Windows 11: A new era of PC begins | Microsoft News Center

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The Windows 11 rollout starts today. Windows 11 is the new generation of our operating system, which reliably accompanies users in their everyday life. It comes with a new modern design and the highest possible security. Windows 11 connects us to friends, family and co-workers. We use it to learn, work, play and be creative. Everyone should be able to use Windows 11 without restrictions, which is why accessibility was taken into account during development right from the start. The operating system is available now on new PCs and will be gradually rolled out as a free upgrade on qualifying Windows 10 PCs.

How to get Windows 11?

Users whose Windows 10 devices are eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade will be notified via Windows Update when it becomes available to them. About Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, you can also manually check whether Windows 11 is available for your device. All eligible devices will receive the upgrade offer by mid-2022. With the PC Health Check app, users can check whether they can upgrade their current Windows 10 PC to Windows 11.

For companies: Familiar tools in a hybrid working environment

Windows 11 will also be available for corporate customers from October 5, 2021. It is the operating system for the hybrid working world and offers a modern but familiar environment that promotes productivity while creating space for creativity and collaboration. The rollout of Windows 11 is proceeding in the same way that business customers are already familiar with Windows 10.

Security in Windows 11

In a hybrid world of work, modern security solutions are needed that offer comprehensive protection - regardless of where users are located. Windows 11 is a Zero Trust-enabled operating system that protects against threats from chip to cloud with built-in security features enabled by default.

Windows 11: A new era of PC begins | News Center Microsoft

Accessibility "by design"

From the new start button to the taskbar to fonts and symbols - the design of Windows 11 is clear and well-arranged. It is designed to be accessible and comes with enhancements designed by and for people with disabilities. Accessibility is an important prerequisite for making technology easier for everyone to access – and that includes making Windows accessible and secure for all.

Modern and understated: The user-friendly design of Windows 11

The start menu is located in the middle of the taskbar and uses the cloud and Microsoft 365 to display recently used files - even if they were previously on a Android or iOS device were opened.

With the new "Snap Layouts" and "Snap Groups" functions, Windows 11 users will have even more options in the future for clearly placing multiple windows next to and below one another and thus making optimal use of 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 learning.

Optimized touch, pen and voice operation

The new generation of Windows offers improved touch, pen and voice operation. On tablets without a keyboard, the icons in the taskbar are spaced farther apart. Windows are easy to move or resize. 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 an improved voice input - it can automatically set punctuation marks and execute voice commands.

Microsoft Teams integration: connect faster

In Windows 11, Microsoft Teams is built right into the taskbar. Users can 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. Team functions such as muting or screen sharing will also be accessible directly from the taskbar in the future.

Windows 11: The best Windows for gaming

Windows 11 uses the latest gaming technology - including "DirectX 12 Ultimate" for immersive graphics at high frame rates. "DirectStorage" offers faster loading times and more detailed game worlds and Auto HDR ensures a wider, more vivid color spectrum. The new generation of Windows also supports popular PC gaming accessories and peripherals. With Xbox Game Pass for PC or Ultimate, gamers get access to more than 100 games, with more titles being added all the time.

The new Microsoft Store: More apps and easy search

The Microsoft Store is the central contact point for apps, games, series and films. The clear design makes it even easier to use and the search for content is further simplified via collections. The new store offers an even larger selection of apps. Popular apps like Canva, Disney+, Zoom, Epic Game Store and more are now available through the Microsoft Store.

Widgets: Quick access to news, weather and more

With the support of AI and Microsoft Edge, "widgets" allow faster access to information and news. Through various personalization options, users can compose widgets and access today's news, tomorrow's weather and their current to-do list.

In our Windows 11 Content Hub you will find all other articles about Windows 11.


Contributed by Irene NadlerCommunications Manager Windows & devices

Tags: Windows, Windows 11