It wasn’t meant to be like this. Windows 10 was described by Microsoft’s Jerry Nixon as ‘the last version of Windows’ back in 2015, and six years later it continues to get new features twice a year.
However, the launch of a successor was rumoured even before Microsoft confirmed its ‘ What’s Next for Windows’ event for 24 June. The company has teased the number 11 at various points since, and now it’s almost certain Windows 11 will be announced next week.
That’s because an internal build of the operating system has leaked online, revealing almost all the new features we can expect. It’s obviously far from the finished article that will appear on laptops, tablets and PCs, but it looks like most of the key differences to Windows will be visual.
What’s new in Windows 11?
My colleague Mark Hachman downloaded and install the leaked Windows 11 build (you can read his hands-on experience) . It reveals several changes to the look and feel of Windows, but also that there isn’t a huge learning curve for existing Windows 10 users.
Microsoft hasn’t transformed the Windows experience like it did with Windows 8 (and what a bad idea that turned out to be), but Windows 11 does look very different visually. One of the main things you’ll notice is a new taskbar, complete with centralised icons (by default) and a brand new Start Menu.
Image: Mark Hachman/IDG
The latter is inspired by the now-cancelled Windows 10X , and will likely take some getting used to. It features a grid of pinned icons (shown at the top of this article), with a separate ‘All apps’ section, allowing this to be customised.
Below it is a ‘Recommended’ section, which displays recently used files and apps. Some of the stock Windows 11 apps have also had a subtle redesign, such as File Explorer. You can see what it looks like in the main image above.
Hovering over the maximise button on each window also reveals a new Snap Assist integration. This should make multitasking easier, allowing you to quickly choose how you want windows to be arranged on the screen.
Image: Mark Hachman/IDG
Widgets are also returning in a big way, with a dedicated button on the taskbar. This is limited to Microsoft’s own News and Interests so far, something that’s recently made its way into Windows 10. However, we’d assume that Microsoft will open this up to third-party developers at some point.
Image: Mark Hachman/IDG
It didn’t show up in the leaked build, but we’re also expecting a Windows 10X-style Action Center. This is expected to have a simpler UI, with separate sections for notifications, quick settings and controlling music.
Many stock apps also weren’t available, reflecting the fact that this is an early build.
There are plenty more minor features, including improvements to tablet mode and new sound effects. We’re also expecting future builds to add extra functionality.
Even though it might seem far too early to make any judgements, in its current form Windows 11 isn’t an instant recommendation.
The new visual changes are likely to divide opinion, and we already know how much Windows users dislike change. Microsoft has promised big things for the next generation of Windows, but it’s far from obvious what they amount to at this stage.
There’s also the question of whether Microsoft will offer the incentive of a free upgrade as it did with Windows 10. It seems unlikely users would consider paying to upgrade.
We’ll have to wait to hear more about Windows 11 on 24 June. Here’s how to watch Microsoft’s ‘What’s Next For Windows’ event live .
- Windows 11 news
- How much will Windows 11 cost?
- Microsoft temporarily pauses Windows 10 updates
Author: Anyron Copeman, Mobile Editor, Tech Advisor
Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.
Recent stories by Anyron Copeman:
- Windows 11 23H2 update: Everything you need to know
- Windows 12: Everything we know so far
- How to get the Google Play Store on Windows 11
Microsoft might have made its name in software, but the company has shifted its focus to other sectors in recent years.
The ever-expanding Surface range of PCs and next-gen Xbox consoles have been major areas of focus, but it looks like Windows will be taking centre stage this month.
An official Microsoft event has been confirmed for today, the first dedicated to Windows for many years. Its title – ‘What’s Next for Windows’ – suggests big changes are on the way.
Through various leaks and rumours, it’s now almost certain that Windows 11 will be unveiled at the event. Here’s how you can watch and what to expect.
When is Microsoft’s Windows 11 event?
The Windows event will take place today, 24 June . Proceedings will get underway at 4pm BST/11am ET/8am PST , and it’s expected to last around 45 minutes.
A separate commercial briefing will then take place at 5.30pm BST/12.30pm ET/9.30am PST on the same day, before a third developer-focused event kicks off at 8pm BST/3pm ET/12pm PST. However, it’s the first one that most people will want to tune in to.
How to watch the Windows 11 event live
Currently, the only place we know you’ll be able to watch the event is on the Microsoft website. The official US site has a dedicated landing page , while there’s also the opportunity to add the event to your calendar.
There’s also a chance it’ll be available to watch on the official Windows YouTube channel , although a stream here is yet to be confirmed.
That subsequent developer-focused event will definitely be streamed on YouTube – a page is already live on the Windows Developer channel .
What to expect at the Windows 11 event
Microsoft has subtitled the event ‘What’s Next for Windows’ and CEO Satya Nadella has described it as ‘the next generation of Windows’, but nothing concrete has been revealed by the company yet.
However, all signs point to an official Windows 11 launch, suggesting Microsoft will launch a brand-new desktop operating system. This would contradict what the company said when Windows 10 was first announced, although that was six years ago now.
Windows 11 looks like being the official name for ‘Sun Valley’, with many of the rumoured 21H2 feature updates coming to this brand new version instead. An early build of the software also leaked publicly , revealing some of Windows 11’s key features.
A new design language and multitasking features look set to be the most prominent, but there’ll likely be more we haven’t heard about yet. To justify a brand-new version of Windows, more wholesale changes are likely.
One thing we won’t hear about is Windows 10X , after Microsoft cancelled the Windows 10 spin-off last month. It is expected to incorporate some of Windows 10X’s key design features into the regular operating system, though.
With a bit of luck, we’ll also get an update on the Surface Neo . The dual-screen PC was designed to run Windows 10X and originally slated for a late 2020 release, but we haven’t heard anything about it in recent months.
Author: Anyron Copeman, Mobile Editor, Tech Advisor
Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.
Recent stories by Anyron Copeman:
- Windows 11 23H2 update: Everything you need to know
- Windows 12: Everything we know so far
- How to get the Google Play Store on Windows 11
