Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system, and it comes with a lot of new and improved features that make it more user-friendly, productive, and secure. Here are 10 of the best features that you should know about Windows 11.
1. A new Start menu and taskbar. Windows 11 has redesigned the Start menu and the taskbar to make them more intuitive and customizable. The Start menu now shows your pinned and recommended apps, as well as a search bar and a power button. You can also access your files, settings, and other apps from the Start menu. The taskbar is now centered on the screen, and it shows your open apps and icons for quick access to features like widgets, chat, and notifications. You can also move the taskbar to the left or right of the screen, or change its size and alignment.
2. Snap layouts and snap groups. Windows 11 makes it easier to multitask and organize your windows on the screen. You can use snap layouts to arrange your windows in different patterns, such as side by side, stacked, or cornered. You can also use snap groups to save and restore your window arrangements with a single click. Snap groups are shown on the taskbar, so you can easily switch between them.
3. Widgets. Widgets are a new feature that lets you access personalized and relevant information at a glance. You can access widgets from the taskbar or by swiping from the left edge of the screen. Widgets show you things like weather, news, calendar, photos, traffic, sports, and more. You can also customize your widgets by adding or removing them, or changing their size and position.
4. Chat. Chat is a new feature that lets you communicate with your friends and family directly from the taskbar. You can use chat to send and receive text messages, voice messages, photos, videos, emojis, GIFs, and more. You can also make voice and video calls using Microsoft Teams integration. Chat works with any device that supports SMS or Teams, so you can stay in touch with anyone.
5. Microsoft Store. Windows 11 has revamped the Microsoft Store to make it more modern and streamlined. The Microsoft Store now offers a wider range of apps, games, movies, TV shows, books, and more. You can also find Android apps on the Microsoft Store, thanks to the Amazon Appstore integration. The Microsoft Store also has a new design that makes it easier to browse, search, and download content.
6. Gaming. Windows 11 has improved the gaming experience with several features that enhance performance, graphics, and compatibility. Windows 11 supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, which enables ray tracing, variable rate shading, mesh shaders, and sampler feedback for realistic and immersive graphics. Windows 11 also supports Auto HDR, which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of games to make them more vivid and colorful. Windows 11 also supports Xbox Game Pass for PC, which gives you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee.
7. Virtual desktops. Windows 11 lets you create multiple virtual desktops to organize your work and personal spaces. You can use virtual desktops to separate your apps and windows by different themes, such as work, school, gaming, or entertainment. You can also customize your virtual desktops by changing their wallpapers and names.
8. Voice typing and commands. Windows 11 makes it easier to use your voice to type and control your PC. You can use voice typing to dictate text in any app or field that supports text input. You can also use voice commands to perform actions like opening apps, searching the web, adjusting settings, or switching windows.
9. Accessibility. Windows 11 has enhanced the accessibility features to make it more inclusive and user-friendly for everyone. Windows 11 has improved the contrast mode, magnifier, narrator, speech recognition, eye control, color filters, closed captions, subtitles, sound schemes, keyboard shortcuts, mouse settings, touch settings, and more. 10. Security. Windows 11 has increased the security of your PC with several features that protect your data and privacy. Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip on your PC’s motherboard to enable encryption and authentication features like BitLocker and Windows Hello. Windows 11 also supports Secure Boot and Device Guard to prevent unauthorized software from running on your PC.