After six years of launching the Windows 10 operating system, the all-new Windows 11 is just around the corner. Microsoft recently launched Windows 11 first official preview for the Insider Users. However, the regular users would still have to wait for over 6 to 8 months to finally get the Windows 11.
Although Microsoft is pretty strict about the hardware requirements of Windows 11, especially the TPM Chip, people are still curious what new it has to offer and whether it is worth the hype or Windows 10 is enough.
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Let us answer that question and find out the significant differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Windows 10 vs. Windows 11: Significant Differences
The Logo and the Startup Sound
The first noticeable difference you will see before even installing and testing Windows 11 is the new logo. Unlike Windows 10, the logo of Windows 11 is flat, pretty similar to the Microsoft logo.
The all-new Windows 11 also comes with an all-new startup sound. Unfortunately, many users might have disabled the Windows 10 startup sound on their device, so before upgrading to Windows 11, you must surely enable it to experience the new sound.
User Interface and Design
After the startup, you will notice the user interface of Windows 11, which is entirely revamped from that of Windows 10. I feel it is more elegant and soothing to the eyes with plain design and good color shades. If you have used Mac, you will somewhat get a feeling of macOS UI on Windows 11. The app windows are rounded, the folder such as Document, Music, Pictures, etc., get a unique color for the differentiation. The taskbar now contains the Start Menu button and pinned applications at the center.
Start Menu
You will notice the Start Menu already launched at the first startup after the installation of Windows 11. The new Start Menu is the direct copy of the now-discontinued Windows 10X OS. It is similar to the app drawer of Android devices. Unlike Windows 10, the Start Menu icon is found at the center of the taskbar, not on the left. Although, if you like the old way, you can switch back the Start Menu icon to the left from the settings.
In the Windows 10 Start Menu, you can browse the Recently added apps, all apps, and next to it, you get the live tiles. The search box is at the bottom.
On the other hand, the Start Menu of Windows 11 is clutter-free. It contains the pinned apps, recommended apps, and you can access all the apps by clicking on the All apps button at the top-right corner. In addition, the search bar is at the top.
Android App Support
This is probably the most significant addition, so much so that most users would readily switch to Windows 11 from Windows 10, just for this one feature. Windows users were eagerly asking for the integration of Android Application support, and probably Microsoft finally heard them.
On Windows 10, you have the built-in Your Phone application that allows you to interconnect your Android phone to a Windows device, get Android device notifications, receive calls, and read texts. However, Your Phone app does not support the use of Android applications on Windows. Therefore, for accessing the Android apps, users need to install Android Emulators on Windows 10.
With Windows 11, things are changed. After upgrading to Windows 11, you can download and install the Android applications from the Microsoft App Store. Microsoft has integrated Amazon’s Android app store into its store specifically for Windows 11. Moreover, if you can’t find your favorite Android app on the Microsoft Store, you can install it through its APK file on Windows 11.
Access to Virtual Desktops
Virtual Desktops feature, introduced in Windows 10, is one of the most acknowledged Windows OS features. However, there was no direct way to access it. Users either have to use the key combinations or open the Windows Timeline to access or launch a Virtual Desktop.
With Windows 11, you can easily open a new Virtual Desktop right from the taskbar. It is pretty similar to Mac devices.
Better Touchscreen, Voice, and Pen Support
Although Microsoft had already highly improved the support for touchscreen through Windows 10 by providing options such as Tablet Mode, with Windows 11, you will get an even better touch experience. Microsoft has added a new touchscreen keyboard, added more space between icons on the taskbar, and improved gestures. Windows 11 also adds haptics to your digital pen, so you can hear and feel vibrations as you use it for taking notes or drawing. In addition, the all-new Windows 11 OS comes with voice typing and commands across the system.
What features are discontinued in Windows 11?
If you go deeper, you will notice that many features of Windows 10 OS are removed in Windows 11. Here is the list of those:
- Cortana is not enabled by default and not pinned to the taskbar.
- Quick Status from the Lockscreen and associated settings are removed.
- Windows Timeline feature is removed.
- Tablet Mode is eliminated, and new functionality and capability are included for keyboard attach and detach postures.
- Skype, 3D Viewer, OneNote, and Paint 3D are not available by default on Windows 11. However, you can install them through Microsoft App Store.
- Internet Explorer is discontinued. Edge is the new default browser.
Summing Up
Though, at first sight, you might not find many differences in Windows 11 from Windows 10 other than the user interface. But after using it for a while and exploring its functions, you will know that Microsoft has introduced many improvements in Windows 11, which were missing in Windows 10 and older OS.
Microsoft has smartly launched Windows 11 with added functionalities. The features like the integration of Android applications support will not only impress the current Windows OS users but also attract the other OS users to it. So hopefully, it would be as good as it is hyped.
If you are currently using the genuine version of Windows 10 and your system is compatible with the minimum system requirements of Windows 11, you are eligible for getting the free upgrade to Windows 11.
Though Windows 11 was launched on June 24, 2021, it would still be unavailable to install until the first half of 2022. However, the first preview of Windows 11 is now available for Insider Program users.
Windows 11 is a next-gen operating system, so it is expected to be quicker than the current Windows 10 OS.
Peter is an Electrical Engineer whose primary interest is tinkering with his computer. He is passionate about Windows 10 Platform and enjoys writing tips and tutorials about it.
