What to Know about Windows 11 (Or Whatever They Call It)

They said Windows 10 was to stay here forever, with just minor updates. But just six years later Microsoft announces a really big update, and the shadows on the poster suggest that this time 11 is the number. Well, why not. The new Windows (whatever they call it) is on its way. And here is what (as the rumor has it) is there to expect.

When to Expect?

The virtual event will take place on June 24. Probably the new version will be available for download soon after. Not for everyone, though. It’s logical to assume that the update will roll out gradually for different groups of users. As for system requirements, hardly are they going to change.

What’s the Name?

It may have one of those bland codenames recent updates had. According to some reports, it will be named Sun Valley. Would you informally call your system Sun Valley? That’s it. But if Microsoft feels that its users are hungry for aggressive moves, it can finally introduce Windows 11. There are some hints at this: the event starts at 11 AM (not typical for Microsoft), and the shadows of the Windows logo resemble the number 11.
 
Of course, transition to the new OS will not be so radical as it was between, say, Windows Vista and Windows 7, let alone Win95 and Win98. The update will probably just roll upon the existing system, updating what it needs to update, leaving the apps intact (if compatible), and maybe cleaning out some trash. It will be seamless, and most programs and games will function as before. Hardly will this be different from regular Windows 10 updates.

What’s New?

Oh, as Satya Nadella announced it on May 25, there will be much new. And we are being prepared for that. Satya Nadella spoke about this update and characterized it as “the next generation of Windows”. Statements like this are not made on a daily basis.

First of all, there will be a major interface redesign. Hope this will not be an attempt to make Windows closer to mobile systems; the last time it made little good. Now that Microsoft has ditched its mobile OS, though, it’s less probable.

On the other hand, the Start menu can be redesigned in a good way. Dual display support has been here, but it was limited. Now it can make dual screens more popular, as well as external displays for laptops. If you have had an experience of using iPad as a second display for your MacBook, you will realize how great it would be to have the same for Windows.
File Explorer, Action Center, and Taskbar will also be redesigned and receive a more modern design and new features.

Many legacy elements will finally be ditched. For example, many icons that Windows drags along since Windows 95 era will finally be replaced by something more comprehensible to the new generation. Think about it: many today’s users have never seen a floppy disk in real life, but keep using it as a “Save” icon!

Finally, the performance. Hardly will this new version require a major hardware upgrade and sweat even the latest chips to merely function. This is not what users expect. So the performance will probably improve a little – but if they just don’t slow it down, that is fine too.

How Much? And Is It Worth It?

If you already own Windows 10 (in any version), upgrading will cost you nothing. If you buy a new copy, the price will probably be the same as it was for Windows 10. Maybe Microsoft will celebrate the launch with some discounts worth considering, but maybe not. Anyway, if you use Windows 10, the upgrade will not cost you a lot.

Found it useful? Share this article on Facebook or Twitter to let your friends read about the upcoming Windows version. If you happen to know anything about it before the official launch, or just want to share your thoughts and hopes, feel free to drop a comment down here!