Windows 11 has taken the technology world by storm since its official release on June 24th, 2021. As Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 11 has brought a wide array of new features and enhancements to the table, including a brand-new user interface, improved performance, and enhanced security measures. With the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing need for efficient and secure computing, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive Windows 11 review to evaluate its capabilities and limitations.
In this article, we will delve into the features and functionality of Windows 11, and provide an in-depth review of its performance, security, user interface, applications, and gaming capabilities. Join us as we explore the latest and greatest features of Windows 11 and provide an unbiased assessment of Microsoft’s latest offering in this Windows 11 review.
Windows 11 Review: User Interface
One of the most noticeable changes in Windows 11 is the revamped user interface. Microsoft has made several design changes to the operating system, giving it a more modern look and feel compared to its predecessor, Windows 10.
Design changes from Windows 10
The first thing users will notice is the new Start Menu and Taskbar. Unlike Windows 10, the Start Menu in Windows 11 is centered, making it easier to access frequently used applications. Additionally, the Taskbar has been simplified, with fewer icons and a more streamlined appearance.
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Microsoft has also made several other design changes, including rounded corners on windows, new icons, and a new font. These changes make Windows 11 feel more cohesive and polished and provide a more pleasant user experience.
New Start Menu and Taskbar
The new Start Menu in Windows 11 is a significant departure from the traditional Start Menu in Windows 10. It features a cleaner and more modern design, with app icons arranged in the center of the screen, and a search bar at the top. The Start Menu also includes a recommended section, which suggests frequently used apps and documents.
The Taskbar in Windows 11 has also been redesigned, with a more streamlined appearance and fewer icons. Users can now access the Start Menu, Task View, and other features from a single button in the center of the Taskbar.
Personalization options
Windows 11 provides several personalization options, allowing users to customize the appearance of the operating system to their liking. Users can change the background, accent color, and sound settings, as well as choose from several different themes.
Overall, the user interface in Windows 11 is a significant improvement over Windows 10, providing a cleaner, more modern look and feel. The new Start Menu and Taskbar are more intuitive and easier to use, and the personalization options allow users to customize the operating system to their liking.
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Windows 11 Review: Performance
In addition to the user interface changes, Windows 11 also offers significant performance improvements compared to its predecessor. In this section of our Windows 11 review, we will take a closer look at the speed and responsiveness of the operating system, system requirements, and compatibility, as well as the multitasking and productivity features.
Speed and responsiveness
Windows 11 has been optimized for faster performance and better responsiveness, thanks to the new and improved Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2) and DirectStorage APIs. These optimizations enable faster load times for applications, smoother animations, and improved overall performance.
Additionally, Windows 11 includes new power management features, such as Power Throttling, which helps to conserve battery life on laptops and tablets by reducing the power consumption of background apps and processes.
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System requirements and compatibility
Windows 11 has slightly higher system requirements than Windows 10, with a minimum of 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a compatible 64-bit processor. Some older devices may not meet these requirements and may not be compatible with Windows 11.
However, most modern devices should have no problem running Windows 11, and Microsoft has provided a PC Health Check app to help users determine whether their device meets the system requirements.
Multitasking and productivity features
Windows 11 includes several new multitasking and productivity features, including Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Virtual Desktops. These features make it easier to organize and work with multiple windows and applications simultaneously, improving productivity and efficiency.
Snap Layouts allow users to quickly arrange multiple windows on the screen in predefined layouts, while Snap Groups enable users to group related windows and switch between them easily. Virtual Desktops provide a way to create multiple desktops, each with its own set of open windows and applications.
Overall, the performance improvements and new multitasking and productivity features in Windows 11 make it an excellent choice for users who require speed, efficiency, and the ability to work with multiple applications simultaneously.
Windows 11 Review: Security
Security is a crucial aspect of any operating system, and Windows 11 comes with several new and improved security features. In this section of our Windows 11 review, we will take a closer look at the new security features, improvements in data protection, and how they compare to the security features of Windows 10.
New security features
Windows 11 introduces several new security features, including a built-in virtualization-based security (VBS) system called Hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI). HVCI protects the system against code injection attacks, which are common methods used by malware to compromise the system.
Windows 11 also includes a new security-focused feature called Windows Hello, which provides a secure and convenient way to authenticate users using biometric data such as facial recognition or fingerprints. Additionally, Windows 11 includes a new feature called Windows Sandbox, which allows users to run potentially dangerous applications in a secure, isolated environment.
Improvements in data protection
Windows 11 also includes several improvements in data protection, including improved BitLocker encryption, which provides better protection for data stored on the system drive. Windows 11 also includes a new feature called Windows Defender Application Guard, which provides an isolated environment for running potentially dangerous applications, protecting the system from malware and other threats.
Another significant improvement in data protection is the integration of Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management service, Azure Active Directory, which provides a more secure and efficient way for users to sign in and access their resources.
Comparison with Windows 10 security features
Compared to Windows 10, Windows 11 offers several new and improved security features, making it a more secure operating system overall. Windows 11 includes a more robust and integrated set of security tools, making it easier for users to manage and protect their data and devices.
Additionally, Windows 11 has been designed with security in mind from the ground up, with features like HVCI and Windows Hello built into the system at a fundamental level. These features provide better protection against malware and other threats, making Windows 11 a more secure operating system compared to its predecessor.
In summary, Windows 11 comes with several new and improved security features, making it a more secure operating system overall. The improvements in data protection, new security features, and better integration with cloud-based identity and access management services make Windows 11 an excellent choice for users who prioritize security and data protection.
Windows 11 Review: Applications
One of the critical aspects of any operating system is its ability to run applications smoothly and efficiently. In this section of our Windows 11 review, we will take a closer look at the improvements to the Microsoft Store, compatibility with existing applications, and new pre-installed apps.
Microsoft Store improvements
The Microsoft Store in Windows 11 has undergone significant improvements, providing a better user experience overall. Microsoft has streamlined the design and layout of the store, making it easier for users to find and download the apps they need. The new design provides better categorization and navigation, allowing users to find relevant apps more quickly.
The Microsoft Store now includes support for Win32 applications, providing users with access to a wider range of applications than ever before. This is a significant improvement from the previous version of Windows, which only supported Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications.
Compatibility with existing applications
Windows 11 has been designed to be backward compatible, meaning that it can run most of the applications that run on Windows 10. This is a significant advantage for users who rely on legacy applications, as they can continue to use their existing software without any issues.
Windows 11 also includes a new feature called Compatibility Mode, which allows users to run older applications in compatibility mode, ensuring that they run smoothly on the new operating system.
New pre-installed apps
Windows 11 comes with several new pre-installed apps, including a new version of Microsoft Teams, which is integrated with the taskbar, making it easier for users to join video conferences and chat with colleagues. Windows 11 also includes a new snap layout feature that allows users to organize multiple apps on their screen, improving multitasking and productivity.
Another new app in Windows 11 is the Widgets app, which provides users with quick access to news, weather updates, and other information from across the web. The app can be personalized to show content that is most relevant to the user, making it a useful addition to the operating system.
In summary, Windows 11 comes with several improvements to the Microsoft Store, compatibility with existing applications, and new pre-installed apps, making it a great choice for users who rely on a variety of applications to get their work done. The new features, such as Win32 app support and Compatibility Mode, ensure that users can continue to use their existing software without any issues. The new pre-installed apps, such as Microsoft Teams and Widgets, provide users with a more efficient and streamlined way to work, improving productivity overall.
Windows 11 Review: Gaming
Windows is a popular choice for gamers worldwide, and Microsoft has continued to focus on improving the gaming experience with Windows 11. In this section of our Windows 11 review, we will explore the improvements in graphics and performance, new gaming features, and compatibility with existing games.
Improvements in graphics and performance
Windows 11 comes with several improvements in graphics and performance that enhance the overall gaming experience. The new operating system has been designed to take advantage of modern hardware, providing faster load times and better graphics.
One of the most significant improvements in Windows 11 is support for DirectX 12 Ultimate, which provides advanced graphics features such as ray tracing, variable-rate shading, and mesh shaders. These features enable more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows, providing a more immersive gaming experience.
Windows 11 also includes a new feature called Auto HDR, which automatically adds HDR (High Dynamic Range) support to games that were originally developed without it. This improves the overall color and brightness of the game, making it look more vivid and realistic.
New gaming features
Windows 11 includes several new gaming features that improve the overall gaming experience. One of the most notable features is Xbox Game Pass integration, which allows users to access a library of over 100 games for a monthly subscription fee.
Windows 11 also includes a new feature called DirectStorage, which enables faster load times by allowing games to load assets directly from the NVMe SSD, reducing the load on the CPU and improving performance overall.
Another new feature in Windows 11 is the ability to create custom game profiles, which allows users to optimize their system settings for individual games, providing a more personalized gaming experience.
Compatibility with existing games
Windows 11 has been designed to be backward compatible, meaning that most of the games that run on Windows 10 will run on Windows 11 without any issues. Microsoft has also released a compatibility tool that users can use to check whether their favorite games will run on the new operating system.
In summary, Windows 11 includes several improvements in graphics and performance, new gaming features such as Xbox Game Pass integration and DirectStorage, and backward compatibility with existing games. These features improve the overall gaming experience, providing faster load times, better graphics, and a more personalized experience. If you are a gamer, Windows 11 is definitely worth considering as your next operating system.
Final Thought
In this Windows 11 review, we have explored the new features and improvements that Microsoft has introduced with its latest operating system. Let’s summarize the key points before we give our final evaluation.
Windows 11 has a redesigned user interface, including a new Start Menu and Taskbar, as well as several personalization options. The operating system also offers improvements in performance, such as faster load times, better multitasking, and advanced security features.
Microsoft has also focused on improving the gaming experience with Windows 11, including support for DirectX 12 Ultimate, Auto HDR, Xbox Game Pass integration, and DirectStorage.
Overall, we think Windows 11 is a significant improvement over Windows 10. The new user interface is more modern and visually appealing, and the improvements in performance and gaming features are impressive. Windows 11 is also more secure than its predecessor, with several new security features and improvements in data protection.
However, there are some concerns about the system requirements and compatibility issues, as some older devices may not be able to run Windows 11. Microsoft has released a compatibility tool that users can use to check if their device is compatible with Windows 11.
