Windows 11 introduces a fresh design and several new features that improve the user experience, productivity, and customization. Below are some of the standout features that make Windows 11 a significant update over Windows 10.
1. Redesigned Start Menu and Taskbar
The Start Menu and Taskbar have undergone a significant redesign. The Start button and app icons are now centered on the screen, giving a cleaner and more modern look.
- Start Menu: Simplified with no live tiles. It features pinned apps, recent files, and a more minimalistic approach.
- Taskbar: The icons are centered, but this can be changed to left alignment in settings. The notification area is more streamlined.
2. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Windows 11 makes multitasking easier with Snap Layouts and Snap Groups.
- Snap Layouts: You can easily arrange open windows into preset grid layouts by hovering over the maximize button or pressing Windows + Z.
- Snap Groups: Snap your apps into a group, and when you hover over a taskbar icon, all the windows in that group are displayed as a thumbnail.
These features help organize and manage multiple apps on your screen, reducing clutter and improving workflow.
3. Virtual Desktops Enhancement
Virtual Desktops are more customizable in Windows 11. You can now:
- Customize each desktop: Set different wallpapers for each virtual desktop, helping visually differentiate between workspaces.
- Easier access: Access and switch between desktops with Windows + Tab or use the taskbar’s Task View.
4. Widgets
Widgets are a new feature in Windows 11 that offer personalized content at a glance. They provide quick access to:
- News
- Weather
- Calendar
- Tasks
- To-do lists
- Photos
You can open the widgets by clicking the dedicated button on the taskbar or pressing Windows + W.
5. Microsoft Teams Integration
Windows 11 integrates Microsoft Teams directly into the taskbar, making it easier to chat, make video calls, or share files with friends and coworkers.
- You can now access Teams for personal and work communication without launching a separate app.
- Teams can be used for both business meetings and personal video calls, improving communication flow.
6. DirectStorage for Faster Load Times
DirectStorage is a feature designed for gaming. It reduces load times by allowing games to directly access the storage device, bypassing the CPU and improving overall performance.
- This feature requires a compatible NVMe SSD and DirectX 12 Ultimate-capable games.
- Games that utilize DirectStorage can load much faster, even in large, open-world environments.
7. AutoHDR for Better Visuals
AutoHDR automatically enhances the graphics of many DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games by adding High Dynamic Range (HDR) visuals, even if the game was originally designed for standard dynamic range.
- This feature improves color, contrast, and overall image quality, making gaming on Windows 11 a visually stunning experience.
8. Android App Support
Through a collaboration with Amazon and Intel, Windows 11 allows users to run Android apps natively on the system.
- Amazon Appstore integration lets you download and run Android apps directly through the Microsoft Store.
- This feature expands the ecosystem of available apps on Windows, giving you access to millions of Android apps.
9. Enhanced Touch, Pen, and Voice Inputs
Windows 11 includes better support for touch, pen, and voice inputs:
- Touch gestures are improved, making navigation easier on touchscreen devices.
- Pen input has enhanced features, like haptic feedback and improved handwriting recognition.
- Voice Typing now works better with more accurate transcription and voice commands for hands-free control.
10. Focus Assist Improvements
Focus Assist helps minimize distractions by managing notifications. In Windows 11:
- Do Not Disturb mode is now more refined and easier to enable.
- Notifications are grouped, and you can customize which notifications are allowed during focus time.
11. Power and Performance Enhancements
Windows 11 is designed to deliver better power management, especially on laptops. Some improvements include:
- Better battery life with improved power efficiency for laptops and tablets.
- Performance optimizations that make Windows 11 faster than its predecessor, particularly for newer hardware.
12. New Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store has been redesigned for faster performance, a wider selection of apps, and better organization.
- You can now install a wider variety of apps, including traditional Win32 apps.
- The store is more user-friendly with improved categories and a cleaner interface.
13. Live Captions
Windows 11 introduces a feature called Live Captions, which automatically generates captions for audio played on the system. This is particularly useful for accessibility purposes and when you’re in a noisy environment.
- It can be turned on via Settings > Accessibility > Captions.
- Live Captions work for any audio source, including videos, music, or calls.
14. Redesigned File Explorer
File Explorer gets a modern refresh in Windows 11, making it more intuitive and functional:
- Tabs: You can now open multiple folders in one File Explorer window with a tabbed interface.
- New context menus: Right-clicking files or folders brings a simplified and cleaner menu.
- OneDrive integration: Easily access cloud-stored files through File Explorer.
15. Security Enhancements
Windows 11 brings several security upgrades, including:
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): A hardware-based security feature that is now a requirement for installing Windows 11, providing additional protection against malware and rootkits.
- Windows Hello: Windows 11 offers even more robust biometric authentication options, including face recognition and fingerprint sensors.
- Secure Boot: Ensures only trusted software is run at startup, preventing unauthorized access to the system.
16. Game Bar Improvements
The Xbox Game Bar gets new features in Windows 11, such as:
- Improved performance tracking: You can track system resources like CPU and GPU performance.
- Quick access to media controls and notifications: These are now more prominent and easier to access during gaming sessions.
- Game Mode Enhancements: Game Mode in Windows 11 has been optimized to improve system performance while gaming.