Microsoft released their first upgrade to Windows 11 this month, with features that are worth taking an in-depth look at. The latest version includes updates to areas like apps and the taskbar. Some enhancements are major and others are less noticeable, but equally impactful. If you’re not yet on version eleven, or even on a Mac and thinking about making a switch, here are a few reasons to consider upgrading.
Of course, Microsoft’s competitive landscape includes other Goliaths like Google, Amazon, and Apple, so there will always be lagging, if not never-happening, integration partnerships between platforms. With that said, this new upgrade includes the ability to download certain Android apps onto the operating system, opening up opportunities for future growth and expansion.
The new taskbar has some interesting improvements that create a much better user experience. The time and date feature being available across multiple monitors was not included previously, but is a part of this new iteration. They’ve included an easy-to-access weather widget that comes in handy for a quick climate check. The biggest improvement, though, is what they’ve done to enhance the MS Teams app experience. You can mute or unmute right from the bar while also being able to do a screen share on demand. All of this can happen in real-time while on a Teams call with your team. These are game-changers for those collaborative power users.
If you’re a fan of the Notepad app, you’ll be glad to hear the undo feature rolls back changes across not just one edit, but multiple edits now. They juiced up the search bar and now allow you to switch to the power-saving and super popular “dark mode” for your screen. You’ll notice gains with multimedia as well. The Media Player has been revamped, and it’s anticipated it will replace Grove Music moving forward. Of course, video and audio are both supported.
The device chief for the Redmond juggernaut, Panos Panay, says of the new changes, “Over time, you’ll see us release new features into Windows 11 for end-users more frequently in addition to our annual update. We will leverage the variety of update mechanisms we have in place, including servicing and Microsoft Store updates. Our goal is to deliver continuous innovation, providing you with the best experiences year-round.”