Launched in October of 2021, Windows 11 has already brought a lot of attention and mixed reviews. Since 2015, it is the first major release that is about to replace Windows 10, a very successful operating system that reached more than 1.3 billion users in the world. After such a massive achievement, can Win 11 succeed too? What are the differences between the both? And finally, is it worth upgrading it already? Let’s take a closer look!
macOS lookalike?
It can be surely said that Microsoft used the 10th version as a solid base for its new system, putting an emphasis on reinventing its UI and design. Many users compare the new look of the system to the one we can see in macOS devices. And there are some reasons why:
- Taskbar icons and start menu location
Applications icons along with the start menu have been moved into the middle of the taskbar, just like on all the Macs. Even that tiny dot representing apps that are currently running has been recreated. What’s more, the taskbar itself is a little bit wider than the older one. Don’t worry though. If you feel like the start menu belongs to the left corner of the desktop, it is possible to get it back there.
- Round window corners
Apps, windows.. basically the entire Windows 11 is rounded giving a smoother look. In addition, some windows are glassy.
- Snap Layout
Alt-Tab sequence — sounds familiar? Snap Layout simplifies it and lets you arrange the apps on the desktop. To access it, simply hover the mouse over a window’s maximize button or press Win + Z. Then, you can choose between 6 different grid layouts. It’s a feature that supports productivity and organization of work.
If you are familiar with how macOS looks, you may notice similarities between both systems. New Windows 11 surely has a more Mac-like look: UI feels much more organised and well balanced. There are some elements removed that make the User Interface more minimalistic, too. What do you think, was Microsoft inspired by their eternal competitor or is it just a trend in the world of UI for clean and minimalistic design?
Windows 10 vs Windows 11
When comparing the former switch between Windows 7 and 10, the change won’t be so drastic. As I previously explained, what mostly changed was the design and UI. However, there is more to cover.
- Dynamic Refresh Rate
This feature will let Windows 11 laptops run longer on the battery. It operates by switching back and forth between a lower and higher refresh rate depending on what the user is currently doing. Requirements? You will need to have a laptop that supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate ) and a refresh rate of at least 120Hz.
- Performance Improvements
Microsoft focused on quickening wake from the sleep mode and more efficient Windows Hello experience. The new OS along with its updates is expected to be less ‘heavy’ for the devices.
- Safety
Microsoft shows that it is fully aware of how cybersecurity is crucial nowadays and improves it with the freshest OS. Besides mandatory TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), there is previously known VBS (Virtualisation-Based Security) that isolates some part of a memory and creates a ’secure’ space. What’s more interesting is that from now on users will be able to backup their entire system into the cloud.
- Direct Storage function*
This one will be appreciated by the gaming community. Finally, Microsoft implements a long-awaited feature that will improve the game’s smoothness. How does it work? Direct Storage is a brand new API that allows its user to completely bypass the CPU when fetching data from RAM to the GPU. The data is being decompressed by the graphics card. Instead of sequential reading, we have a reading with multiple parallel requests.
What is more, the AutoHDR option will enhance the colors and tones of the games.
*this feature is going to be available for Windows 10 users as well
Should I upgrade already?
For all users who have a Windows 10 and their PC meets the system’s requirements, the update is free. If you’re not sure whether your device qualifies for the updated version, you can check in the PC Health Check app on your PC. But should you update your device already? Well, if you check Twitter, other blogs or websites there are experts and users having totally opposite opinions. For some, the system is not feature-complete yet and requires more time to be fully developed. It’s understandable, after all it was released 3 months ago and possibly still has some minor bugs. On the other hand, users that have already done the upgrade are in love with the freshened design and the performance: they recommend it all the way. If you feel like you want to test it yourself and your device meets the system’s requirements, give it a go. You have 10 days to get back to Windows 10, if you’re not satisfied with the change.
