On June 24, 2021, Microsoft announced "Windows 11", replacing Windows 10, which will be released in final version at the end of 2021.
While the next generation of Windows has just been announced, the end of Windows 10 is also announced by Microsoft for October 14, 2025 (for Windows 10 Home and Pro)
After years of evolving the operating system, Windows 11 brings quite significant new features and design changes.
Here are some changes / features announced :
1. New version of Start menu
The Start menu has changed design and application shortcuts will be centered on the taskbar.
2. New user experience (multitasking)
Simplified application management with new display ergonomics.
Easier window management to rearrange all windows.
Productive multitasking with tools like “insertion” and “Desktop” with a new more intuitive experience.
3. Microsoft Teams integrated automatically
Microsoft Teams is known in the corporate world for video conferencing that must be set up manually.
But with Windows 11, the application will be installed by default.
The application will allow chat, audio and video calls in addition to video conferencing.
4. Able to launch Android apps
Microsoft is expanding the "Microsoft Store" marketplace by making Android applications and games compatible.
Note that only Android applications on Amazon AppStore will be accessible from Microsoft Store.
Hardware compatibility with Windows 11 :
Compatibility must be verified with the PCs currently used because Windows 11 only supports certain types of Intel or AMD CPU, see list provided by Microsoft. For example for the CPUs Intel i3, i5 and i7 CPU, only the 8th generation and higher models will be compatible with Windows 11.ème génération et supérieure seront compatibles avec Windows 11.
Complete list available at https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/windows-processor-requirements
Before Windows 10 expires, consider renewing the PCs for Windows 11 compatible user workstations.
Minimum configuration :
Processor : 1 GHz or higher, with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or a system on a chip (SoC).
RAM : 4 Go.
Storage : 64 GB or more storage device.
System Firmware : Démarrage sécurisé compatible UEFI.
TPM : Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
Graphics card : Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
Screen : High definition display (720p) with a diagonal greater than 9 ", 8 bits per color channel.
Here are some removed features :
- Cortana voice assistant is no longer enabled by default on startup.
- Quick status of the lock screen and associated settings are removed.
- Internet Explorer is disabled by default.
- Skype will no longer be upgraded and installed on new devices.
- …
Complete list of “Discontinuance and Removal of Features” available at https://www.microsoft.com/fr-ch/windows/windows-11-specifications#primaryR4