on advanced features that allow you to make the most of the system.
An interesting debut that pave a road full of opportunities
Hands-on experience with Windows 11 was more enjoyable than I expected.We tested an incipient version, which is limited from many points of view and which will be improved with the official launch that will take place on June 24, 2021.But even so, the most important changes are visible from the first contact and I can only appreciate the slightly more minimalist direction to which Microsoft went with this update.
And no, Windows 11 will not be a system written from scratch, but more hastily a cumulative updates that the manufacturer has launched over the past six years, which take a new form and I think this change was needed.All I can hope at this time is that Microsoft does not give it to the pond and try to solve as many problems as possible until the time of launch, especially since the new version of the system seems promising and offers a great maneuver.I see at least a few ways we could experience with the start menu in its new form and how the integration of time and news could turn Windows into an infotainment experience, not just into a tired system with limited customization possibilities..
Another issue that I am somewhat fear is the pattern of Microsoft.Where it launches a very good operating system that manages to win the hearts of fans, usually the next launch is weak and now we are fixed at a crossroads.We had Windows XP who got a legendary status, followed by the vista that I don't think is worth talking about.It was the turn of Windows 7 to break the mouth of the fair, as then Windows 8 and 8.1 to try a new approach that failed spectacularly.Windows 10 is a very good and revolutionary system from many points of view and even though it has suffered because of problematic updates, it has proven the most advanced operating system that Microsoft has ever launched.Now it remains to see if the manufacturer will break the curse that dates back to the time of Windows 98 and manages to make 11 a launch worthy of the market leader status it deserves.
TaguriWindows 11