The technology giant from the United States, Microsoft, has finally officially launched their latest computer operating system. It is Windows 11, the successor of Windows 10 which was announced to the public on June 24, 2021. The appearance of Windows 11 also answers the puzzle about the future of the Windows operating system.
The reason is, Microsoft's Senior Engineer for Software Development, Jerry Nixon, in 2015 said that Windows 10 was the last version of Microsoft's operating system product. Windows 10 is said to be a service that gets periodic updates.
However, the reality is that Windows 10 will soon meet its end with the presence of Windows 11 as its successor. In the image upload that has been circulating on the internet, there is one thing that is markedly different between Windows 10 and Windows 11.
That is the logo that they both have. If Windows 10 adhered to an arrangement of four squares highlighted from an oblique angle, now Windows 11 has a straight-forward highlight. So that the display of the Windows 11 logo is flat, aka flat.
However, it's not just the logo that makes Windows 11 look fresher than its predecessor. Several new features were also added for the operating system that supports these 110 languages.
Well, these features will be explained in this article by Carisignal. Then, we will also summarize the important things about Windows 11 that you should know. Therefore, read this article to the end!
What is the Windows 11?
Before reviewing the new features and other information about Windows 11, we must first get to know the operating system.
According to the PCMag page, Windows 11 is an OS product released by Microsoft which was published to replace Windows 10. This system is the most up-to-date version from Microsoft since they last launched Windows 10 in 2015.
Microsoft said that the UI and several new features in this OS are aimed at increasing the productivity of modern workers where collaboration processes are mostly done from home.
They also explained that Android applications in the Windows Store can be run on their new OS without needing special modifications.
This is of course also related to improving the user experience even though they have to do activities from home.
What are Minimum Requirements for Windows 11?
The newest operating system can be downloaded for free by Windows 10-based computer owners until mid-2022.
According to Kompas.com, the following are the Windows 11 specification requirements as outlined by Microsoft on its website.
- Getting to know Windows 11: Minimum Specifications, New Features, and How to Install 1
- source: blogs.windows.com
- Processor: 1 GHz and above with 2 or more cores, 64 bit; can also SoC
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage space: 64 GB or more
- System firmware: UEFI, supports secure boot
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module version 2.0
- Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or WDDM 2.x
- Display: Screen 9 inches and above with 720p resolution, 8 bit color
- Internet connection: Microsoft account and internet connection required for Windows 11 setup
Microsoft usually pegs a long service life (can be 10 years or more) on a version of the operating system it designs. This lifetime means that users will continue to receive support until the operating system they are using is retired. Support is in the form of security patch updates and the addition of new features.
In the case of Windows 10, primary support is provided from its launch in 2015 until October 2025. Support for enterprise licenses typically extends by several years. However, before mainstream support ended, Microsoft had already launched Windows 11.
The same thing happened in earlier Windows. So, what is the underlying reason for Microsoft to always take that approach. It is Microsoft's sensitivity that sees changing trends. As we already know, the pandemic causes people to have to keep their distance from their colleagues and relatives.
However, you have to keep active, whether it's to establish friendship, find sustenance, or live a hobby. Technology has finally become a bridge after people are now more accustomed to doing everything online. As a result, the intensity of people touching devices such as computers is becoming more frequent.
Based on that change in habits, Microsoft sees that Windows 10 should be overhauled. The overhaul includes a simplification of the design and several other changes to improve the user experience. So Windows 11 is modern, clean, and beautiful.
What's the latest Feature in Windows 11?
It's not a new name if a product has the exact same features as its predecessor. Likewise with Windows 11 which contains many innovation changes. Here is something new and a refresher for Windows 11.
1. Appearance
As alluded to at a glance, Microsoft is trying to simplify the design in Windows 11. This simplification means that Windows 11 can be used however the user wants. One example is the ability to open applications side by side.
Microsoft also introduced Snap Layouts and Snap Groups and Desktop to support your multitasking activities, without having to lose focus on one of the applications that are currently open. You can split the screen with three large sizes and two small sizes and so on.
For Snap Group and Desktop, this feature allows you to create multiple desktops. For example, a dedicated desktop for work, a desktop for playing games, and a desktop for college. This is one of Microsoft's simple efforts to make Windows more simple and flexible to use.
In addition, you are also treated to new icons, sounds, fonts, start buttons and taskbar. Changes that appear at first glance of course the shape of the button and its position on the taskbar. Yes, the flat start button is now shifted to the middle.
You might find it a little awkward because Microsoft always places the button in the lower left corner. In fact, Microsoft once removed the start button in Windows 8 which was finally protested and returned to Windows 8.1.
However, Microsoft assumes that the start button in the middle of the taskbar makes it easier and faster to access. The panel design that comes out after the start button is pressed is also different from Windows 10.
The Windows 10 start button brings up a rectangular drop-down panel from Windows 95. Meanwhile, the panel that appears after pressing the start button in Windows 11 is very modern. It is just a small box that appears in the middle of the desktop surface.
Its transparent appearance is reminiscent of the Windows Aero interface in Windows 7 at a glance. There you can put (pinned) some frequently opened applications. Underneath there is a history of the files you last opened. To see the entire application, you can press the tiny all apps button.
2. Chat and Microsoft Team
On the Android 11 platform, you may already be familiar with the bubble feature which makes it easy for users to reply to messages without having to open the app. In Windows 11, you will find the Chat feature that is integrated with Microsoft Teams and embedded in the taskbar.
Chat is not similar to bubble. However, the goal is the same: to make it easier for people to send messages without having to open the Microsoft Teams app. This feature allows you to send text, voice, video to personal contacts, no matter the device used.
Whether it's a Windows, Android, or iOS device. Even if your friends or relatives don't have the Microsoft Teams application installed, messages can still arrive via SMS.
The Chat feature also provides instant access to start a presentation in front of people, and makes muting and unmuting easier.
3. Direct 12, Auto HDR, and Xbox Game Pass
Windows 11 is an operating system that accommodates all people, including gamers. According to Microsoft claims, there are hundreds of millions of people around the world who play games on the Windows platform. Therefore, gamers are a group that has an important position for Windows.
The arrival of Windows 11 is good news for gamers. The reason is, Microsoft promises Windows 11 is able to maximize the hardware potential of the computers used by gamers. The trick is simple, namely presenting the latest technology.
Technologies such as DirectX 12 Ultimate push the hardware to produce images with high frame rates, in order to provide an immersive experience. You don't have to worry if the high frame rate will make the laptop battery wasteful.
The reason is, Windows 11 is also equipped with the Dynamic Refresh feature which automatically sets the refresh rate in low mode when not needed. Then, there is also DirectStorage which can shorten loading time. This feature allows the graphics card memory to load game files directly without going through the CPU.
Furthermore, there is Auto HDR that supports a more vivid and charming color presentation. This feature can be activated even in non-HDR games. Finally, Microsoft included the Xbox Game Pass feature as access to more than 100 quality PC games.
The game catalog on Xbox Game Pass will be updated all the time. Those of you who play games from here will also find it easier to find friends to play with, whether they're playing on a PC or on a console.
4. Widgets
If you have ever used Windows Vista, you will be familiar with Windows Desktop Gadgets (Widgets) or what used to be called Windows Sidebar. This feature is indeed one that was highlighted by Microsoft when Windows Vista launched. Through the Windows Sidebar, users can monitor various kinds of information display gadgets.
However, since Windows 8 came out, this feature is not that popular even though the support hasn't gone away. Well, in Windows 11, Widgets have been brought back to bring you closer to the latest news. The Widget Panel embedded in the taskbar (accessible by pressing Windows+W) will search for the hottest news based on AI algorithms.
If you are interested in one of the news presented, you just have to click on the news and the Microsoft Edge browser will automatically open it in full page.
Not only news that you can get from the Widget, but also the date, time, weather, and various information that you want to know. However, unlike in Windows Vista, this time Microsoft promises a different experience.
Widgets in Windows 11 feel as seamless as a sheet of transparent glass, so they don't interfere with whatever work you're doing. Especially for content creators, Widgets can be modified as personalized as possible to present the things needed.
5. Microsoft Store with Android Apps
Microsoft may be a little behind Apple and Google to bring app stores. Yes, the Microsoft Store was only present in 2012 when the technology giant from the United States launched Windows 8. Even so, Microsoft did not give up on providing a variety of quality applications.
Not only that, the Microsoft Store is also a place for those of you who are looking for exciting content, be it games, movies, and reality shows. You can even download third-party applications that are industry-leading. Such as Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom, and Canva.
Everything can be downloaded without worrying about its security. The reason is, before perched on the list of applications in the Microsoft Store, these applications have been tested first.
What's interesting is that the Microsoft Store is now providing Android apps for the first time for Windows 11. You can now search for your favorite Android apps on the Microsoft Store and download them via the Amazon Appstore.
The ability of Windows 11 computers to run Android applications comes thanks to Intel Bridge technology. This technology is the result of the collaboration of three parties: Intel, Microsoft, and Amazon.
Maybe this is good news for those of you who have long liked to play Android games via PC. Because now you don't need to install emulator software like Bluestack which is said to be quite heavy because it sucks up quite a lot of resources.
6. Microsoft Store is Developer Friendly
Microsoft opens up as many opportunities as possible for developers or independent software vendors to find the coffers of sustenance in the Microsoft Store. Microsoft allows them to provide applications whether they are Win32-based, PWA (Progressive Web App), UWP (Universal Windows App), or other interfaces.
Not only that, Microsoft also launched the ARM64EC interface for the latest Visual Studio software. This interface can be used by developers to create applications that are compatible with ARM SoCs. Through ARM64EC, developers can choose whether to enter ARM64EC or x64 codes.
Applications with ARM64EC code will run naturally because this interface is designed for Windows. While applications containing x64 code will run with Windows 11's default emulation for ARM. Both of them can run optimally.
This flexible attitude is expected by Microsoft to be able to improve the quality and quantity of applications in the Microsoft Store. So, in the future users will also be happy with the completeness of the Microsoft Store application catalog.
Developers and software vendors can now even take 100 percent of the profits from the applications they put on the Microsoft Store. However, if you want to share, Microsoft only asks for 15 percent of their profits.
7. Windows 11 Convenient for IT Workers
IT workers may be the most vulnerable segment with changes. Because, it is not uncommon for operating system changes to make applications and their hardware incompatible. Well, Microsoft guarantees that such an incident will not happen in Windows 11.
Because Windows 11 will not change the habits of IT workers who are already used to Windows 10. Upgrading to Windows 11 is just like updating Windows 10, Microsoft claims.
Features such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager, cloud configuration, and Windows Update for Business and Autopilot, continue to work as Windows 10.
As for third-party applications that are already used on Windows 10, there will also be no incompatibility because Windows 11 has App Assure. This feature will help users to solve problems when encountering applications that cannot be run.
8. 6E WiFi Support
Windows 11 is the first Microsoft operating system to directly support WiFi 6E. In terms of speed, WiFi 6E is actually no different from WiFi 6. The average data transfer is 9.6 Gbps. However, WiFi 6E promises lower latency levels.
This is because the device is now not only able to establish a connection via the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, but also 6 GHz. This is of course important especially if you are in a congested environment with many network users.
Windows 11 Features Missing
Windows 11 is designed with a simpler appearance than Windows 10. As a result, some of the built-in features of Windows 10 have disappeared from Windows 11. Well, this is the first factor that makes Windows 11 different from its predecessor. What are the missing features? Listen one by one as follows.
1. Internet Explorer
The journey of Internet Explorer (IE) accompanies users to meet the stopping point in Windows 11. In Windows 10, IE was eliminated on June 15, 2022. So the task of the browser (browser) created by Microsoft in 1995 is complete.
The role of this old browser is continued by Microsoft Edge, which has been present since 2015. Edge is still far from Google Chrome. According to GS Statcounter, its market share as of June 2021 is only 3.39%. While Google Chrome is at the top of the throne with 65.25%.
However, Edge is different from IE. It is designed with Chromium base which is stable, light and fast. In addition, Edge can also take advantage of extensions in the Chrome Web Store. As for Edge, it still provides IE Mode if someone needs to open an old website. IE on Windows 10.
2. Cortana
Microsoft does not want to lose to Apple, which has Siri and Google, which has Google Assistant. Therefore, along with the launch of Windows 8.1 in 2014, they introduced a personal assistant called Cortana. A year later, this feature was available for Windows 10 computers.
Had also perched on the Android and Apple application stores. However, Cortana is clearly less competitive than Google Assistant for the smartphone segment. There are not many computer users who are interested in taking advantage of its functions.
Finally, Cortana for smartphones is turned off in 2021. While in Windows 11, it will no longer be in the taskbar that is integrated with the search function like in Windows 10. If you want to use it, Windows 11 users must now download it themselves in the Microsoft Store.
3. Tiles
Windows 10 is Microsoft's attempt to bring back the tastes of consumers who are already comfortable with Windows 7. However, Microsoft has also combined it with a grid design of live tiles in the style of Windows 8. This live tiles feature appears when you press the start button.
Live tiles can contain apps you open frequently or other pinned apps. However, you won't find the live tiles design in Windows 11. Because the panel that appears after you press the start button is now much simpler.
In that panel, you'll only find a search field, pinned apps, and a number of recommended apps.
4. Quick Status
Windows 10 users must be aware that when their computer is locked there will be an inscription in the lower left corner under the calendar. Yes, that article is a quick status feature. There are various things written, ranging from weather information to changes that occur in installed applications.
Well, this feature was removed from Windows 11. Instead, Microsoft gave access to quickly view the information users want to know through Widgets.
5. Taskbar customization
If it is not locked, the taskbar and the start button in Windows 10 can be moved where they like. It doesn't have to be at the bottom, but can be moved to the left, right, or even up. According to PC World, the start button in Windows 11 which is now installed in the middle can still be placed on the side like Windows 10.
However, the taskbar along with the start button and other embedded applications cannot move positions. Can only be below. However, it is worth noting that the Windows 11 that PC World tested was a beta version. It could be that changes will occur with the update.
6. Timeline
Windows 10 has a feature called Timeline (timeline). This feature is in the form of a history of what files and directories we have opened in recent times. How to access this feature is very easy, namely by clicking the taskview button on the taskbar.
If the taskview button does not exist, it means that the show taskview button option has not been activated. For some people, this feature will be useful to see the progress of their work. Unfortunately, this feature leaves no trace in Windows 11.
7. Desktop Wallpaper, Math Input Panel, and News & Interest
Maybe you have multiple devices with Windows 10 that use the same Microsoft account. Well, it could be that the nuances given are no different because Windows 10 has personalization options. One of these options makes one desktop wallpaper appear on multiple devices.
However, this feature is missing in Windows 11. What is missing again in Windows 11 is the Math Input Panel feature. If you are a math teacher or lecturer, you can certainly use this feature to explain certain formulas. Moreover, this feature gives the sensation of writing like on a whiteboard.
In Windows 11, Math Input Panel is not present by default. It can be installed on request. About the disappearance of the News & Interest feature on the taskbar, now Windows 11 has merged it into Widgets.
8. S Mode, Snipping Tool, and Tablet Mode
S Mode was originally Windows 10 S which Microsoft intended for devices with light computing. The device has a feature that it can only be installed with applications from the Microsoft Store. However, Windows 10 S was removed and replaced with the existing S Mode feature for all editions of Windows.
Well, this feature is removed for all editions of Windows 11, except Windows 11 Home. Another story with the Snipping Tool whose function will be replaced by Snip & Sketch. Screenshots can now be accessed with Windows key+Shift+S.
Then, the Tablet Mode feature is missing from Windows 11. This feature is missing because Windows 11 will automatically detect whether a device like the Microsoft Surface is having a keyboard installed or not. If the keyboard is not attached, the device can be used immediately without any settings.
9. Touch Keyboard, Wallet, 3D Viewer
The loss of the Tablet Mode feature has an impact on the Touch Keyboard feature. Yes, 2-in-1 laptops with screens of 18 and above now cannot choose whether the Touch Keyboard will be used in dock or undock. In the past, in Windows 10, undock made the Touch Keyboard free to move its position.
While the dock option makes the Touch Keyboard always under the laptop screen. Now in WIndows 11, Touch Keyboard is installed in the lower right corner of the screen. Even so, Microsoft provides a variety of themes that make it fresh.
The freedom to choose dock or undock options on the Touch Keyboard may affect how you type. However, not with the loss of Wallet and 3D Viewer features. Wallet was originally launched for Windows Phone as an electronic wallet that utilizes the NFC feature.
However, this feature doesn't seem to be that important on a computer, considering that transactions at the Microsoft Store can be done with a credit/debit card. Meanwhile, the 3D Viewer feature is also considered not so functional for people who don't work as three-dimensional graphic designers.
10. OneNote, Paint 3D, Skype
OneNote will probably be preferred by users who use a 2-in-1 laptop to make it easier to take small notes. However, this application is not available once Windows 11 is installed on a new computer. Back in Windows 10, this app was included in the installation.
You can download it separately in the Microsoft Store. Likewise with Paint 3D and Skype which are also not included when you install Windows 11.
The assumption that Windows 11 is an update for Windows 10 is actually not entirely wrong. Because, Microsoft does not charge Windows 10 computer owners who want to upgrade to Windows 11. The edition of Windows that you will receive is the same.
That is, if your computer uses Windows 10 Home, after upgrading it will get Windows 11 Home. Windows 11 license is actually not free, but the OEM (computer manufacturer) pays for it. This mechanism also occurs when Microsoft offers a free Windows 10 upgrade for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 PC owners.
On the other hand, those of you who are still using Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 can get an upgrade to Windows 11. The condition is of course by upgrading to Windows 10 for free through the Windows Update feature. So, what about people who previously didn't have a Windows computer but wanted to use Windows 11?
We're sure Microsoft will charge a fee for purchasing Windows 11 personally. However, until this article was written, Microsoft has not explained details about the price.
How do I install Windows 11 on my Computer?
Windows 11 has indeed been officially introduced on June 24, 2021. However, Windows 11 which is available a week after its introduction is an unstable version. If you are a tech-enthusiast who has more than one computer, it never hurts to try the unstable Windows 11.
You do this by following the Windows Insider program and becoming part of the development of Windows 11. Here are the steps to follow this program.
- First, press the Windows key and click the gear-like Settings button.
- Go to the Update & Settings menu.
- Hover down and click Windows Insider Program.
- Click Get Started and follow the next instructions.
Well, after being part of the Windows Insider program, you will get a preview of Windows 11 build which of course still has many bugs. For those of you casual users who only have one primary computer, we recommend waiting until a stable version of Windows 11 is available.
According to Windows 10, the stable version is available within a few months after the first preview build came out. So if Windows 11 is available, what steps should be taken?
- Check your computer's compatibility with the PC Health Check application which can be accessed here.
However, Microsoft will periodically release hardware updates which can support Windows 11. This means that it is possible for older generation processors or SoCs to sample Windows 11, as long as they are 64-bit based. You can also see the minimum specification updates that Windows 11 supports at this link or this link.
- If PC Health Check states that your computer meets all the requirements, an upgrade can be done by taking advantage of the Windows Update feature.
- Press the Windows key, click Settings, and enter the Update & Security menu.
- Select Windows Update, click the check for updates button.
- Finally, install Windows 11 and wait for it to finish.
Conclusion
In fact, Windows 11 can be updated for free if you previously used Windows 10. However, this new OS from Microsoft cannot be downloaded carelessly. There are several requirements that must be met by your device so that the OS can run smoothly.
So, according to Sindonews, the device must have at least a 64-bit processor with two CPU cores with a speed of 1 GHz. Not only that, your computer also needs to have 4 GB of RAM, a minimum of 64 GB of storage media, and a graphics processor (GPU) that supports the DirectX 12 system.
To avoid confusion, you can check the device's compatibility with Windows 11 OS with a special application such as PC Health Check which can be downloaded on the Microsoft site.Thus the review of Windows 11 and all the ins and outs. How, can't wait to try out Windows 11? Oh yes, if you have other information regarding Microsoft's new operating system, please share it in the comments column!