Microsoft unveils new Windows 11

It’s almost time to part with Windows 10 as the next generation of Windows OS is finally here!

After last week’s fiasco with unconfirmed leaks, Microsoft finally revealed Windows 11 during their virtual event held yesterday. The new OS is set to bring a new version of the Start Menu, a higher quality multi-monitor and touchscreen support, and better integration with Xbox Game Pass.

The new Windows 11’s aesthetic is rounder, softer, and sleeker, almost mirroring the same design as an Apple Macbook OS. However, it still retains some of the more familiar features users have grown accustomed to.

“We’ve simplified the design and user experience to empower your productivity and inspire your creativity. It’s modern, fresh, clean and beautiful,” Microsoft wrote on their page.

Also included in Windows 11 is a new start up menu that opens at the center of the screen that can help users connect to their applications quicker. The design has a new widget section where content creators can easily access and highlight their products. The brand new software also has a feature where users can “snap” numerous apps into place on the screen. With this, users can easily customize their own desktop and match it to their heart’s desire, it can be for school, work, or even gaming.

Microsoft further added that they have integrated its Teams chat and video conferencing software into the new OS, making it easier for those who work at home to connect with their peers during the pandemic.

According to Microsoft “if you’re a gamer, Windows 11 is made for you.” The new OS has Auto HDR, which will make it easier to turn on high dynamic range, if the hardware supports it, to have the best visual experience. On the other hand, with DirectStorage, the game is loaded directly to the graphics card instead of through the CPU to prevent the processor from having a hard time.

In addition, the specs required to run Windows 11 are not much. Here are the system requirements listed by Microsoft: 

• Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB or larger
• System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0
• Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel

The latest software will roll out starting next week to those who signed up for the beta, however it will still lack the new features that were recently announced.

The exact release date of the new OS is yet to be announced but Microsoft plans to publish it by the holidays, so expectations are set around late November to December this year.