Windows 11: what you need to know about the beta, new features, and more

Windows 11 is almost there. In June, Microsoft unveiled “the next generation of Windows” during its virtual event and big changes are coming to the long-standing operating system, including its first name change to six years. The announcement came just after Microsoft rolled out the latest version of Windows 10, the Windows 10 May 2021 Update (also known as version 21H1). the Windows 11 Public Beta is already available for download, and the full version is expected during the holiday season.

Windows 11 includes a host of new features, such as the ability to download and run Android apps on your Windows PC and updates from Microsoft teams, the start menu and the general appearance of the software, which has a cleaner, Mac-like design. (Here are all our favorite new Windows 11 features and how to use them.)

Here are all the details we know about Windows 11 so far, including price, compatibility, release date, how to download the beta, new features and more.

7 new features included in Windows 11

Here are some of the noteworthy new features in Windows 11:

• A new interface closer to the Mac. Windows 11 features a clean design with rounded corners, pastel tones and a Start menu centered and taskbar.
• Built-in Android apps. Android apps will arrive on Windows 11 and installable from the new Microsoft Store via the Amazon Appstore. (There were several ways to access Android apps on Windows 10, including if you had a samsung galaxy phone, but that will make it native.)
• Widgets. While they’ve been around for quite some time (remember desktop gadgets on Windows Vista?), Including in a Windows 10 recent update, you can now access widgets directly from the taskbar and customize them to see what you want.
• Microsoft Teams integration. The teams are getting a new look and will be integrated directly into the Windows 11 taskbar, which will make it easier to access (and a little more like Apple’s FaceTime). You will be able to access Teams from Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS.
• Xbox technology for better gaming. Windows 11 will get some features found in Xbox consoles, like Auto HDR and DirectStorage, to enhance gaming on your Windows PC.
• Better support for virtual desktops. Windows 11 will allow you configure virtual desktops in a way more similar to MacOS, switching between multiple desktops for personal, work, school or gaming use. You can also change wallpaper on each virtual desktop.
• Easier transition from monitor to laptop and better multitasking. The new operating system includes features called Snap groups and snap layouts – collections of apps you use both that are in the taskbar and can appear or be collapsed at the same time to facilitate task switching. They also make it easier for you to plug in and unplug a monitor without losing the location of your open windows.

When can you download Windows 11?

Windows 11 is now available in public beta (here is how to download the beta version of Windows 11). It will begin rolling out to all compatible PCs and newer PCs around the 2021 holiday season, according to Microsoft, and will continue to roll out until 2022. However, several clues suggest that Windows 11 could arrive as early as October.

Will your computer be compatible with Windows 11?

To see if your current Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11, go to Microsoft’s website for a list of requirements.

Originally, Microsoft directed people to download the PC Health Check app to check if their machines were compatible. However, many users reported that it did not provide enough detail on why a device was not compatible. On June 28, a Microsoft blog post stated that the company is “temporarily removing the app” to fix this problem and that the tool will return before the fall release of Windows 11. In the meantime, you can use another app. open source called Why Not Win11 to see if your device is compatible. Plus, here’s how check some hardware compatibility with Windows 11 without any tools.

If you buy a new PC by the time of general release, this computer will also be eligible for the free upgrade.

How will you download Windows 11 once it’s generally available?

Once Windows 11 is generally available, you’ll download it just like any new version of Windows. Most users will go to Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update and click Check for updates.

If available, you will see Feature update to Windows 11. Click on Download and install.

Here is more information about how to download windows 11. If you haven’t upgraded to Windows 10 yet, you can still also download Windows 10 for free – here’s how.

Will Windows 11 be free to download?

If you are already a Windows 10 user, Windows 11 will appear as a free upgrade for your machine.

For more information, see all the features we wanted in Windows 11 but didn’t get, all about the most recent Windows 10 May 2021 Update, the best hidden Windows 10 features we found and Six Simple Security Changes Every Windows 10 User Should Make.