We already know what to expect from Microsoft’s presentation thanks to a major Windows 11 leak.
Microsoft is widely expected to release Windows 11, a new version of the operating system. Microsoft has been making another new version of Windows for a while now, and there have been a few signs that it would be Windows 11.
This special Windows event begins at 11 a.m. ET, and the invitation has a window that casts a shadow with a number 11 shape. Microsoft executives have been promising a “next generation of Windows” announcement for months, and a new Windows 11 launch sound has been revealed in an 11-minute video.
We anticipate a new user interface, a new Windows shop, and much more in Windows 11. Here’s a preview of what to anticipate.
NEW WINDOWS 11 UI
Microsoft has been working on UI enhancements to Windows for months, and it appears that the majority of them will be included in Windows 11. The operating system’s design has been modified in a leaked version, featuring a new Start menu that is now centered on the taskbar.
It’s quite similar to what we saw with Windows 10X, which Microsoft canceled in favor of bringing components of that OS to Windows 10. Microsoft has placed the 10X version of Windows on hold because it was initially designed for dual-screen computers.
In the leaked version of Windows 11, the new Start menu behaves more like a launcher, allowing you to quickly discover frequently used documents or preferred apps. The Live Tiles that debuted in Windows 8 have vanished, but the Start menu can still be moved to the left-hand side of the screen.
Aside from the Start menu and button, there are a few other minor UI tweaks. With Windows 11, we anticipate to see a greater emphasis on rounded corners and new multitasking enhancements across tablets, laptops, and desktop PCs. The leaked copy doesn’t include every UI update, so expect more tweaks to the taskbar, notification center, and other portions of Windows, such as the volume pop-up.
NEW WINDOWS STORE
We also expect Microsoft to spend time discussing Windows 11’s new store concept. Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, hinted “major upgrades” for Windows, focusing on the economic opportunities for developers and creators.
According to reports, Microsoft is working on a new Windows store that will be open to everyone with apps and games. Any Windows application, including browsers like Chrome or Firefox, may be submitted to the store, and third-party commerce platforms could be integrated into apps as well.
By allowing third-party commerce platforms to be used across all Windows Store apps, developers would be able to avoid the 15% cut that Microsoft takes from developers who use in-app payments.
While Microsoft has tried in the past to draw creators, developers, and others to Windows, we expect Microsoft will focus on key enhancements in Windows 11 that will help individuals who use the operating system on a daily basis.
Microsoft was shocked to see Windows usage skyrocket during the epidemic, and Windows 11 appears to be an opportunity for the company to demonstrate that it has put more effort into the overall health of its decades-old operating system. With the regular enhancements to security that Microsoft typically offers with new Windows versions, we’re hoping to see a greater focus on productivity and even some power user capabilities.
With Windows 11, Microsoft has the option to focus more on gaming. It’s been a significant priority on the Xbox side recently, and Microsoft conceded years ago that Windows PC gaming still needs a lot of development. Some of this has already begun, with the excellent Xbox Game Bar and a new Xbox app that we anticipate to see integrated with Windows 11.
However, Microsoft can make certain basic improvements to Windows to improve PC gaming and performance.
We’re hoping to learn more about Xbox’s Auto HDR function, which is coming to Windows, as well as features like DirectStorage, which will help games load faster.
We’d also want to see some improvements in game security, such as the prevention of aimbots and wallhacks, but we don’t expect Windows 11 to handle this complex challenge on its own. With Windows 11, Microsoft has a chance to show that it is more devoted to PC gaming, especially as it is the platform of choice for PC gamers.
