Microsoft has rolled out Windows 11 as a free upgrade for all Windows 10 users – so what can you expect from the refreshed OS?
Perhaps the biggest change comes not in the form of a feature, but a change to the way Microsoft will roll out these updates in future. Following the like of Apple, Windows updates will be rolled out more frequently in future, with refreshes promised every year.
This has been touted as making update packages smaller whilst also more secure.
On the system itself, the Taskbar has been reconfigured and now sits centrally aligned at the bottom of the screen. This came about as a result of huge testing and development work by Microsoft. In fact, the project took years to complete and the work of 40 designers, to ensure the user experience was just right.
The Start menu also has a new look, with the tiles making way for app-style logos. This mobile-style design is no accident, as Microsoft has made clear its aim to get people comfortably using Windows 11 across all devices, be they tablet, laptop or widescreen PC monitor.
Teams will also get closer integration than ever before, with users able to launch calls or chats from directly within the dock.
Elsewhere there’s a much-improved health checker app, where users are presented with a series of easy fixes for their devices – to boost the battery life or optimise storage, for example. There are also improvements to the Microsoft Store, which presents downloads more clearly and allows easier mirror content to other screens.
Some users have already been invited to download the update, but if you haven’t, fear not. Microsoft said the roll out will take place across all relevant devices over the coming months. If you’ve not been prompted yet but want to make the change straight away, you can visit the Windows 11 download page to instigate the update manually.
