After Microsoft announced in 2015 that Windows 10 would be the operating system’s final version number, many people did not expect to see a Windows 11. The introduction of Chrome OS likely prompted a more significant interface update, and Windows 11 heavily borrows from Google’s lightweight desktop design.

Despite its strikingly different appearance, Windows 11 is nearly operative identical to Windows 10, with the addition of a few new aspects and conveniences. After six years of mediocre upgrades, a major overhaul of the world’s most famous desktop operating system is welcome news. Windows fans can finally get excited about something.

Despite the new look of the OS, we’re surprised that it doesn’t feel all that different from Windows 10. It still operates the same applications, and much of the new stuff is just rearranging and reupholstering the furniture. Certain, Windows 11 looks better with rounded corners on all windows. Taskbar icons in the centre, simpler icons, and more elegant Settings dialogues.

However, it does not feel completely alien or necessitate a completely new process, as Windows 8 did. Although the new interface is appealing, if you prefer the more familiar Windows 10-style look, you should stick with Windows 10.

What’s Going Away in Windows 11

It stands to reason that some legacy features will no longer be compatible with Windows 11’s new approach. A couple of windowing conveniences that we like but appear to use infrequently are being phased out. Aero Shake and Aero Peek are disabled by delinquency in Windows 11, but they can be enabled again in Settings.

The Cortana Artificial Intelligence (Al) voice assistant is not preinstalled by default on Windows 11 systems. But it is still available in the app store. Live tiles are also no longer available, with Widgets taking their place. Tablet mode has been replaced by “new functionality and capability for keyboard attach and detach postures,” according to Microsoft. The Windows 10 Timeline has also been removed, though the Start menu’s Recommended section still displays your most recently used documents and apps.

Time for a New Windows

Aside from a few minor quibbles, we appreciate Microsoft’s focus on its marquee software. In recent years, the company has emphasized its Azure cloud computing services. That company’s profitability was justified. Windows 11 introduces a slick new look, useful new tools, updated default apps, new capabilities, and performance improvements. Perhaps that will be enough to entice some Chrome OS or Mac users to switch. Regardless, the desktop operating system, which is used on 1.3 billion PCs, is still in its infancy.