#Windows 11 desktop for free
#Windows 11 desktop update
#Windows 11 desktop upgrade
#Windows 11 desktop full
#Windows 11 desktop for windows 10

It seems like developers will be able to optimize their apps for Snap Layouts, so hopefully we’ll see less of these issues over time. The software introduces new Snap Layouts, which allow you to hover over a window and choose between a number of layouts that include splitting the screen between two apps or creating a four-way grid.Ĭreating Snap Layouts felt pretty smooth in our testing, though we found that certain third-party apps such as Spotify and Discord didn’t quite snap perfectly into place and overlapped other windows a bit on smaller screens. Typical Windows multitasking tools - such as snapping windows to different corners of the screen - feel as intuitive as ever, though there are a few new tricks you can take advantage of this time around.

Creating and jumping between multiple desktops felt zippy in our testing, and we especially like that you can give each virtual desktop a different background and name to clearly distinguish them from one another. This is useful if, say, you want to have a dedicated desktop for work stuff during the day before switching over to a gaming profile that already has Steam and Discord ready to go at night. Just like on Apple’s computers, you can now create multiple virtual desktops, each with their own sets of open apps.

We’ve long been fans of the multitasking capabilities in Windows 10, and Windows 11 takes them a step further by borrowing liberally from macOS. But that small redundancy aside, the core look and feel of Windows 11 is just cleaner and more enjoyable to use. We’re not entirely sure why there are both Start and Search icons on the Taskbar, as both function pretty similarly when it comes to finding recent apps and files. Tapping the Windows key will bring up the revamped Start menu, which puts large app icons front and center and will even make app recommendations based on what you’ve downloaded recently. But while the Taskbar’s been cleaned up visually, it functions largely the same. The most noticeable change is the much-talked-about new Taskbar, which now sits at the center and sports a much more minimal and attractive look that brings Macs and Chromebooks to mind.

#Windows 11 desktop for windows 10

Microsoft’s new operating system gives Windows a fresh new design that’s more colorful, cleaner and easier to use, all while remaining familiar enough for Windows 10 vets to jump right into without having to relearn much. Looks aren’t everything, but they’re a big part of what makes Windows 11 feel like a substantial update.

#Windows 11 desktop full

We’ll have full reviews on the latest Surface range soon, but in the meantime, here are some Windows 11-compatible PCs we’ve tested and recommend. These include the Dell XPS 13, our pick for the best Windows laptop, as well as all of Microsoft’s own computers that ship with Windows 11 out of the box, such as the new Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3.

#Windows 11 desktop upgrade

If your current computer isn’t compatible with Windows 11 - or you’re just due for an upgrade - there are tons of Windows 11-ready PCs available right now. Once you’re there, follow the prompts to download the new software.

#Windows 11 desktop update

To see if Windows 11 is available for you, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for Updates.” You can also simply search “Check for Updates” from the Taskbar. Other than that, those with a Windows laptop or desktop from the last few years should be good to upgrade. There are some workarounds for this, however.

We especially recommend that those with custom-built desktops run the health check, as Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 - a specific security module that folks who built their own PC might be missing.

#Windows 11 desktop for free

Most Windows 10 users are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 for free - you can run a health check to make sure your computer is compatible and meets the system requirements here. If you’re ready to take the plunge right now, there are a few ways to get your hands on Windows 11 once it starts rolling out on Oct. If you’re wondering if you should hit that download button - or buy a new Windows 11 computer - here are the biggest pros and cons to know about. We’ve spent roughly a week with the final version of Windows 11 and have found a lot to like about Microsoft’s new operating system, as well as a few things we’d like to see improved. It’ll give your computer a fresh new look, some new ways to multitask and chat with friends and a few performance enhancements for gaming. Windows 11 is finally here, bringing the biggest update we’ve seen to Microsoft’s PC software in more than half a decade.