Everything You Need to Know About Windows 11, Latest Features and Improvements

In the previous post about Windows 10, we mentioned that Microsoft Corporation stated Windows 10 would be the last Windows operating system and would only receive upgrades similar to Linux distributions. The announcement of Windows 11 in the fall of 2021 surprised many users, including ourselves. We disagreed with the notion that there would be no more new Windows versions. On October 5, 2021, Windows 11 was released as a continuation of the previous Windows 10 operating system, aiming to enhance the user experience and introduce new features and improvements compared to all previous Windows versions.

However, Windows 11 also brought disappointments because a significant number of computers did not meet the hardware requirements, especially concerning processors, preventing users from upgrading or cleanly installing Windows 11. If you’re using a computer with a previous Windows operating system, it’s recommended to install the PC Health Check application. This small program verifies whether your device meets the requirements for installing Windows 11. Despite having purchased our PC only a year and a half before the release of Windows 11, it didn’t meet the criteria due to an unsupported processor.

Later, many articles on the Internet explained why Windows 11 doesn’t support certain processors and emphasized the importance of TPM - Trusted Platform Module. TPM is a small chip on the computer’s motherboard that provides hardware-level security features. If your system lacks TPM, compatibility issues and lower-powered processors are the primary reasons many users haven’t transitioned to Windows 11. Some users managed to work around the limitations reported by the PC Health Check application by installing Windows 11 from a flash drive rather than via an update.

Windows 11 Pro Desktop 

You haven’t missed much - We recently purchased a high-performance laptop ourselves. After more than a year since the official release of Windows 11, we successfully installed the Windows 11 Professional Edition operating system without any issues. However, we’re kept Windows 10 Professional Edition on our PC too and don’t plan to change it. Now, let’s explore why someone might consider upgrading to Windows 11 and what sets it apart:

• Modernized User Interface: Windows 11 features a redesigned Start menu, notification center, Taskbar, and system tray. Elements have been updated to look more elegant and intuitive.

• Enhanced Multitasking: Windows 11 improves multitasking, especially for users with multiple monitors. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups make window organization easier.

• Gaming Optimization: Windows 11 offers better gaming performance. It integrates DirectX 12 Ultimate API, Auto HDR, and Direct Storage technology.

• Microsoft Store Upgrade: The Microsoft Store has been revamped with richer content. It now supports apps developed for Android devices.

• Inspiration from Android and macOS: Microsoft drew inspiration from Android and macOS, aiming to unify experiences across devices.

• User-Friendly and Secure: Windows 11 is easier to use and enhances productivity. It’s considered safer, taking device performance into account.

• System Requirements: Windows 11 demands higher specs, including a minimum of 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. Processors like Intel Core i (8th generation or newer) and AMD Zen+ series are recommended. TPM 2.0 is required for enhanced security.

Overall, Windows 11 brings a fresh experience and improved features, making it a worthy upgrade for many users.

Enhancements in Windows 11: From the Start Menu to the Microsoft Store

Windows 10, What Makes It the Best Operating System?

Despite the fact that the latest version of the Windows operating system, Windows 11, was released on October 5, 2021, Windows 10 remains the most popular Windows OS for desktop computers, with over a billion active devices still using it. Even with the newer, sleeker Windows 11, Microsoft continues to support Windows 10 through service updates until October 14, 2025. But why, after 8 years (Windows 10 was officially released on July 29, 2015), does Windows 10 still hold the reputation as the best Windows OS for desktops?

To answer this, we need to delve into the past. As you may know, every Windows operating system consists of a kernel that manages all processes in the computer, drivers that enable device functionality, configuration files (settings and preferences set by the user), a command processor that interprets commands into executable OS instructions, and a GUI - graphical user interface. Since the release of Windows 7 on October 22, 2009, each subsequent Windows OS (specifically the kernel) has been an evolution of the previous one. The differences lie primarily in the GUI, bundled software, and settings. Interestingly, this subtle variation determines the pricing of different Windows OS versions.

Before the release of Windows 10, Microsoft made a significant announcement: Windows 10 would work across all devices and be the final version of Windows. There would be no more new Windows OS versions; instead, Windows would evolve through upgrades, similar to how Linux distributions operate. Honestly, back in 2015, this saddened us as Windows users who always anticipated the next big release. Despite that, we also appreciate using Linux distributions.

Windows 10 on Android

The second piece of news that definitely had a significant impact on Windows users transitioning to the Windows 10 operating system was the marketing statement that Windows 10 would be free. However, we later realized that this offer only applied to those who had Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 installed. Despite many users expecting Windows 10 to work exclusively on 64-bit processor architecture, it turned out that you could install Windows 10 even on a 32-bit processor. From its release until December 2017, you could download a small program and upgrade your previous Windows OS to Windows 10 with just one click.

A few years before the release of Windows 10, we were fortunate. Thanks to substantial savings, we visited a computer store, purchased their most powerful machine, and requested additional upgrades. Back then, having such a PC in Serbia was rare. Even the technicians assembling the computer were a bit envious. We bought a licensed Windows Professional 7 Edition OS and didn’t regret spending that much money. During that time, Windows 8 and 8.1 were mainly seen in computer schools or pre-installed on newer laptops. However, they were definitely not as popular as Windows 7. Believe it or not, there are still people today who have an old computer with Windows 7 installed. So, we welcomed the summer of 2015 by transitioning from Windows Professional 7 Edition to Windows Professional 10 Edition.

Which versions of the Windows 10 operating system have been released?

Windows, an Introduction to the Operating System That Forever Changed Humanity

Can you imagine a world without the Windows operating system? I think the answer to this question depends on the generation. However, there was a time before the advent of the Windows operating system, more precisely before November 20, 1985. Computers were in their infancy and far from being as powerful as they are today. Back then, only a few could afford a computer. Users relied on operating systems based on the command line, devoid of any graphical interface. They had to input text commands to run programs or perform computing tasks.

These operating systems were quite complex and required users to have some programming knowledge. Among them, MS-DOS - Microsoft Disk Operating System stood out. It reigned over the computer world from August 12, 1981, until the late ‘90s. MS-DOS was a text-based operating system with a command-line interface, providing better file and program management. But it wasn’t just an operating system; it was the first commercially widespread OS for personal computers. The very first commercial operating system was GM-NAA I/O, produced in 1956 by General Motors’ research division for their IBM 704.

MS-DOS played a crucial role in popularizing computers during the 1980s and early 1990s. Its widespread use was partly due to the fact that it came bundled with many early IBM and IBM-PC compatible computers. Additionally, numerous software packages and games of that era were written specifically for MS-DOS. Although MS-DOS is no longer the dominant OS, it left a lasting impact on the history of computing and paved the way for broader adoption of personal computers.

Microsoft Windows Wallpaper

Although in 1973, Xerox PARC developed the Alto personal computer, which had a bitmap display and was the first computer to demonstrate the metaphor of a desktop and a GUI - Graphical User Interface. However, the first personal computer with a GUI is considered to be the Apple Lisa, introduced by Apple in 1983. Unfortunately, despite its technological advancements, the Apple Lisa did not achieve commercial success due to its high price. Its initial cost was around $10,000, even though it was a pioneer in applying a graphical user interface.

Nevertheless, its key concepts and technologies paved the way for later successful Apple products, such as the Macintosh computer, which became an icon in the world of computing and technology. Then, on November 20, 1985, Microsoft Corporation introduced the first Windows operating system, which served as the foundation for today’s more modern Windows versions. Windows 1.0 introduced a graphical interface with a mouse, allowing users to interact with the computer through icons and windows by clicking the mouse, rather than typing on the keyboard. This made working on computers much more intuitive and easier for the average user.

Since then, the Windows operating system has continuously evolved, improving its functionalities and user experience. Today, Windows exists in various versions and has become one of the most popular operating systems worldwide, used across different devices, from desktop computers and laptops to tablets and smartphones. To understand how these developments unfolded, We recommend watching the movie Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999), which portrays true events related to the rise of personal 
computing.

An Overview of Windows Operating System Development