Microsoft on Thursday unveiled the look, design and features of Windows 11, which it will release as a free update for Windows 10 users. The release comes six years after the launch of Windows 10 in 2015, which is currently the most popular PC operating system in the world.
A significant new feature for the next generation Windows will be the ability to run Android apps natively, which will be downloadable from the Amazon App Store via the new Windows store. The blending of three app ecosystems will be supplemented by Intel’s Bridge Technology. Microsoft’s chief product officer Panos Panay made the announcement at the company’s launch event, demonstrating how TikTok could be run from within Windows after downloading it through the Microsoft store using the Amazon App Store.
Another significant change is the shifting of the Start menu button to the centre. The design language of Windows 11 showcases rounder edges and pastel colours.
The minimum requirements for Windows 11 are a 64-bit CPU, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
"Today marks a major milestone in the history of Windows. It's the beginning of a new generation. I'm excited by what we've shown you today, and how we're reimagining everything from the operating system itself to the browser to the Store and the Feed,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said. "With Windows 11, we have a renewed sense of Windows' role in the world,” he added.
The pandemic year saw PC sales boom as millions had to work from home across the world and required new devices.
In a blog post, Microsoft said Windows 11 will be available through a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs "beginning this holiday" (end of the year).
