With an intuitive design and the highest possible level of security. Windows 11 will be available on new PCs and as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs later this year. An early build will be made available through the Windows Insider Program starting next week.
Modern and restrained: The user-friendly design of Windows 11. From the new start button to the taskbar to sounds, fonts and symbols - the design of Windows 11 is clear and easy to understand. The start menu is located in the middle of the taskbar and uses the cloud and Microsoft 365 to display the most recently used files - even if they were previously opened on an Android or iOS device.
With the new functions “Snap-Layouts” and “Snap-Groups”, Windows 11 users will have even more options in the future to clearly place several windows next to and one below the other and thus optimally use the entire screen area. The "Desktops" feature offers the option of creating different desktops for different areas of life - for example, for working, playing or studying.
Microsoft Teams integration
The communication tool Teams is already integrated in Windows 11 (Image: Microsoft).
In Windows 11, Microsoft Teams is integrated directly into the taskbar. This allows users to get in touch with others even faster via chat, text, voice or video - regardless of whether the other person is using a Windows, Android or iOS device. If the person you are speaking to has not installed the Teams app, users can still connect to them via two-way SMS. Teams functions such as mute or screen sharing will also be available directly from the taskbar in the future.
The new Microsoft Store: curated content and Android apps
The Microsoft Store is still the central point of contact for apps, games, series and films, but it has a new, clearer design and is easier to use. The new store offers an even larger selection of apps and makes it easier to find content through curated collections. Popular Microsoft and third-party applications such as Microsoft Teams, Visual Studio, Disney +, Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom, and Canva will soon be available through the Microsoft Store. All apps available in the store are checked for security and family-friendliness.
For the first time, Android apps will also be available on Windows in the course of the year. Users can search for the applications in the Microsoft Store and download them from the Amazon App Store.
Open ecosystem for developers
Microsoft is working to keep the Microsoft Store open. Developers and independent software vendors (ISVs) can contribute their apps, regardless of whether they were created as Win32, Progressive Web App (PWA), Universal Windows App (UWP) or in an app framework. A change in Microsoft's revenue sharing policy will allow developers to receive 100 percent of sales. The possibility of a competitive share in sales of 85/15 percent remains.
For companies: security and familiar tools
Windows 11 can be planned, prepared and deployed just like a Windows 10 update. Well-known management functions such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager, cloud configuration, Windows Update for Business and Autopilot are still available and support the upgrade to Windows 11.
Like Windows 10, Windows 11 also follows the central design principle of app compatibility. App Assure is a free service that helps corporate customers with 150 or more users to troubleshoot applications so that they run smoothly on Windows 11.
Android apps should also be able to be used under Windows 11 in the future (Image: Microsoft).
Windows 11 has comprehensive security technologies that offer protection from the chip to the cloud. It is a zero trust operating system that protects data and access across all devices. We have worked closely with our partners to meet the requirements of a dynamic threat landscape and the new, hybrid world of work and to increase our security fundamentals accordingly.
Optimized touch, pen and voice control
The new generation of Windows offers improved touch, pen and voice control. On tablets without a keyboard, the icons in the system tray are more spaced apart. Windows can be easily moved or resized. Windows 11 can also be operated using gestures on tablets without a keyboard. When working with a pen, users receive haptic feedback in the form of vibrations while they click, sketch or write. Windows 11 comes with improved voice input; it can automatically set punctuation marks and execute voice commands.
Availability as a free upgrade and on new PCs
Windows 11 will be available on new PCs and as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs later this year. As early as next week, an early build of the new operating system will be released via the Windows Insider Program.
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