2021 is a special year for Microsoft. It is that the company is bringing to the market its Window 11 operating system for PC. The release of which marks a new stage in the development of software platforms of the software giant. “Eleven” has received many improvements, improvements and improvements.

The release of Windows 11 for personal computers, laptops and tablets (mobile, server and other OS versions will be presented later) Window 11 features is undoubtedly extremely important for Microsoft. Which has set itself the goal of creating a universal platform for all types of devices and combining them into one common ecosystem with a single application store and a unified software development environment.

The company took into account the criticism of the coolly accepted G8 market and tried to release a product that fully meets the needs of the user audience, thanks to the Windows Insider preliminary testing program, which played an important role in the development of the operating system.

Over 5 million people from more than 100 countries took part in testing Windows 11 for PC, with the release of which Microsoft laid the foundation stone for a universal software platform. How successful the undertaking of the Redmond corporation turned out to be can be judged by today’s news on the 3DNews website and the list of OS innovations given below, for completeness, supplemented with screenshots and brief descriptions of the main changes.

list of Operating System innovations – Windows 11 Features

1. Start Menu

The most notable innovation in Windows 11 is the Start menu, which provides quick access to frequently used programs and documents, as well as so-called universal apps that use the Modern UI tiled interface. The menu is fully customizable: you can resize it, control the location of the interactive dynamic tiles Live Tiles, combine them into thematic groups, remove unnecessary shortcuts and pin new ones. For the convenience of users, Microsoft developers have provided in the Start menu buttons for turning off the computer, quick access to account settings, operating system parameters and other controls.

2. New notification center

In Windows 11, the Action Center has been further developed, which is displayed on the right side of the desktop by clicking on the corresponding key in the taskbar next to the clock. Now it collects and demonstrates all information about the operation of the system and focuses the user’s attention on certain problems.

In addition, it displays, in addition to the usual notifications, information about Skype calls, alarms, app store messages, calendar reminders and so on. Additionally, the new Action Center provides controls for computer modes, VPN settings, connections to wireless devices, and other system settings.

3. Personal virtual assistant Cortana

The virtual voice assistant with elements of artificial intelligence, familiar to the owners of smartphones based on Windows Phone 8.1, is now present in the desktop version of the “dozen”. Cortana allows you to plan things, search for information on your computer disk and the Internet, set up notifications about important events, book hotels and solve other tasks, including informing the user about the traffic situation or flight cancellations.

Currently, Cortana is available only in a number of countries and will be optimized for work in Russia later. Microsoft is currently integrating the voice assistant with Russian services that provide up-to-date information about restaurants, hotels, museums, government agencies, tickets, etc. The company emphasizes that the issue here is not so much in the recognition and correct interpretation of Russian speech, but in the preparation of the appropriate ecosystem in cooperation with Microsoft partners.

4. Browser Microsoft Edge

With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft has brought the world its new web browser, Edge, to replace Internet Explorer and compete with alternative solutions. The Internet browser presented by the software giant was created from scratch, Window 11 features built using new rendering engines for web pages and a JavaScript interpreter, integrated with Cortana, allows you to create notes and quickly share information found on the Web, and is also equipped with a set of tools for comfortable browsing and work with content.

5. Supports 2-in-1 hybrid PCs (Continuum function)

Owners of multi-mode Ultrabook’s that combine the functions of a personal computer and a tablet no longer need to install additional software and drivers in the system to switch the desktop and tablet operating modes of the OS. On hybrid mobile PCs, Windows 11 automatically detects when the keyboard is disconnected / connected and the device is switched to a different operating mode, and independently optimizes the display for operating in the appropriate mode.

6. Virtual desktops

Along with Mac OS and Linux-systems, now in the new Windows there is also the possibility of creating several working environments, for activation of which a corresponding icon is provided on the taskbar next to the Start button. Window 11 features Each desktop can have its own set of running applications. The user, by hovering the mouse cursor over a thumbnail of a separate virtual space, can see thumbnails of all applications open in it and even close individual programs without having to launch this workspace.

It also provides the ability to transfer application windows between different virtual tables. Everything is implemented quite conveniently and clearly – for sure, such a function will come in handy for advanced users or professionals.

7. New store for universal apps for Windows 11 Features

Preparing the top ten for the final release, Microsoft has thoroughly modified the store of universal applications that have the same capabilities on workstations, laptops, tablets, smartphones, Xbox game consoles, only adapting to the screen size. The store received a new interface, a revised system for rating and commenting purchases, and improved navigation tools. There are also new categories here: Developer Tools, Design & Multimedia, Medicine, Photos & Videos, Personalization, Performance, Security, Shopping and others.

Improvement in Security, Games and email in Windows 11 Features

8. Stream games from Xbox One to PC and tablet

Xbox One owners can stream their Xbox games to their PC over a local area network. And thus manage their gaming apps and profile directly from their PC or tablet. To enable this feature, on your Xbox One console, select “Allow game streaming” from the Options → Settings menu. After that, you need to open the Xbox client application on a computer running Windows 11. And select “Connect → Add device” from the left menu. After the connection is established, it will remain in the program window. Click on the “Play from console” button to activate the game streaming session from the Xbox One.

9. Improved Windows Defender

In Windows 11, to protect against digital threats. The Windows Defender antivirus, familiar to many users of the G8, is used. Which works in real time and works in tandem with the Microsoft Active Protection Service (MAPS) cloud service. In the new system, the antivirus received simplified settings, now available in the “Update and Security” menu. And a mechanism for monitoring the operation of third-party security applications installed in the OS. Now Windows Defender is able to monitor the relevance of the virus signatures they use. And if a third-party antivirus is not updated within three days, it automatically intercepts control of computer protection.

10. Improved email client

The mail client included in Window 11 features has also changed for the better. In addition to the familiar email controls, it has added text formatting tools. Tools for working with tables, images and markers. Also, the program has new gestures for managing incoming letters. The developers did not ignore such things as spell checking. Automatic sending of reply letters, search, etc.