Windows 11 Changes – What’s New and Improved

Windows 11 changes are here! And, if you’re anything like me, you love staying on top of the latest tech trends. Additionally, if you’re a Windows 10 user, we believe you’ll appreciate many new features in Windows 11.

Let’s have a look at several of these new and updated features. There may even be a few you didn’t know about.

Key Takeaways

• Windows 11 introduces numerous changes, including improved gaming features, enhanced accessibility, and a redesigned Start Menu.
• The OS now supports Android apps, offers improved clipboard syncing, and provides detailed insights into battery usage.
• Notable features include Focus Sessions for productivity, a Modern File Explorer, and an upgraded Microsoft Store for easier app navigation.
• Windows 11 also enhances media experiences with Universal Media Control, improved Bluetooth support, and advanced gesture controls for touchscreens.
• Overall, these Windows 11 changes focus on usability, aesthetics, and functionality, making it a significant update over Windows 10.

New and Improved Features in Windows 11

Several new features have been introduced in Windows 11, and I anticipate additional enhancements will be added over time.

Microsoft Windows 11 also improved several features found in previous Windows versions.

If you’re upgrading from Windows 10, you’ll find many of these features, plus a few new ones, making this one of Microsoft’s best operating systems and worth a look.

These new and improved features have been well-received. However, some (like me) are holding out to the bitter end. Mostly because I need Windows Mixed Reality to run my VR headset.

For example, the new Photos app in Windows 11 now offers advanced features, including photo and video organization and editing, face recognition, and auto-generated albums.

However, I prefer the legacy photo app because it can scan your image library and group photos by recognized faces.

The good news is you can download this from the current Photos app. To do this, open “Photos”, go to “Settings”, then scroll down to the “Photos Legacy” section and download from the Microsoft Store.

Oddly, if you search the Microsoft Store for “Microsoft Photos Legacy,” it doesn’t show a direct install option. It’s almost as if they don’t want people to use it.

Aside from that, I find many of these changes to be improvements, such as the new Settings app, which makes it easier to access all settings from a single window. No more digging around in submenus.

Here are some of the new and improved features you’ll find in Windows 11.

Windows 11 Widgets

The new Windows 11 Widgets make it easier to stay up to date with news, weather, calendar events, and more.

It’s like having a personal assistant right on your desktop. These customizable widgets let you tailor the information displayed to your preferences.

Whether you need the latest headlines, a glance at your upcoming meetings, or a quick weather update, Windows 11 Widgets provide a seamless and efficient way to stay informed and organized throughout the day.

While these may be handy for some, I don’t use them much.

To improve my Windows privacy, I have disabled some features that many of these widgets require.

Focus Sessions

Focus Sessions are a helpful feature for enhancing productivity. It allows you to set aside dedicated time blocks for uninterrupted work, making sure you can concentrate without distractions.

This feature integrates with Spotify, allowing you to create the perfect working soundtrack to keep you motivated.

Additionally, Focus Sessions can help you manage your time more effectively by breaking down your tasks into manageable chunks, making it easier to tackle larger projects with confidence.

You can also enable live captions on Windows using the WIN + Ctrl + L keyboard shortcut. When you enable this for the first time, you will be prompted to download the necessary speech recognition support files.

With all that changed in Windows 11, I don’t think I would ever use this feature. It may be that I have a handle on my time management, or just don’t want my PC telling me what to do all day!

Gaming and Entertainment

Yep, I play PC Games and have an Xbox or two around the house. With Windows 11, you’ll find that several gaming and entertainment features have been improved, making Windows PC gaming even better!

Gamers will appreciate the Auto HDR and dynamic refresh rate features, which enhance the visual quality and ensure smooth gameplay on compatible hardware.

Auto HDR enhances the visual experience by delivering richer colors and deeper contrasts, while the dynamic refresh rate keeps gameplay fluid, reducing screen tearing and stuttering.

Also, Microsoft hasn’t forgotten about Team Android! Windows 11 supports Android apps, so you can run your favorite mobile apps on your PC. More on this below!

As an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, integrating the Xbox app into the operating system is a plus.

For me, that means I have several options for playing Game Pass games and using Xbox Cloud Gaming when I’m in the mood to goof off in the afternoon.

Quick Tip: You’ll need a monitor that supports HDR to take advantage of these features.

Clipboard Syncing

Clipboard syncing between devices is now seamless, making it easy to copy and paste content across devices.

Whether you’re working on your phone, tablet, or computer, this feature ensures that your copied text, images, or files are instantly available on any device, enhancing your productivity and convenience.

Screen Time and Battery Usage

Screen time and battery usage tracking are more detailed, providing you with comprehensive insights into how you’re using your PC.

This usage includes breakdowns of which apps consume the most power and how your usage patterns affect battery life.

With this information, you can better manage your battery life, allowing your device to run longer between charges.

Windows 11 Support for Android Apps

Now, here’s a feature I was particularly excited about. Windows 11 now supports running Android apps. Yes, you heard that right!

“You can run your favorite Android mobile apps on your PC!”

This support enables you to enjoy the convenience of mobile applications, such as social media, productivity tools, and games, directly on your desktop or laptop, seamlessly integrating your workflow and entertainment across devices.

It’s a valuable option for those who rely heavily on mobile apps but prefer the larger screen and additional functionalities of a PC.

ARM Emulation

Lastly, ARM emulation support means better performance for ARM-based systems, opening up more possibilities for using lightweight, efficient devices.

However, given the changes in Windows 11, this feature is only relevant to some users. ARM emulation is primarily designed to enable developers to fully leverage the ARM processor architecture, resulting in improved battery life and enhanced computational performance.

As a result, users can expect smoother experiences on a wider range of devices, from smartphones to portable laptops.

Quick Tip: Okay, time for a nerdy tech moment. There was a version of Windows 10 that supported ARM, but it never made it out of preview and was never officially released to the general public (i.e., most of us).

Updated Start Menu

First, the Start Menu got a facelift. The new interface is now centered, features smaller app icons similar to those in Chrome OS, and has tightly rounded window corners, like those of macOS.

I guess imitation is the best form of flattery!

The Taskbar’s start button and application icons are also narrower, and the design incorporates transparency, animations, and a cleaner icon style. Although this is a minor change, you could adjust these icon sizes starting with Windows 10.

Gone are the cluttered tiles; you get a streamlined display with pinned apps and a personalized feed instead.

The new design enhances both the look and functionality, making it easier to navigate your most frequently used applications and features.

The overall experience feels more intuitive, making daily computer use enjoyable rather than a chore.

When you look at what changed in Windows 11, this is one of the more significant changes. And, with change comes resistance.

As with many others, I hated the centered menu in the early versions of Windows 11, but Microsoft heard the screams, and you can now move it to the left, like in Windows 10.

New Action Center

The new Action Center redesign is more intuitive and user-friendly.

It combines notifications and quick settings to help streamline your workflow and reduce the time spent navigating menus.

You’ll find it much easier to toggle between Wi-Fi and brightness settings or to check system notifications.

Whether you’re a casual or power user, the new Action Center feels more efficient.

Universal Media Control

I understand the value of this feature, but I won’t use it often. However, if you watch videos or stream music online, you’ll find this convenient.

For example, you can control your Spotify playlist right from the taskbar without switching to the app.

Also, you can adjust the volume, skip tracks, and see what’s playing at a glance.

This feature simplifies your media experience, whether you’re working or gaming.

Modern File Explorer

Windows 11 file management also received an upgrade with the Modern File Explorer. To get started, the new file explorer address bar introduces features such as dragging files between breadcrumbs and simplified navigation.

As we mentioned earlier, this new file explorer also lets you access your snap layouts via the window’s maximize button, making it easier to organize your open applications.

It’s user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with cloud services, allowing you to access all your data from any device.

With features like enhanced search capabilities, customizable views, and robust security options, staying organized is much simpler with Windows 11.

Plus, the new simplified design is easier to navigate, especially for those new to Windows. Everyone has to start sometime!

Although there are still a few ways to access the old File Explorer, getting there requires a few mouse clicks, and Microsoft is gradually eliminating these options through updates.

But why not just embrace the change? Some like what they like, and I’m one of them who will resist change until I’m forced to. I’m an Old Dog!

Microsoft Store Improvements

The Microsoft Store has been redesigned to provide a significantly enhanced shopping experience.

The new app store loads faster than ever, so you don’t have to wait long to find what you’re looking for.

The store also offers a larger selection of apps, ranging from essential productivity tools to the latest utilities and games.

Overall, these improvements make it much easier to navigate.

Redesigned Settings App

Another major feature update is the redesigned Settings app. It’s more logically organized, making it easier to tweak system settings.

The app settings also allow you to switch between light and dark modes, enhancing the interface’s visual appeal.

Additionally, the new layout groups related settings, allowing you to quickly find what you need without digging through endless menus.

Additionally, the enhanced search function lets you quickly find specific settings, saving you time and effort.

Overall, the new settings app improves access to Windows 11 customization.

Faster Windows Updates

Windows updates have historically been a bit of a pain. They often cause frustration and downtime by downloading at the worst time, and even more so, by nagging you to restart the system.

With Windows 11, updates are quicker and more efficient, thanks to optimized processes and improved technology.

This means you spend less time waiting for updates to install and more time getting things done.

Since updates typically occur in the background or during off-hours, most will not notice the difference in performance.

However, while everyone can configure when these updates are applied, you may be surprised to learn how many people are unaware of this option.

Just this week, I was using my racing sim, and it crashed me out of Steam, prompting me to restart and apply a Windows update! Seriously!

Although, to be fair, it was 2 AM, and I should have been asleep!

Snap Layout and Multitasking Features

Also included are several productivity and organization tools to help you manage your time and tasks more efficiently.

If multitasking is your thing, you’ll love the new and improved Snap Layouts feature. This feature lets you choose from a selection of window layouts and easily arrange app windows in various configurations, thereby enhancing productivity and organization.

This feature is handy whether you’re juggling multiple projects, comparing data, or simply keeping track of different tasks.

Snap Layouts are easy to access as they’re saved and accessible from the app’s taskbar icons.

You can arrange your workspace with just a few clicks.

Personally, I find this feature very helpful! Without even realizing it, I tend to keep repositioning windows while I’m working.

Plus, I have two monitors, which you would think is enough screen space. Sadly, for me, it’s not!

Create Multiple Desktops

Windows 11 takes multitasking to a whole new level with its multiple virtual desktops feature. With this, you can have separate workspaces for different projects or tasks, each with its own set of open windows and apps.

I find this feature very handy as I’m often juggling multi-window projects at the same time.

Creating a new virtual desktop is easy. Just click on the Task View button in the taskbar and then hit the “New desktop” button. That’s it! You now have a fresh workspace to start cluttering with icons and applications.

You can even customize each with a different background image or color. I chose an image for each virtual desktop. For example, I put a recent in-game screenshot on my gaming desktop.

Switching between these virtual desktops is also easy using the Task View feature. So, no matter which virtual desktop you’re working on, you can instantly move between any of them.

Windows 11 Widgets

The new Windows 11 Widgets make it easier to stay up to date with news, weather, calendar events, and more.

It’s like having a personal assistant right on your desktop. These customizable widgets let you tailor the information displayed to your preferences.

Whether you need the latest headlines, a glance at your upcoming meetings, or a quick weather update, Windows 11 Widgets provide a seamless and efficient way to stay informed and organized throughout the day.

While these may be handy for some, I don’t use them much.

Actually, to improve my Windows privacy, I have disabled some features that many of these widgets require.

New Context Menu and Rounded Corners

Visually, Windows 11 feels more balanced thanks to the new context menu and rounded corners. These small design touches make the interface feel more modern.

The updated taskbar and Start menu, which we mentioned earlier, also introduce a sleek, centered alignment that enhances overall balance and accessibility.

As mentioned earlier, you can move the start menu to the left, similar to Windows 10, which I prefer. I’m an old dog that doesn’t like change! 🙂

Overall, these changes create a fresh look that enhances Windows 11 both visually and functionally.

Teams Chat Integration

Microsoft Teams is integrated directly into the taskbar, making it easier than ever to chat, call, or video conference with colleagues and friends.

This integration enables instant communication without launching separate apps.

Additionally, the taskbar integration provides quick access to notifications and status updates, so you never miss an important message or call.

In my opinion, the size of your group matters for workplace communication.

Most small businesses lean toward apps like Slack, while larger companies might choose Microsoft Teams for its integration with Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365).

Improved “Phone Link” App

The Phone Link app has also seen some improvements. It now offers better synchronization with your Android phone, allowing you to view notifications, messages, and photos directly on your PC.

With these updates, you can access your phone’s content seamlessly without picking up your device.

Additionally, the app now supports mirroring your phone screen, making it easier to interact with mobile apps and manage your digital life from your computer.

I find the mirroring feature handy for capturing “How-to” instructions on the phone and sending them to someone I’m trying to help.

NOTE: Bluetooth is required to pair with iPhone and to use some Android features depending on the device.

New MS Paint, Photos, Media Player

Classic apps like MS Paint, Photos, and Media Player have been updated. They look more modern, offer improved menus, and feature new enhancements that make them more useful.

For instance, MS Paint now offers more advanced drawing tools, and Media Player supports a wider range of audio file formats.

However, the Photos app underwent the most significant changes, with improved editing capabilities such as face recognition, auto-generated albums, and the ability to organize and edit photos and videos, as well as integrated maps for images that include location data.

These updates make the apps more useful, efficient, and fun for both casual and professional users.

Windows 11 also supports basic video editing with titles, transitions, effects, and more. It’s good enough for making fun home movies.

Advanced Gesture Controls

If you use a touchscreen, the Windows 11 advanced gesture controls make touch-friendly apps easier to use and navigate.

These controls utilize multi-finger gestures for tasks such as switching apps or opening the Start menu.

For example, a three-finger swipe up can reveal all open applications, while a four-finger tap might quickly bring up the start menu.

If you like using a touchscreen, these gestures will simplify your work and make your Windows 11 device more efficient.

Personally, I found this a bit clumsy to use at first. However, after using it for a while, I found it relatively easy to get used to the different gestures.

Of course, everyone is different, and your mileage may vary.

New Minimal Lock Screen

The new minimal lock screen is visually appealing and very functional.

It provides a sleek, clean design that enhances the experience by displaying essential information at a glance.

This design lets you quickly access important notifications, times, and dates without clutter or distractions.

New Wallpapers and Sounds

Windows 11 features a fresh set of wallpapers and system sounds, and changing the background image is nearly identical to how it was in previous versions of Windows.

Personally, I alternate mine with images of all the places I’d rather be, rather than sitting behind this keyboard!

It’s a small touch, but these updates help give your Windows 11 desktop a fresh new look.

Also, the updated system sounds more modern and immersive.

Raise your hand if you use the old AOL “You’ve Got Mail” sound file as your Outlook inbox notification sound. I know I’m weird!

Snappy Animations

Animations throughout the OS are smoother and more fluid, enhancing the overall feel.

This improvement makes navigating through apps and features more responsive than previous Windows versions.

I’m sure most users leave these settings at their default. However, I find them distracting.

I usually set my Windows PCs to “Adjust “or best performance, which enables most animations.

Improved Touch Keyboard

The touch keyboard has been improved significantly, offering better responsiveness and customization options, which is great for tablet users.

These improvements include faster typing speeds, more accurate key recognition, and the ability to personalize the keyboard layout and themes to fit your preferences.

This improvement makes the overall typing experience smoother and more enjoyable, especially if you regularly use a Windows 11 tablet in tablet mode.

Enhanced Voice Typing

Windows 11 introduced enhanced voice access features, making it easier to control your apps, dictate emails, and search online using just your voice.

To start using it, select Start > Settings > Accessibility > Speech > Voice access. Then toggle Voice access to “On”. You can also set it to start before or after you sign in. Just check the appropriate boxes to enable.

When first enabled, you will be required to download the language model of your Windows installation. This is needed for the app to understand your commands.

This feature is an enhancement over the classic “Windows Speech Recognition,” which is still available and can be enabled.

Voice access supports various English dialects, including English (United Kingdom), English (India), English (New Zealand), English (Canada), and English (Australia).

The updated voice access commands now include new text selection and editing options, making it easier to interact with your apps and documents.

This feature can significantly enhance productivity and, more importantly, greatly benefit anyone with mobility issues when typing.

Accessibility and Inclusive Features

Several accessibility and inclusive features have been enhanced in Windows 11 to make it more accessible and usable for everyone.

The new Narrator feature is a more natural and intuitive way to interact with your computer using voice commands. Also, you’ll find features such as live captions, which provide real-time transcriptions of audio and video content.

Additionally, Windows 11 includes improved support for braille devices and displays.

Bluetooth and Audio Enhancements

Windows 11 includes several Bluetooth and audio enhancements that improve your connectivity and audio experience.

With Bluetooth 5.0 support, you get faster data transfer speeds and improved range for all your connected Bluetooth devices.

Pairing headphones, speakers, or keyboards is now smoother and more reliable.

Additionally, Windows 11 supports spatial audio, providing an immersive sound experience for all your movies, music, and gaming. Your media will sound better in Windows 11.

Backup and Recovery

Windows 11 offers a complete backup and recovery solution to safeguard your files and settings, including the new Windows Backup app. This latest Windows Backup feature saves your settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and files to the cloud, so you can access them anytime, anywhere.

If something happens to your PC, you can easily restore your files and settings using Windows Backup. However, I still prefer older Windows features for local backups, using the “System Image” tools that date back to Windows 7. I sure do miss Windows 7!

In addition to scheduling regular backups, you should also set up “File History,” which Microsoft introduced in Windows 8. This feature may be one of the few good things to come from that disaster of an operating system.

Final Thoughts on Windows 11 Changes

There you have it! Windows 11 is filled with enhancements that make daily computing simpler, more enjoyable, and definitely more productive.

Additionally, Windows 11 features several performance and security enhancements, including improved biometric authentication and enhanced protection against malware and viruses.

Overall, this latest version is a significant refresh over Windows 10, with a focus on aesthetics, usability, and functionality.

However, also be aware that the same privacy issues still exist in Windows 11. Have a look at how to improve Windows 11 privacy after an upgrade or purchase of a new Windows 11 PC.

Are you ready to upgrade to Windows 11? Have you tried any of these features yet? Leave a comment below and tell us what you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does Windows 11 improve gaming and entertainment?
   Windows 11 enhances gaming with features like Auto HDR for richer visuals, dynamic refresh rates for smoother gameplay, and Xbox Game Pass integration. It also supports Android apps, allowing users to enjoy mobile games on their PCs.
2. What changes have been made to the Start Menu in Windows 11?
   The Start Menu in Windows 11 has been redesigned with a centered layout, smaller app icons, and a cleaner, more modern look. Users can customize the menu and even move it to the left, similar to Windows 10.
3. Does Windows 11 support multitasking better than Windows 10?
   Yes, Windows 11 introduces improved multitasking features like Snap Layouts, which allow users to organize app windows in various configurations, and multiple virtual desktops for separate workspaces.
4. What accessibility features are included in Windows 11?
   Windows 11 includes enhanced accessibility features such as live captions, improved Narrator functionality, support for Braille devices, and advanced Voice Access for controlling apps and dictating text.