28. Januar 2022

Windows 11: What's new in the latest operating system?

Bildquelle: Shutterstock – Nr.: 2001880100

The success story of the Windows operating system began as early as 1985. In October 2021, the latest chapter was added with Windows 11. How does the system differ from its predecessor and is an update worthwhile?

A fresh look that should please many users

The first thing you notice when Windows 11 boots up is its fresh new look. The design is clearly oriented towards intuitive menu navigation. This is evident as soon as you look at the desktop: similar to a smartphone, the taskbar is now in the centre.

What may also remind many of their mobile phone are the widgets: useful displays of everything from the weather to the traffic situation in the region. Users also have access to One Drive or Photos with a single click. Does this sound familiar? That's right, it's been done before, under Vista and under Windows 10. However, the widgets appear to be really well integrated for the first time.

The new start menu (still available via the Start or Windows button) also looks modern, tidy and user-friendly. At the top, you will find pinned programs – users decide for themselves which ones they want to place here for quick access. In the lower part, most recently opened programs and files can be found. All very practical.

But where are the other programs in Windows 11? You can find a list of all installed components by clicking on ‘Programs’ in the start menu.

Careful: the task bar is dynamic. When you open additional programs, the Windows button moves to the left. It looks nice, but it's less practical if you click ‘by feel’ – it's better to look at where the button is.

In detail, there are also a number of other changes that become visible after the Windows 11 update, for example the themes. Once again, the boundaries between desktop PCs and mobile devices are blurring here. As known from smartphones, you can choose from different graphic themes. Light or dark, coloured or white title bars? There are a number of options for personalising Windows 11 – the choice is yours.

Tip: If you are opening Windows 11 for the first time, you may be surprised by the new file explorer. The menu under the title bar has been slimmed down considerably. In all honesty: most of the functions of the Windows 10 display (select all, select nothing, reverse selection) were only needed by a few users. The new display has been reduced to essential elements such as copy and cut – of course, the other functions are still available. But if you absolutely want the old design back, you can activate it in the system.

Where can I find the search function in Windows 11?

Curious: the popular search function has disappeared from the bottom menu bar. It can now be found at the top of the start menu. This is only a minor detail, but many people regret the loss of the quick access. Therefore, here is another tip: the keyboard shortcut Win + S reliably opens the search.

In any case, the search function remains very useful. However, it has its weaknesses. If you want to find not only apps but also files, you are often out of luck even after the Windows 11 update – namely whenever the required file is not contained in an indexed folder. There is a solution for this: Under Settings -> Privacy & security -> Searching Windows, there is a function called ‘Customize search locations’. The ‘Enhanced’ option ensures that the search scours all folders.

Conclusion: Windows 11 should please many users

More intuitive elements, easier to operate, cleaner look: Windows 11 is clearly aimed at modern users. The design has been changed in a very coherent way, and the new functions also make sense. At first, the menu bar and the centred task bar may seem unusual. However, these are subtleties that we have quickly become accustomed to with every new version of Windows.

Is the update to Windows 11 free?

Interested? Given the new features, many people want to buy Windows 11 at a low price. Good to know: if you are using a current version of Windows 10, you will typically receive the update to Windows 11 for free.

But be careful: your PC must meet the system requirements for Windows 11. These include:

At least 64 GB storage space
At least 4 GB RAM
64-bit processor with 1 GHz or more power
Display with a diagonal of more than nine inches and a resolution of at least 720p

You also need an internet connection and a Microsoft account (can be created online for free).

Buying Windows 11 at a low price: a good choice?

Windows 11 comes with an intuitive design and a few new features. For most users, an update is certainly useful. If you do not have the opportunity to update for free, you have various options to buy Windows 11 at a low price. One of the cheapest options for purchasing software is to buy used licences. This is legally compliant and audit-proof. We offer you a range of up-to-date software solutions for private and commercial users, including operating systems such as Windows 11 at an affordable price.

But is a Windows 11 update the right choice for everyone? Not always. For example, there may be difficulties if different operating systems are used within the company. Not only is it a challenge to constantly re-adapt employees to new systems, but the compatibility of programs is a second problem. Those who use older Windows versions are therefore often advised to stick with the existing version. And there is no reason to rush the switch either: Microsoft will continue to provide support for Windows 10 for several more years (as of 2022 until 10/2025). If you are looking for older Windows versions for your company, you will also find used licences from us at a reasonable price.