Microsoft Previews Windows 11

Microsoft has finally announced the release of its new Windows software Windows 11. Post announcement, Microsoft even shared a Windows Insider Preview. “Hello Windows Insiders, we are excited to release the first Windows 11 Insider Preview build to the Dev Channel, Build 22000.51!  As we finalize the product over the coming months, we will work with you to validate the experience.” says Microsoft on their blog.

Introducing Windows 11

Microsoft says that it will be adding more of the announced Windows 11 features in upcoming preview builds to be released over the course of summer. But for now let’s have a look at what’s inside the build 22000.51 of Windows 11:

DESKTOP & FILE EXPLORER

This build includes the new centered Start, Taskbar, and Action Center. Taskbar Jump Lists now include rounded corners. The battery, Wi-Fi, and volume icons have now been combined into one big button that opens a new Quick Settings flyout. Moreover the Date and Time is another button that opens a calendar flyout as well as notifications.

SETTINGS

Microsoft says, “We designed Settings to be beautiful, easy to use and inclusive of all your Microsoft experiences in Windows 11.” Settings now has a left-handed navigation that persists between pages, and Microsoft has also  added breadcrumbs which will help users  know where they are while navigating and not lose their place. Settings pages also have a new look, with new hero controls at the top that highlight key information. These new hero controls span across several category pages like System, Bluetooth & devices, Network & Internet, Personalization, Accounts, and Windows Update.

THE NEW WINDOWS 11 SETUP EXPERIENCE

“The Windows 11 setup experience (often referred to as the “out of box experience” or OOBE for short) has been redesigned with brand new colorful animated iconography and more modern light theme. This new setup experience is designed to build excitement for Windows 11 right from the moment you first turn on a new Windows 11 PC for the very first time.” says Microsoft.

WI-FI 6E SUPPORT

Windows 11 will now have Wi-Fi 6E which will enable Windows OEMs, Wireless IHVs and ecosystem partners to deliver leading edge Wi-Fi on new Windows PCs. Wi-Fi 6E is a revolutionary advancement that enables up to 3x more Wi-Fi bandwidth and will transform Wi-Fi experiences through faster speeds, greater capacity, reduced latency, and better security.

DOCKING

Microsoft on their website says, “When you undock your laptop, the windows on your external monitor will be minimized. When you re-dock your computer to your monitor, Windows puts everything back exactly where you had it before! You can find the settings for these features under System > Display > Multiple Displays.“

THE NEW MICROSOFT STORE

With today’s build, users will be able to try out an early preview of the new Microsoft Store. This build reveals a first look at the Store’s all-new design but Microsoft will continue to build and refine the Store.

MULTITASKING

Users can increase their productivity and creativity with these new multitasking features:
(Source: Windows Insider Blog)

Snap layouts: Just hover your mouse over a window’s maximize button to see available snap layouts, then click on a zone to snap the window. You’ll then be guided to snap windows to the rest of the zones within the layout with guided snap assist. For smaller screens, you’ll be offered a set of 4 snap layouts. You can also invoke the snap layouts flyout with the WIN + Z keyboard shortcut.

Snap groups: Snap groups are a way to easily switch back to your snapped windows. To try this out, snap together at least 2 app windows on your screen. Hover over one of these open apps on the Taskbar to find the snap group and click to quickly switch back.

Desktops: Access your Desktops via Task View (WIN + Tab) on the Taskbar. You can reorder and customize the backgrounds for each of your Desktops. You can also mouse-over Task View on the Taskbar for quick access to your existing Desktops or to create a new one!

“We are just getting started on this journey together!” says Microsoft, “We look forward to your feedback on what you love and could love more to help make Windows 11 work best for how you work, learn, and play.“