Windows 11 is the latest edition to the Microsoft Windows operating system family which is followed by its previous version Windows 10. The overall look and feel of Windows 11 are the same as 10, but there are still a few minor changes in terms of user experience. What changed drastically was the system requirements that make you eligible for moving to Windows 11 and Microsoft, for the first time, demanded too much!
If you are an existing Windows 10 user, you need to have desktop configurations such as intel 8th-gen or newer, intel core i7-7820HQ, minimum 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, qualcomm snapdragon 850 or newer, and AMD Zen 2 or newer to update your system to Windows 11.
Pros & Cons of Windows 11
- Settings menu is more useful than before
- Snap view organized in a cleaner manner
- Widgets are more informative
- Runs android applications
- Requires high-end CPU configuration
- A few useful tools such as timeline and action center are no more available
- Installing another browser is nearly prohibitive
What Can Windows 11 Do?
- Fresh Start Menu: Windows 11 offers a fresh new centered layout to the Start Menu, making it visually attractive and more streamlined.
- Taskbar Improvements: This is one area where Windows 10 users needed some update and here it is! Taskbar has now been centered and features redesigned icons along with a new notification center.
- Virtual Desktops: This is an older feature that continues to exist in Windows 11 too. It supports virtual desktops, providing users with a way to organize their workflow across multiple desktops.
- Snap Layouts and Snap Groups: It is a new feature introduced in Windows 11. This allows users to snap windows into pre-defined layouts or create custom snap groups for multitasking.
- Gaming Experience Improved: Gaming focused features, such as support for DirectStorage, Auto HDR, and others, have been improved in Windows 11.
- Widgets: Windows 11 introduced the all-new Widgets feature that enables users to personalize stuff like news, weather, calendar events, and other useful information.
- Microsoft Teams Integration: This is again a useful feature that ensures easy access to Microsoft Teams, making it easier for users to communicate with others.
- Enhanced Touch and Voice Input: Windows 11 has improved the user experience by using the touch, pen, and voice input features. Compatibility with devices has also enhanced.
- Settings App Redesigned: The Settings app was reorganized and simplified, making it easier for users to access and manage system settings.
- Improved Performance: With Windows 11, the performance and efficiency have improved as compared with Windows 10.
Windows 11 Pricing
Product |
Price |
Windows 11 |
$139 |
Windows 11 Download: Windows 11 license can be downloaded from official Microsoft's website at $139. The refreshed design enables you to simplify your work and makes it effortless. It also comes with advanced antivirus defenses for additional security.
Windows 11 System Requirement
System Requirements |
Processor |
1 GHz or faster with the help of two or more cores that are compatible with 64-bit processor on a Chip (SoC). |
Storage |
64 GB or more |
RAM |
4GB |
System firmware |
Secure Boot, UEFI compatible |
TPM |
TPM or Trusted Platform Module version 2.0 |
Graphics Card |
DirectX 12 or newer along with WDDM 2.0 driver |
Display |
HD (720p) display. It must be more than 9 inches diagonally. Also, there should be 8 bits per colour channel. |
What are the Disadvantages of Windows 11?
Windows 11 started with not so favorable reviews as there was not much on the table for those who were already using Windows 10. It was more like features update rather than considering it a mammoth Windows update. Find below a few disadvantages of Windows 11:
- Minimum system requirements are not so minimum: We have discussed this above too. High-end system configurations are needed, such as HD (720p) display and 1GHz or faster processor, if you want to shift from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
- Privacy issues: Few reports suggest that Windows 11 collects data of user and store it with third-party server. There is no conclusive evidence about this, but this has been the talk of the town.
- Pushing Microsoft Apps: Few users have reviewed that edge icon randomly appears on the desktop even if they had never used the browser.
- Taskbar can't be repositioned: In Windows 10, taskbar can be repositioned anywhere on the screen according to a user's convenience. This feature is missing in Windows 11.
- Control Panel: This is something we have been using for years for uninstalling apps or configuring various settings, but Windows 11 has phased out the control panel feature. You will be redirected to the settings option after clicking the control panel.
What are the Top Competitors to Windows 11?
- macOS: One of the top competitors to Windows 11 is macOS. This is the world's second most popular operating system in the world. There are a few features common in between Windows 11 and macOS such as TPM, widgets, integration to Android and iOS apps, etc.
- Ubuntu: Ubuntu is an open-source free operating system that can be installed in your computer's storage or run from a live USB stick. Ubuntu's latest version 22.10 is competitor to Windows 11. It offers a clean interface and a few workable apps such as office suite, browsers, email and media apps.
- Windows 10: Yes, you see it right! Windows 10 is also the competitor to Windows 11. So, if you are using Windows 10, it is not necessary that you update to 11. You will see major changes in look and feel and very limited updates in terms of features.
Techjockey's Verdict
Windows 11 is not a bad update if you are using Windows 10 but make sure you qualify the minimum system configuration requirements. There is a need for a high-end system for a better and smoother experience. There are a few interface changes that you might love. A few feature updates such as redesigned settings apps, introduction to widgets is appreciable. Also, if you are a game lover, you should update to Windows 11 as it offers enhanced features for a better gaming experience.