By: Jerdon Kiesman

Windows 11 has officially been announced. Tech giant Microsoft held a virtual event to introduce Windows 11 on June 24th. After watching the event (and testing out a pre release build myself), here are the things I think will matter the most with this big update. Of course, there are hundreds of small changes coming, but for this article I decided to stick with just the ones that would matter to the average user. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of these new changes. Read on to learn all about the next big update from Microsoft.

UI Redesign

Microsoft left nothing untouched in this new redesign. The old look of Windows has been refreshed to appear more modern. Even some of the UI interfaces are being refreshed. The last time any refresh was done to text boxes or check boxes was way back in 2001. This fresh redesign is definitely long overdue, and is a welcome change for most users. Many have described the rounded corners and translucent glass look as very Mac-esque, but I personally see it as more of a Linux appearance. Either way- it’s a nice refresh to such an old design scheme. One good thing is that all of the locations for controls are staying the same. The only thing new is their appearance.

Start Menu Redesign

Yes, again. This time, it may not be a bad thing, though. With Windows 10 a few years ago, users balked at the new start menu and demands for a “classic” start menu replacement rose. Rightfully so, because let’s be honest- the Windows 10 start menu was atrocious. The start menu expanded to almost half the screen, and was full of ads and irrelevant tiles. This year, it looks like Microsoft will do a full reversal on that. The new start menu is in a grid layout, with only the most crucial icons enabled by default. You can still pin apps (formerly known as programs) to the menu, and overall, I give the usability of the new Start an 11 out of 11 (since-you know- Windows 11).

This simplification spreads across the entire OS. Many of us were expecting the long expired leftovers of Windows 7 to be purged from 11 completely. This appears to not be the case. Microsoft now seems to be embracing some of the older utilities such as Control Panel with a new design and the removal of a lot of irrelevant tweaks that don’t apply to modern systems. One more exciting update- updates! The disastrous Windows 10 update cycle that has killed a good many PCs will be improved. No specific details were announced, but Microsoft is saying that the updates will run in the background and be about half the size as in the past.

New Features

There are a few parts of Windows 11 will be completely new for PC users. A few notable things that are coming are voice typing (dictation), and a widget group to quickly check your calendar, weather, and other quick metrics without leaving your workflow. Speaking of workflow, Windows 11 now lets you group apps together for productivity if you use them together. You can define these groups and launch all of your tools or apps at once with just one click.

The final new thing Microsoft showcased was a new Windows store. If you’re wondering what the Windows store is, you’re not alone. The Windows store was hidden in the background of Windows 10, but now it is front and center. According to Microsoft, the Windows store is now open to many more apps and has been merged with the Amazon App Store for Android apps. That means the dedicated apps you use on mobile android devices are now available on a PC. That should make downloading games, streaming media, or checking social media a lot easier to access, but it also opens the door to extensive new Malware threats.

If you haven’t yet upgraded to an iPhone, you probably know that android phones are prone to a lot of what we call “junkware”. The endless spam apps and online scams from Android phones could potentially affect Windows now. Although it’s possible, it’s unlikely. Microsoft will certainly be taking many steps to limit this, hence why Amazon is their store partner and not Google. Either way, basic computer knowledge and a good antivirus program will keep you out of the worst of the trouble.

And now, a moment of silence for our friend Cortana.

One thing that’s glaringly absent from the preview build of Windows 11 is Cortana. Microsoft’s controversial voice assistant will get the boot in the newest update. It’s unclear if Cortana can be re-enabled and if so, in what capacity, but at least for now, you can rest easy knowing Cortana will not be around to offer you cat videos and Bing facts with every wrong keystroke.

Release Date

No exact date is given, but Microsoft says that Windows 11 will come with all new devices for the Holiday Season. That puts a projected release date in December at the absolute latest.

Recap

So with all that we have seen with Windows 11, it looks to be a promising update. I do recommend scheduling an update when it becomes available, but if you would rather wait, there will eventually come a day where you must update. Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will lose support in the first half of 2025, so expect to move to Windows 11 long before then, as by that time, Windows 10 will have already been largely abandoned.

To schedule your Windows 11 update for this December, call us at 207 862 7019! You can also contact us online at www.computerdoctor.me

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