What the Windows 11 operating system brings

Actually, Windows 10 was supposed to be the last operating system that Microsoft wanted to launch. Instead of a real Windows 10 successor, there were only to be updates, according to the company. But now everything has turned out quite differently. With the new Windows 11, Microsoft wants to erase all the errors and unpopularities of some of the predecessor systems and at the same time combine all the advantages from Windows 7 to Windows 10 in a compact way. Has it succeeded? We put the strengths and weaknesses through their paces!

What is new about the successor to Windows 10?

Windows 7 was one of the most popular operating systems. Its successor Windows 8, on the other hand, left some users in sheer despair. Above all, the Start menu with its dominant, screen-filling tiles was considered annoying by most. With the Windows 10 upgrade, the tiles were still there. But firstly, they were not as big, and secondly, the „small tiles“ could be removed with a few clicks in the context menu commands. Windows 11, on the other hand, now comes with a completely new user interface – without any tiles at all. The start menu floats above the taskbar and can also be placed in the middle of the desktop. Frequently used programmes, recently used files and system controls are clearly arranged in the upper area of the Start menu. Windows 11 does without the pre-installed Skype altogether; Microsoft Teams is favoured instead. The icons for programmes or the Start button can be placed on the user interface either in the middle of the taskbar or left-aligned – just as you prefer. Dark and light modes are still available for the screen. The distinctive Windows logo in the middle is now missing. Instead, Windows 11 comes with a new standard wallpaper. The widgets from Windows Vista are also new or revived. Here you can choose to have news from all over the world, exotic food trends or the current weather displayed as information snippets or in full-screen view. And: The widgets are open to developers, so that any programme can be integrated relatively easily.

Strengths and weaknesses of Windows 11

The new operating system is clearly more than a simple Windows 10 upgrade. But like everything new, the Windows 10 successor has its strengths and weaknesses. Where exactly the strengths and weaknesses lie:

Windows 11 plus points

  • Up-to-dateness: The operating system runs stably and noticeably faster than its predecessor. Both the task manager and the virus protection are state-of-the-art. Quick start mode, Explorer copy dialogue and engine as well as Windows X menu are practical tools.
  • Design: The centrally placed icons with rounded corners in the taskbar look modern. Unnecessary apps have disappeared from the user interface, the standard wallpaper as background gives a refreshing new image.
  • Freedom of choice: Some users may not like some of the visual innovations. No problem – almost everything can be deactivated and/or displayed and arranged as usual, as with older operating systems.
  • Speed: As already mentioned, Windows 11 is considerably faster than its predecessor. And this applies to the overall performance. Both programmes and applications such as YouTube or extensive websites can be opened and consumed smoothly. A new function also contributes to the speed: A warning is issued against programmes that start unnoticed in the background. They can then be deactivated by clicking on an automatic pop-up window and in the settings.
  • Window arrangement: As with Windows 7 and Windows 10 Upgrade from 2009 and 2015, windows can be dragged to the edge of the screen using „Aero Snap“ and fixed there with 50 percent screen size. With „Snap Assist“, other open windows can also be displayed in a large preview for the other 50 per cent of the screen. In addition, the windows can be scaled to 25 percent of the screen and dragged into a corner. By mouse-over over one of the windows, the programme displays useful options for the arrangement.
  • Animation: Arrangements with the operating system are displayed animated and can be called up by key combinations:
  • Windows + D minimises all windows.
  • Windows + E opens Edge.
  • Windows + R activates a futuristic fly-in effect to open the Run dialogue.
  • Windows + X makes the context menu of a button pop up.
  • Context menus: With keyboard shortcuts or a right mouse click, the context menu appears in a free space on the desktop. New are the large buttons and the icons that can be cut, copied, renamed, shared or deleted. The context menu command „Copy as path“ is practical and can be used to quickly click to preferred pages. The option „Show more options“ in all context menus can be used to call up the classic context menu.
  • Edge: Internet Explorer can still be found in the Program Files. However, Chromium Edge, the highest-quality browser to date, is activated.
  • Boot sound: Users of Windows 7 still know it: the melody that sounds when logging into a user account. With the new operating system, this boot sound is back – albeit a little more subdued and backgrounded.
  • Windows Terminal: This tool combines three important functions: the command line, PowerShell and the Azure Cloud Shell. Ideal for executing quick commands in alternation.
  • Costs: Windows 11 is free for Windows 10 users.

Windows 11 disadvantages

  • Positioning: Unfortunately, the taskbar cannot be positioned arbitrarily. Only the bottom edge of the screen is available.
  • Hardware requirements: If you want to work with Windows 11, you need a newer PC model. The hardware should in any case meet the following requirements:
  • CPU with dual-core model, at least 1 gigahertz
  • 4 gigabytes of RAM
  • 64 gigabytes of available (SSD) storage space
  • DirectX 12 supporting graphics card
  • WDDM 2.0 driver
  • UEFI mode for booting
  • Monitor with HD-ready 720p resolution
  • TPM-2 chip (Trusted Platform Module)
  • only the latest processors as command receivers
  • Online account: If you want to install Windows 11 on your PC, you first have to create an online user account.

Tip: In initial tests, certain keywords have so far made it possible to use the system without an online account by means of a trick. To log in, enter words such as „spammer“, „scammer“, „billgates“ or „elonmusk“. When prompted for a password, anything can then be entered. A problem message will appear that an incorrect password has been entered too often. Then an input field appears for the account name of a local account with which the existing account can be accessed.

  • Ribbons: The conspicuously wide control elements have disappeared from the file manager in Windows 11.
  • Data backup: Not much has changed here. The imager from Windows 7 is still built in for backing up the operating system. In the past – especially under Windows 10 – the backup often led to problems.
  • Animations: Some think it’s great – others are annoyed by menus that open animated with special effects. Being able to activate or deactivate them separately does not seem to be provided for.
  • Duplicate programmes: With Windows 11, you can use two pre-installed apps for listening at once: „Groove Music“ and Windows Media Player (WMP) 12. Both programmes deliver roughly the same functions, but take up unnecessary memory.
  • DVD playback: Since Windows 8, the MPEG-2 codec has disappeared – and has still not reappeared in Windows 11. It’s a pity, because it doesn’t allow DVD playback.
  • Boot sound: OK, above the starter melody was still considered a plus point. At the same time, however, the sound can get on your nerves after a while. The good thing, however, is that it can be deactivated in the system control with the search word „sound“ and the command „Change system sounds“.
  • Explorer: As described above, Internet Explorer still exists in the system. However, if you want to use it, Edge opens automatically. The problem: If the Microsoft browser is damaged, Explorer cannot be opened as an alternative.
  • Desktop wallpapers: Fans of wallpapers as desktop backgrounds were still happy about the possibility to change the motif cyclically under Windows 7. Windows 11 hardly offers this option any more. As with Windows 10, only 6 swap cycles are possible.

Header image: © Rawf8, stock.adobe.com