Download Download Windows 11 21H2 Build 22000.318 / Insider Preview Build 22621 Beta / Insider Preview Build 25201 Dev Free

The release of the next big Windows update was a hot topic in 2021, even before Microsoft revealed details of its new features in June.We launch with Microsoft in October Windows 11 to the public.

Get a Windows 11 ISO file to try out the new OS

Remember that your device must meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements listed on this page. Alternatively, you can use Microsoft’s PC Health Check application or a similar third-party application to test your system for compatibility with Windows 11.

Enjoy the next generation of Windows

Like most Windows enthusiasts, you’re probably curious and excited about the upcoming OS release. And for good reason, considering Windows 11 is the first major upgrade since 2015.

First, Microsoft promises a fresh user experience thanks to the improved user interface in Windows 11. The new work environment showcases Microsoft’s guidelines for Fluent Design and is inspired by the transformation of Windows computers from functional tools to tools that bring people together during difficult times in 2020.

Centered taskbar with customizable behavior

Now let’s take a deeper look at what the new Windows 11 brings. The new design is simpler and cleaner, with a new color palette, circular item geometry, and multiple tabletops to use. The taskbar is centered, and so is the main menu button, building a layout that might remind you of a macOS dock.

The taskbar is permanently fixed to the bottom edge of the screen and cannot be moved to the right, left or top. On the other hand, icons on the taskbar can be aligned to the left.

All the basic tools are almost pinned to the taskbar, and icons for newly opened applications are added to the right. While the default settings are designed to provide one-click access to everything you need, you can customize the taskbar items however you want.

While Windows 11 does come with a dedicated search app that you can be redirected to right away, there’s an issue with the Start menu search bar that prevents you from typing in it. This bug is a known issue and hopefully Microsoft will fix it in the following releases.

Windows Explorer Overhaul

The new look for File Explorer (the old Windows Explorer) ditches the ever-popular ribbon and replaces it with a more streamlined toolbar that includes small icons to help you perform basic tasks. Additional options are available in the three-dot menu, such as managing and mapping network drives or accessing extra options. Whether you’ll prefer the new design over the old ribbon-based design is a matter of taste.

As for the sidebar, it’s somewhat similar to the sidebar in Windows 10, allowing you to pin items and manage your favorite locations. The new icons are easily noticeable, but the bigger change is the right-click context menu, which now uses small icons instead of lists for common file management operations.

miss them? Widgets are back in Windows!

You can enjoy the new Windows 11 widgets as long as you are signed in with your Microsoft account. With AI-powered features, widgets can change based on the time of day and your habits of using the app. The touchscreen allows widgets to appear when you swipe the display to the right.

A bit reminiscent of the old Windows widgets and gadgets, though not the same, the new widgets include a news feed powered by Microsoft News, weather forecasts, financial market reports, and more.

New Microsoft Store puts developers first

The new Microsoft Store app has also been significantly enhanced and now supports Android apps running on Windows 11. In addition, the partnership with Amazon enables users to access the Amazon Appstore application from the Microsoft Store.

The purpose of the new store is to allow as many developers as possible to populate the store market with their apps and games. Microsoft has shown openness and flexibility, allowing the use of third-party commerce systems.

There are significant differences between the new Windows 11 and its predecessor, but also many of the same old dialog boxes. The changes we’ve seen so far improve the overall user experience, with more focus on productivity, usability, and ease of use. We’ll see more as the OS evolves, and you can also sign up for the Insider Preview program to experiment with upcoming features before they reach the stable branch.