Windows 11 Bro

Windows 11 to be released later this year!

Windows 10 was released in 2015, and has been regularly updated ever since. Most of us thought that Windows 10 was going to be the last Windows version number, but we now know that the next version will be called Windows 11, and that it will be released in late 2021. Fortunately, Windows 11 Bro will be there to guide you along the way, and help you transition from Windows 10.

Upgrading to Windows 11

Any PC / laptop or tablet that runs Windows 10 will be eligible for a free update to Windows 11. But not all devices that run Windows 10 will be able to run Windows 11: this is because of security features that Microsoft mandates in order to use Windows 11. However, things may change between now and the final release of Windows 11. But don't worry if your device turns out not to be supported: Microsoft will fully support Windows 10 until 2025. Upgrade to Windows 11!

Changes in Windows 11

From a design perspective, Windows 11 kind-of feels like a successor of Vista or Windows 7, with its "Fluent Design" that includes transparency effects (initially removed from Windows 10) and windows' rounded corners (absent from Windows 10). Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10 use "Metro Design". New Fluent Design in Windows 11

Organizing your windows

In previous versions of Windows, you could drag your application windows to "dock" them on one-side of the screen or another. Windows 11 brings that functionality to the next level with a "snap layout" menu, pictured below. It lets you easily organize your app windows depending on what you are doing: New "Snap Layouts" dropdown menu

Android Apps

Run Android apps inside Windows! The Microsoft Store carries over, and you'll still be able to get apps from that convenient location.

But you'll now be able to install and run on Windows any Android apps that are available on the Amazon app store. That app store isn't too compelling right now, but developers will likely start putting their apps on Amazon's app store now that it will reach over a billion people. (That's how many people are currently using a computer or tablet running Windows 10.)

Pictured left is the Android TikTok app: notice how it maintains the proportions of a cell phone app, but also runs inside a regular window that you can minimize, close, etc.

Android developers may start including extra functionality when they detect that their app is running the app on Windows. Using TikTok's 'example: if the app is maximized, buttons would be displayed on the side, comments would be displayed on the other side, so that you can comment while viewing the video in its full glory - etc.

No more 32-bit support

Microsoft first moved away 16-bit architecture, and since XP, from its 32-bit architecture. In plain English, this just means that you won't be able to run Windows 11 some very old hardware. Windows 11 is the first modern version of Windows offered only as a 64-bit operating system, and not offered in 32-bit. But don't worry: you will still be able to run 32-bit applications, just like you were able to run 16-bit applications in Windows 2000 and Windows XP. The end of 32-bit Windows

No more old BIOS

The software ("firmware") that runs when you turn on your computer is called "BIOS". Old devices without newer BIOS updates available might not be able to run Windows 11. This is a good thing from a security perspective, but not great if you're still using old hardware that you planned on upgrading to Windows 11.

End of local accounts for Home edition

Currently (Windows 10), the only way to set-up a new PC without a Microsoft account is to choose the option that says that you don't currently have internet access. Otherwise, Microsoft will force you to create your Windows profile with a online Microsoft account (MSN / Hotmail / Live.com / Outlook.com). Create a local Windows account

This option is now completely gone in the Home edition of Windows 11. It seems very unlikely that Microsoft will push that "feature" onto business and professional users. This should make it a deal killer just from the privacy and security implications. Fortunately, anyone can purchase a non-Home edition.

What about "Windows 365"?

Windows 365 is currently only offered to businesses: they pay monthly for each Windows 365 user they want. Windows becomes a service that resides "in the cloud" (online), which lets you access your stuff from any computer in the world. Information security professionals will probably rejoice at the thought that all your stuff being stored online: this should keep their industry humming.