Microsoft has been dropping hints that Windows 11 is nearing completion. On June 24th, the software beast will host a special Windows event to reveal its next operating system. The event begins at 11 a.m. ET, and the invitation includes a window that casts a shadow with an outline that resembles the number 11. Microsoft executives have also been teasing an announcement about the “next generation of Windows” for months, and this leak confirms that Windows 11 will be unveiled later this month.
The upcoming Windows 11 operating system from Microsoft was leaked online. Following the publication of screenshots on the Chinese website Baidu, the entire Windows 11 operating system has been made available online, complete with a new user interface, Start menu, and much more.
The new Windows 11 user interface and Start menu appear to be very similar to those found in Windows 10X. Microsoft had been working on simplifying Windows for dual-screen devices before abandoning it in favour of Windows 11. The most noticeable visual changes will be found along the taskbar. Microsoft has centred the app icons in this area, cleaned up the tray area, and added a new Start button and menu.
This updated Start menu is a simplified version of what is currently available in Windows 10, and it does not include Live Tiles. Pinnable apps, recent files, and the ability to quickly shut down or restart Windows 11 devices are all included. It’s actually a lot simpler than what’s available in Windows 10 right now.
If you don’t want the app icons and Start menu to be centred, you can move them all to the left-hand side. When combined with the available dark mode, Windows 11 appears to be a more refined version of Windows 10 rather than something significantly new.
Microsoft has also used rounded corners in Windows 11. These can be found in context menus, as well as around apps and the File Explorer. The Start menu has rounded corners as well. Because this is a leaked early version of Windows 11, not everything is yet included.
More changes to the built-in apps in Windows 11 are expected, but the majority of them do not appear to be present yet. However, a large portion of the operating system appears to be finished, so we can expect a beta of this to arrive soon for Windows Insiders to test.
You might have noticed a new icon in the Windows 11 taskbar labelled Widgets. According to rumours, Microsoft is reintroducing Windows Widgets, and this early version appears to include some.
The Windows Store interface is largely the same as it is in Windows 10, with access to all of the same apps that are currently available.
Microsoft has reportedly been working on a new app store for Windows in recent months, and rumours suggest it will be a significant departure from what is currently available. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has promised that Windows will “unlock greater economic opportunity for developers and creators,” which will most likely take the form of a new store.
Features in Windows 11
- new Windows 11 boot animation
new Windows 11 boot animation pic.twitter.com/fmtqOxNdXy
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 15, 2021
- this is the new Windows 11 startup sound
this is the new Windows 11 startup sound pic.twitter.com/UQZNFBtAxa
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 15, 2021
- the new Xbox experience on Windows 11
the new Xbox experience on Windows 11 https://t.co/VDS08QPsl5 pic.twitter.com/4jXebU9B56
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 15, 2021
- Windows 11 also includes a new snap feature built into the maximize button on all apps. It’s a neat way to surface features that have existed in Windows for years
Windows 11 also includes a new snap feature built into the maximize button on all apps. It’s a neat way to surface features that have existed in Windows for years https://t.co/VDS08QPsl5 pic.twitter.com/uXcwVngmTT
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 15, 2021
- Windows 11 doesn’t ask you for a floppy disk for drivers, and doesn’t default to A:
Windows 11 doesn’t ask you for a floppy disk for drivers, and doesn’t default to A: 🤯🤯🤯 https://t.co/W3YTE7cSRP pic.twitter.com/5OqYNUbunN
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 15, 2021
- Windows 11 still doesn’t let you create folders named CON, PRN, or NUL
Windows 11 still doesn’t let you create folders named CON, PRN, or NUL 😉 pic.twitter.com/L2lN7UMohq
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 15, 2021
- Windows 11 also lets you move the Start menu and app taskbar icons back to the left side.
Windows 11 also lets you move the Start menu and app taskbar icons back to the left side. This is the dark mode, too https://t.co/VDS08QPsl5 pic.twitter.com/cg54hIgU4T
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 15, 2021
- Live Tiles can be re-enabled in Windows 11 if you really want them
Live Tiles can be re-enabled in Windows 11 if you really want them https://t.co/mVWZ1yHouB pic.twitter.com/GgRAXcx4ym
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 15, 2021