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By Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN Business
Microsoft is rolling out its first major Windows update in six years. But not everyone will be able to get it right away.
Starting Tuesday, Windows 11 will be available as a free download for existing Windows users depending on the hardware and age of their PC. Microsoft previously noted its “phased and measured” approach to introducing the new operating system will start with Windows 10 PCs and PCs preloaded with Windows. Users will be notified when they are eligible for the update by mid-2022.
While the update isn’t quite the substantial change from Windows 8 to Windows 10 that came out in 2015, Windows 11 does feature a handful of notable design changes, including a new interface meant to bring “a sense of privacy.” calm and ease ”. A new Start menu displays recently opened files, regardless of the device used. And a new personalized widget feed, powered by artificial intelligence, promises to provide a faster way to access apps.
Further updates are geared towards offering more flexibility, such as more multitasking tools, support for Android mobile apps in its new app store, and integration with Microsoft Teams, its workplace chat and video conferencing app.
Unlike Apple, which unveils a new operating system for its Mac computers every year, Microsoft takes a phased approach.
Geoff Blaber, CEO of market research firm CCS Insight, said the latest update won’t be “groundbreaking,” but he believes it will do enough to appeal to its massive user base. (Windows 10 runs on approx. 1.3 billion devices worldwide, according to Microsoft.)
“Windows 11 is an iterative release that identifies areas where Windows needs greater ambition rather than introducing the drastic changes seen with its predecessor,” he said. “Microsoft is making adjustments in areas that have the potential to evolve the user experience, engagement, and ever-growing reach of Office 365 applications.”
It could also increase hardware sales as it gets closer to Windows 10 end of support in 2025.
During a media event that aired live last month, Microsoft also showed updates to its Surface line which will ship with Windows 11. Its flagship ad was $ 1,599 Surface Laptop Studio which can switch from laptop mode to a better position for streaming TV shows and another for drawing or sketching. The device, which took nearly five years to develop, was designed specifically alongside the development of Windows 11.
The-CNN-Wire
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