Microsoft finally unveiled the official Windows 11 operating system at its event on June 24, 2021 after a partial version was leaked a few weeks ago, along with the announcement that it will be a free upgrade tier for current Windows users. 10. While this is certainly fantastic news, it comes with a few small caveats: For one thing, you'll lose some features if you're lucky enough to qualify for the free OS upgrade. You'll probably be happy to see some of them, but there are some changes that could be a bit more troublesome. The system requirements are a bit confusing as the Windows PC health check reports users even using a Ryzen 9 5900X processor and 32GB of RAM that they are unable to upgrade, although this is apparently due to an issue that found by most users of self-built PCs. Since Microsoft supports the Windows 10 operating system until October 14, 2025, that is likely to change, allowing DIY versions to upgrade without having to take any steps.
A little good, a little bad
Speaking of specs, this is where this list of Windows 10 features aimed at the Recycle Bin in Windows 11 was discovered, in a misleading document called "Windows 11 Specifications" that doesn't mention the system it should run for. empower. A major issue for us here at TechRadar (given the number of laptops we're reviewing) is that Cortana will no longer be included in the initial startup experience, nor will she be pinned to the taskbar. You'll still have access to Cortana if you want it, but it's nice to know that she won't be in front of you when you're trying to set up your new device. We'll also see the exit of Internet Explorer, which shouldn't come as a huge surprise given that support for the web browser will end on August 17, 2021 after 25 years of service. Instead, Edge is the recommended replacement, but it will include an IE mode if you need it. There are also some changes rather than removals, with taskbar functionality limited to the bottom of the screen. Apps won't be able to customize taskbar areas either, which is strange considering it's been mentioned that Android apps can get stuck there if you use them frequently. The Start menu is also undergoing significant changes, Live Tiles are no longer available, and existing pinned apps and websites cannot be migrated when you upgrade. Named app groups and folders will also be removed, and the layout currently can't be resized, so you're stuck with what Microsoft gives you.
What else is removed?
- The desktop background cannot be moved to or from the device when signed in with a Microsoft account.
- The math input panel is removed. Math Recognizer will be installed on demand and will include a math input recognition and control module. Math inking in apps like OneNote is not affected by this change.
- News and interests have evolved. New features have been added and can be found by clicking the Widgets icon on the taskbar.
- Lock screen quick state and related settings are removed.
- S mode is now only available for the Home edition of Windows 11.
- Snipping Tool will continue to be available, but the old design and functionality of the Windows 10 version has been replaced by the application formerly known as Snip & Sketch.
- Tablet mode is removed and new features and capabilities are included for keyboard login and removal postures.
- The touchscreen keyboard will no longer dock or undock keyboard layouts on screen sizes 18 inches or larger.
- The wallet is removed.
The following apps will not be removed if you upgrade an existing device, but they will no longer be installed on new devices or during the clean install of Windows 11. If you still want to use them, you can., But you will have to download them manually from the Windows Store.
- 3d viewer
- OneNote for Windows 10
- 3d painting
- Skype or Whatsapp
Microsoft mentioned in its keynote that Windows 11 will be released "this holiday season", probably between the end of November and Christmas, so we won't have to wait long to get our hands on the official version of this operating system. The best Windows 10 deals right now
