Windows 11: All the big differences from Windows 10 - CNET

Windows 11 brings big changes over Windows 10, including a new design. 

Screenshot/Microsoft

Windows 11 is officially on the way, bringing the first major update to the Windows platform since Windows 10 launched back in 2015. You'll find a new interface and several new features aimed at enhancing productivity as more of the world works between home and the office. 

If you're currently a Windows 10 user, Windows 11 will be available as a free upgrade around the 2021 holiday season, so long as your computer is compatible. (Find out if your PC will work with Windows 11 here.) And if you still need to upgrade to Windows 10, don't worry -- a free Windows 10 download trick still works for many people. 

Here's everything that's changed from Windows 10 to Windows 11. And make sure you check out all of our favorite new Windows 11 features, and how to use them -- along with everything we wanted to see in Windows 11 but didn't get. 

Windows 10 vs. Windows 11: Every big difference in the new OS

Design and interface

Windows 11 features a new design with a centered Start menu and Taskbar.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

Windows 11 brings a brand new, more Mac-like interface to the OS. It features a clean design with rounded corners and pastel shades. The iconic Start menu also moves to the center of the screen along with the Taskbar. But you can move those back to the left if you prefer, as they are in Windows 10.

Android app integration

You'll be able to download Android apps to your PC in Windows 11.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

Android apps will be coming to Windows 11, and installable from within the new Microsoft Store, via the Amazon Appstore. (There were a couple of ways to access Android apps on Windows 10, including if you had a Samsung Galaxy phone, but this will make it native.) This is something Windows users have been waiting for for years, and marks another move toward the merging of mobile and laptop devices. 

Better virtual desktop support

You'll find it easier to create and toggle between different virtual desktops in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

Windows 11 will let you set up virtual desktops in a way that's more similar to Macs, toggling between multiple desktops at once for personal, work, school or gaming use. In Windows 10, this was harder to set up and use. 

Easier transition from monitor to laptop

It'll be easier to group different sets of windows and apps together and move between a desktop and a monitor thanks to Snap Layouts and Snap Groups.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

The new OS includes features called Snap Groups and Snap Layouts -- collections of the apps you're using at once that sit in the taskbar, and can come up or be minimized at the same time for easier task switching. They also let you plug and unplug from a monitor more easily, without losing where your open windows are located. 

Microsoft Teams added to the Taskbar

Microsoft Teams is built directly into the Taskbar in Windows 11 for easier video calling. 

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

Teams is getting a facelift and will be integrated directly into the Windows 11 taskbar, making it easier to access (and a bit more like Apple's FaceTime). You'll be able to access teams from Windows, Mac, Android or iOS. 

Widgets (well, sort of) 

Launch widgets from the Taskbar in Windows 11 to see at-a-glance information on weather, news, stocks and more.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

While they've been around for a while (remember desktop gadgets on Windows Vista?), including in a recent Windows 10 update, you can now access widgets directly from the Taskbar and personalize them to see whatever you'd like. 

Enhanced touchscreen, voice and pen support

Microsoft is aiming to make Windows 11 easier to use on tablets than Windows 10.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

For tablets, Microsoft has aimed to improve the experience for touch, with more space between icons on the taskbar, and adding gestures. Windows 11 also adds haptics to your digital pen, so you can hear and feel vibrations as you use it for taking notes or drawing. Finally, the OS introduces voice typing and commands across the system. 

Xbox tech to improve gaming

Windows 11 brings some tech additions from the Xbox for better gaming. 

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

Windows 11 will get certain features found in Xbox consoles, like Auto HDR and DirectStorage, to improve gaming on your Windows PC. This marks another move toward integrating PCs and Xbox consoles for Microsoft. 

For more, check out everything we know about Windows 11, and how to download Windows 11 once it's available. 

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