Windows 11 es el último sistema operativo de Microsoft, lanzado en octubre de 2021. Cuenta con una interfaz de usuario rediseñada, rendimiento mejorado, seguridad mejorada y nuevas herramientas de productividad. En esta publicación de blog, revisaré algunas de las principales características y beneficios de Windows 11, así como algunos de los inconvenientes y desafíos.
User interface
One of the most noticeable changes in Windows 11 is the user interface. The Start menu, taskbar and icons have been redesigned to look more modern and minimalistic. The Start menu is now centered on the screen and displays pinned applications, recent files and recommended content. The taskbar has also been simplified, with fewer icons and a new widget button that opens a customized feed of news, weather, calendar and other information. Icons have been updated to match the Fluent Design System, which aims to create a consistent and elegant visual language across all Microsoft products.
The user interface also supports more customization options, such as themes, wallpapers, sounds and accent colors. Users can also choose between light and dark modes, and adjust the size and spacing of icons and text. In addition, Windows 11 introduces new layouts and snapshot groups, which allow users to easily arrange multiple windows on the screen in different configurations. Users can also create virtual desktops for different tasks or projects and switch between them with the swipe of a finger or a keyboard shortcut.
Performance
Windows 11 promises to deliver faster and smoother performance than its predecessor. According to Microsoft, Windows 11 has been optimized for speed, efficiency and compatibility. It uses less memory, CPU and battery than Windows 10 and supports faster startup and resume times. It also supports a wider range of hardware devices, including older PCs that meet minimum system requirements.
One of the key performance-enhancing features is DirectStorage, which enables faster loading of data-intensive games and applications. DirectStorage allows the GPU to directly access data on the SSD, bypassing the CPU and reducing latency. This feature requires an NVMe SSD and a DirectX 12-compatible GPU.
Another performance-enhancing feature is Auto HDR, which automatically enhances the color and contrast of games that support high dynamic range (HDR). Auto HDR can make games look more realistic and immersive, without requiring any manual settings or adjustments. This feature requires an HDR-compatible monitor.
Security
Windows 11 also offers enhanced security and privacy features that protect users from online threats and malicious software. One of the key security features is Windows Hello, which allows users to sign in to their devices using facial recognition, fingerprint scanning or a PIN code. Windows Hello uses biometric authentication to verify users’ identities and encrypts their data using a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip.
Another security feature is Windows Defender Application Guard (WDAG), which isolates potentially unsafe websites and files in a virtual container. WDAG prevents malware from accessing resources or data on the device and automatically removes the container when the user closes the browser or application. WDAG requires a CPU that supports virtualization technology.
Productivity tools
Windows 11 also introduces new productivity tools that help users work more efficiently and collaboratively. One such tool is Microsoft Teams, which integrates into the taskbar as a chat application. Users can use Teams to communicate with their contacts via text, voice or video calls. They can also share files, screens or applications with their contacts during a call. Teams supports personal and professional accounts and synchronizes between devices.
Another productivity tool is Microsoft Edge, which is the default web browser in Windows 11. Edge has been updated to include new features such as vertical tabs, collections, password monitor and shopping assistant. Edge also supports web apps, which are websites that can be installed as apps on the device. Web apps can run faster and use fewer resources than regular apps.
Inconveniences and challenges
While Windows 11 offers many improvements and innovations over Windows 10, it also has some drawbacks and challenges that users may encounter. One of these drawbacks is the compatibility issue. Windows 11 has higher system requirements than Windows 10, which means that some older PCs may not be able to run it. Users can check if their PC meets the requirements by using Microsoft’s PC Health Check application.
Another drawback is the learning curve. Windows 11 has changed some of the familiar features and settings of Windows 10, which may confuse or frustrate some users. For example, some users may not like the new Start menu or taskbar layout, or may have trouble finding certain options or controls. Users can customize some aspects of the user interface to suit their preferences, but they may also have to adapt to some changes.
Conclusion
Windows 11 is a major update from Microsoft that brings a new look and feel to the operating system. It offers several benefits in terms of performance, security and productivity tools. However, it also has some drawbacks in terms of compatibility and usability. Users who are interested in upgrading to Windows 11 should weigh the pros and cons and check if their PC meets the requirements. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 users or as a purchase for new users.
