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To comply with the [[Digital Markets Act]], Microsoft is allowing users in the [[European Economic Area]] to remove the Edge browser, [[Microsoft Bing|Bing]] search engine, and advertisements to comply with users' interests.<ref>[https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/11/europeans-can-soon-strip-bing-edge-other-microsoft-cruft-from-windows-11/ No Bing, no Edge, no upselling: De-crufted Windows 11 coming to Europe soon]</ref><ref>[https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/16/23963579/microsoft-windows-11-eu-digital-markets-act-feature-changes The EU will finally free Windows users from Bing]</ref><ref>[https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/microsoft-will-let-windows-11-users-in-europe-uninstall-edge-bing-and-disable-ads-in-eea-dma Microsoft will let users uninstall Edge, Bing, and disable ads on Windows 11 as it complies with the Digital Markets Act]</ref>
== Development ==
At the 2015 [[Microsoft Ignite|Ignite conference]], Microsoft employee Jerry Nixon stated that [[Windows 10]] would be the "last version of Windows".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=April 30, 2015 |title=Windows forever: Windows 10 builds will continue even after Microsoft ships it |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2917474/windows-forever-windows-10-builds-will-continue-even-after-microsoft-ships-it.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302150358/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2917474/windows-forever-windows-10-builds-will-continue-even-after-microsoft-ships-it.html |archive-date=March 2, 2021 |access-date=June 16, 2021 |website=[[PCWorld]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bekker |first=Scott |date=July 1, 2019 |title=Windows 10 Takes Its Place as Microsoft's 'Forever OS' |url=https://redmondmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2019/01/windows-10-microsofts-forever-os.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409165315/https://redmondmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2019/01/windows-10-microsofts-forever-os.aspx |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |access-date=June 16, 2021 |website=Redmond Magazine}}</ref> The operating system was considered [[Software as a service|to be a service]], with new builds and updates to be released over time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Loeb |first=Larry |date=July 28, 2015 |title=Windows 10: Microsoft Attempts A SaaS Model |url=https://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/windows-10-microsoft-attempts-a-saas-model/a/d-id/1321473 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508071939/https://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/windows-10-microsoft-attempts-a-saas-model/a/d-id/1321473 |archive-date=May 8, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2021 |website=[[InformationWeek]]}}</ref> ''PC World'' argued that the widely reported comment was however [[Quoting out of context|taken out of context]], noting that the official event transcript marks it only as a [[segue]] rather than a core part of the talk. It argues that Nixon was referring to the fact that he could talk freely at the event because 10 was the last version in current development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=2021-06-18 |title=Why is there a Windows 11 if Windows 10 is the last Windows? |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/394724/why-is-there-a-windows-11-if-windows-10-is-the-last-windows.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014012149/https://www.pcworld.com/article/394724/why-is-there-a-windows-11-if-windows-10-is-the-last-windows.html |archive-date=2021-10-14 |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=PCWorld}}</ref>
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On May 18, 2021, Head of Windows Servicing and Delivery John Cable stated that Windows 10X had been canceled and that Microsoft would be "accelerating the integration of key foundational 10X technology into other parts of Windows and products at the company".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=May 18, 2021 |title=Microsoft confirms Windows 10X is dead |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/18/22442421/microsoft-windows-10-x-canceled-official |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518175834/https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/18/22442421/microsoft-windows-10-x-canceled-official |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref>
=== Announcement ===
At the [[Build (developer conference)#2021|Microsoft Build 2021]] developer conference, CEO and chairman [[Satya Nadella]] teased about the existence of the next generation of Windows during his [[keynote speech]]. According to Nadella, he had been self-hosting it for several months. He also teased that an official announcement would come very soon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowden |first=Zac |date=May 25, 2021 |title=Satya Nadella teases major updates coming soon to Windows during Build 2021 keynote |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/satya-nadella-teases-big-updates-coming-soon-windows-build-2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605152038/https://www.windowscentral.com/satya-nadella-teases-big-updates-coming-soon-windows-build-2021 |archive-date=June 5, 2021 |access-date=June 15, 2021 |website=[[Windows Central]]}}</ref> Just a week after Nadella's keynote, Microsoft started sending invitations for a dedicated Windows media event at 11:00 a.m. [[Eastern Time|ET]] on June{{spaces}}24, 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=June 2, 2021 |title=Microsoft to reveal its next generation of Windows on June 24 |work=[[The Verge]] |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/2/22465126/microsoft-windows-event-june-24th |url-status=live |access-date=June 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611201812/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/2/22465126/microsoft-windows-event-june-24th |archive-date=June 11, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=June 2, 2021 |title=Microsoft Windows Event – Watch the June 24 LIVE stream |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/event |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616063105/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/event |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |access-date=June 15, 2021 |website=Microsoft}}</ref> Microsoft also posted an 11-minute video of Windows start-up sounds to [[YouTube]] on June{{spaces}}10, 2021, with many people speculating both the time of the Microsoft event and the duration of the Windows start-up sound video to be a reference to the name of the operating system as Windows 11.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMr4Qm5ZWrI |title=Windows {{!}} Startup Sounds – Slo-fi Remix |date=June 10, 2021 |access-date=June 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612025743/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMr4Qm5ZWrI |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]] |work=Microsoft}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=June 10, 2021 |title=Microsoft teases new Windows 11 startup sound with 11-minute video |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/10/22528115/microsoft-windows-11-startup-sound-new-teaser-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612052130/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/10/22528115/microsoft-windows-11-startup-sound-new-teaser-video |archive-date=June 12, 2021 |access-date=June 15, 2021 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref>
On June 24, 2021, Windows 11 was officially announced at a [[virtual event]] hosted by [[Chief Product Officer]] [[Panos Panay (Microsoft)|Panos Panay]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Live blog: Microsoft's Windows 11 event |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/24/22546829/microsoft-windows-11-event-live-blog-updates-news |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624143128/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/24/22546829/microsoft-windows-11-event-live-blog-updates-news |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Novet |first1=Jordan |last2=Leswing |first2=Kif |last3=Haselton |first3=Todd |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Microsoft just unveiled Windows 11: Here's everything it announced |work=[[CNBC]] |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/24/microsoft-windows-11-event-live-updates.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624143625/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/24/microsoft-windows-11-event-live-updates.html |archive-date=June 24, 2021}}</ref> According to Nadella, Windows 11 is "a re-imagining of the operating system".<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1408104165641838593 |user=satyanadella |title=Today marks the beginning of a new generation of Windows |author-link=Satya Nadella |date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021}}</ref> Further details for developers such as updates to the [[Microsoft Store]], the new [[Windows App SDK]] (code-named "Project Reunion"), new Fluent Design guidelines, and more were discussed during another developer-focused event on the same day.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egZ82QGshX8 |title=Join us to see what's next for developers |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623221116/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egZ82QGshX8 |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gallo |first=Kevin |date=June 24, 2021 |title=What Windows 11 Means for Developers |url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsdeveloper/2021/06/24/what-windows-11-means-for-developers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624183532/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsdeveloper/2021/06/24/what-windows-11-means-for-developers/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=Windows Developer Blog}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Luke |date=June 18, 2021 |title=Microsoft Announces Windows 11 Developer Event on June 24 |url=https://winbuzzer.com/2021/06/18/microsoft-announces-windows-11-developer-event-on-june-24-xcxwbn/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618141712/https://winbuzzer.com/2021/06/18/microsoft-announces-windows-11-developer-event-on-june-24-xcxwbn/ |archive-date=June 18, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=WinBuzzer}}</ref>
=== Release and marketing ===
The Windows 11 name was accidentally released in an official Microsoft support document in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Parmar |first=Mayank |date=June 21, 2021 |title=Windows 11 confirmed in a new Microsoft support document |work=Windows Latest |url=https://www.windowslatest.com/2021/06/21/windows-11-confirmed-in-a-new-microsoft-support-document/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620230842/https://www.windowslatest.com/2021/06/21/windows-11-confirmed-in-a-new-microsoft-support-document/ |archive-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Allan |first=Darren |date=June 21, 2021 |title=Windows 11 name confirmed in fresh leak from Microsoft |work=[[Tech Radar]] |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-11-name-confirmed-in-fresh-leak-from-microsoft |url-status=live |access-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622135052/https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-11-name-confirmed-in-fresh-leak-from-microsoft |archive-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref> Leaked images of a purported beta build of Windows 11's desktop surfaced online later on June 15, 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |title=传说中的Windows11，测试版 |trans-title=The legendary Windows 11, beta version |url=https://tieba.baidu.com/p/7405731991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615155822/https://tieba.baidu.com/p/7405731991 |archive-date=June 15, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2021 |website=[[Baidu]] |language=zh}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reichert |first=Corinne |date=June 15, 2021 |title=Windows 11 screenshots leak online, report says |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/windows-11-screenshots-reportedly-leak-online/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628074634/https://www.cnet.com/news/windows-11-screenshots-reportedly-leak-online/ |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=[[CNET]]}}</ref> which were followed by a leak of the aforementioned build on the same day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mott |first=Nathaniel |date=June 17, 2021 |title=Windows 11: Everything We Know About Microsoft's Next OS |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/features/windows-11-everything-we-know |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625222755/https://www.tomshardware.com/news/windows-11-everything-you-need-to-know |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2021 |website=[[Tom's Hardware]]}}</ref> The screenshots and leaked build show an interface resembling that of the canceled Windows 10X, alongside a redesigned [[out-of-box experience]] (OOBE) and Windows 11 branding.<ref name="reviewgeek-souce code leak">{{Cite web |last=Humphries |first=Suzanne |date=June 15, 2021 |title=Windows 11 Build Leaks, Shows a New Desktop UI, Start Menu, and More |url=https://www.reviewgeek.com/88043/windows-11-build-leaks-shows-a-new-desktop-ui-start-menu-and-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616143025/https://www.reviewgeek.com/88043/windows-11-build-leaks-shows-a-new-desktop-ui-start-menu-and-more/ |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |access-date=June 15, 2021 |website=reviewgeek}}</ref> Microsoft would later confirm the authenticity of the leaked beta, with Panay stating that it was an "early weird build".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Microsoft's Panos Panay on building Windows 11 during a pandemic, Android, and the leak |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/25/22550134/microsoft-windows-11-panos-panay-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707035109/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/25/22550134/microsoft-windows-11-panos-panay-interview |archive-date=July 7, 2021 |access-date=July 5, 2021 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubino |first=Daniel |date=June 18, 2021 |title=Microsoft issues DMCA complaint against site hosting Windows 11 ISO, confirms authenticity |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-dmca-windows-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628140249/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-dmca-windows-11 |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=July 5, 2021 |website=[[Windows Central]]}}</ref>
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Though a support document listed October 4, 2021, as the initial release date,<ref name="win11-21h2-history">{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2021 |title=Windows 11, version 21H2 update history |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-11-version-21h2-update-history-a19cd327-b57f-44b9-84e0-26ced7109ba9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003075820/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-11-version-21h2-update-history-a19cd327-b57f-44b9-84e0-26ced7109ba9 |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |website=Microsoft Support}}</ref> Microsoft officially released Windows 11 on October 5, 2021,<!--at 2:00 p.m. [[Pacific Time|PT]],--><ref name="win11release" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodman |first=Aaron |date=August 31, 2021 |title=Windows 11 available on October 5 |url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/08/31/windows-11-available-on-october-5/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831130345/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/08/31/windows-11-available-on-october-5/ |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |access-date=October 6, 2021 |website=Windows Experience Blog}}</ref> as an opt-in, in-place upgrade through either the Windows 11 Installation Assistant application (which can perform the upgrade, or generate an [[ISO image]] or USB install media), or via Windows Update in a phased rollout; Microsoft anticipated that Windows 11 would be available via Windows Update to all eligible devices by mid-2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rayome |first=Alison DeNisco |date=May 24, 2022 |title=Download Windows 11 now with this workaround: How to skip the wait for Microsoft's OS |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/download-windows-11-now-with-this-workaround-how-to-skip-the-wait-for-microsofts-os/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102070112/https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/download-windows-11-now-with-this-workaround-how-to-skip-the-wait-for-microsofts-os/ |archive-date=November 2, 2021 |access-date=November 2, 2021 |website=[[CNET]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=October 4, 2021 |title=Microsoft releases Windows 11 a day early |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/4/22709166/microsoft-windows-11-release-download-available |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004201205/https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/4/22709166/microsoft-windows-11-release-download-available |archive-date=October 4, 2021 |access-date=October 4, 2021 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Foley |first=Mary Jo |date=October 4, 2021 |title=Microsoft's Windows 11: How to get it now (or later) |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-windows-11-how-to-get-it-now-or-later/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005000639/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-windows-11-how-to-get-it-now-or-later/ |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |access-date=October 5, 2021 |website=[[ZDNet]]}}</ref> New installations of Windows 10 on eligible hardware may present an option to upgrade during the OOBE.<ref>{{Cite web |title=KB5005716: Out of Box Experience update for Windows 10, version 2004, 20H2, 21H1, and 21H2: October 4, 2021 |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb5005716-out-of-box-experience-update-for-windows-10-version-2004-20h2-21h1-and-21h2-october-4-2021-4d3c3e9c-b636-49fd-9d79-3b027dfbaf8f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102070114/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb5005716-out-of-box-experience-update-for-windows-10-version-2004-20h2-21h1-and-21h2-october-4-2021-4d3c3e9c-b636-49fd-9d79-3b027dfbaf8f |archive-date=November 2, 2021 |access-date=November 2, 2021 |website=Microsoft Support}}</ref> Retail copies of Windows 11 (consisting of a [[Product key|license key]] and [[USB flash drive]]) were released on May 9, 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Donnell |first=Deirdre |date=May 9, 2022 |title=Microsoft releases physical copies of Windows 11 to retail partners |url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/Microsoft-releases-physical-copies-of-Windows-11-to-retail-partners.618394.0.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509165112/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Microsoft-releases-physical-copies-of-Windows-11-to-retail-partners.618394.0.html |archive-date=May 9, 2022 |website=NotebookCheck}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Baxter |first=Daryl |date=May 10, 2022 |title=You can now buy a physical copy of Windows 11, because, why not? |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/you-can-now-buy-a-physical-copy-of-windows-11-because-why-not |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510120731/https://www.techradar.com/news/you-can-now-buy-a-physical-copy-of-windows-11-because-why-not |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |website=[[TechRadar]] |publisher=Future plc}}</ref> and digital licenses became available via [[Microsoft Store]] on July 28, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Endicott |first=Sean |date=July 28, 2022 |title=Windows 11 digital licenses now available through Microsoft |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/windows-11-digital-licenses-now-available-through-microsoft |access-date=September 21, 2022 |website=[[Windows Central]]}}</ref> As of October 11, 2023, around two years after the release date of Windows 11, users are no longer able to use Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 keys to activate Windows 11.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2023-10-11 |title=Microsoft has closed the free Windows 11 loophole — Windows 7 keys no longer work |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/11/23913107/microsoft-windows-11-block-windows-7-8-keys-upgrade-activation |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
== Features ==
{{main|Features new to Windows 11}}
{{see also|List of features removed in Windows 11}}
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The updated [[Xbox app]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Xbox Game Pass is built into Windows 11 |url=https://www.polygon.com/22548822/windows-11-xbox-game-pass-pc-auto-hdr-directstorage |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624163435/https://www.polygon.com/22548822/windows-11-xbox-game-pass-pc-auto-hdr-directstorage |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=June 24, 2021 |title=DirectStorage on Windows 11: Next-gen gaming performance, with PC requirements |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/06/gaming-on-windows-11-directstorage-api-auto-hdr-will-require-os-update/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625203239/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/06/gaming-on-windows-11-directstorage-api-auto-hdr-will-require-os-update/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=[[Ars Technica]]}}</ref> along with the Auto [[High-dynamic-range video|HDR]] and [[DirectStorage]] technologies introduced by the [[Xbox Series X and Series S]], will be integrated into Windows 11; the latter requiring a graphics card supporting [[DirectX#DirectX 12|DirectX 12]] and an [[NVMe]] [[solid-state drive]].<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rishi Alwani |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Windows 11 Gets Xbox Series X Auto HDR, Direct Storage API, and Game Pass |url=https://in.ign.com/pc/161339/news/windows-11-gaming-features-xbox-series-x-auto-hdr-direct-storage-api-game-pass |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624154044/https://in.ign.com/pc/161339/news/windows-11-gaming-features-xbox-series-x-auto-hdr-direct-storage-api-game-pass |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>
=== User interface ===
A redesigned user interface is present frequently throughout the operating system, building upon the [[Fluent Design System]]; translucency, shadows, a new color palette, and a rounded geometry are prevalent throughout the UI. A prevalent aspect of the design is an appearance known as "Mica", described as an "opaque, dynamic material that incorporates theme and desktop wallpaper to paint the background of long-lived windows such as apps and settings".<ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=hickeys |date=June 30, 2021 |title=Mica material – Windows apps |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/design/style/mica |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005072321/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/design/style/mica |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |access-date=October 5, 2021 |website=[[Microsoft Docs]]}}</ref> Much of the interface and start menu takes heavy inspiration from the now-canceled Windows 10X.<ref name="verge-win11-leakstartmenuscreenshots3">{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=June 15, 2021 |title=Windows 11 leak reveals new UI, Start menu, and more |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/15/22535123/microsoft-windows-11-leak-screenshots-start-menu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618175206/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/15/22535123/microsoft-windows-11-leak-screenshots-start-menu |archive-date=June 18, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2021 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref> The [[Segoe UI]] font used since [[Windows Vista]] has been updated to a [[Variable font|variable]] version, improving its ability to scale between different display resolutions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=hickeys |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Typography in Windows 11 – Windows apps |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/design/signature-experiences/typography |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006085538/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/design/signature-experiences/typography |archive-date=October 6, 2021 |access-date=September 7, 2021 |website=[[Microsoft Docs]]}}</ref>
[[File:Win11 flyout.png|thumb|200x200px|The flyout for the volume and brightness control in Windows 11 version 22H2 and later]]
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{{wide image||1280px|The default taskbar of Windows 11 23H2. |100%|none}}
=== Windows Subsystem for Android ===
{{further|Project Astoria|Windows Subsystem for Linux}}
On October 21, 2021, Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) became available to Beta channel builds of Windows 11 for users in the United States,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bisson |first=Simon |date=October 21, 2021 |title=How to get started with the Windows Subsystem for Android in Windows 11 |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-get-started-with-the-windows-subsystem-for-android-in-windows-11/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103070056/https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-get-started-with-the-windows-subsystem-for-android-in-windows-11/ |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |access-date=November 3, 2021 |website=[[TechRepublic]]}}</ref> which allows users to install and run [[Android (operating system)#Applications|Android apps]] on their devices. Users can install Android apps through any source using the [[apk (file format)|APK]] file format.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woods |first=Rich |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Windows 11 will support Android apps from outside the Amazon Appstore |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/windows-11-support-installing-android-apps-amazon-appstore/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626000916/https://www.xda-developers.com/windows-11-support-installing-android-apps-amazon-appstore/ |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |website=[[XDA Developers]]}}</ref> An [[Amazon Appstore]] client for Microsoft Store is also available.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Amazon and Microsoft create new opportunities for developers and increase return on investment in the Amazon Appstore |url=https://developer.amazon.com/blogs/appstore/post/a7583854-9367-4480-99c4-15f91456558c/amazon-and-microsoft-create-new-opportunities-for-developers-and-increase-return-on-investment-in-the-amazon-appstore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624155916/https://developer.amazon.com/blogs/appstore/post/a7583854-9367-4480-99c4-15f91456558c/amazon-and-microsoft-create-new-opportunities-for-developers-and-increase-return-on-investment-in-the-amazon-appstore |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=Amazon Developer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Jordan |first1=Novet |last2=Leswing |first2=Kif |last3=Haselton |first3=Todd |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Microsoft Windows 11 will support Android apps |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/24/microsoft-windows-11-event-live-updates.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624143625/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/24/microsoft-windows-11-event-live-updates.html |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=[[CNBC]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Microsoft is bringing Android apps to Windows 11 with Amazon's Appstore |work=[[The Verge]] |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/24/22548428/microsoft-windows-11-android-apps-support-amazon-store |url-status=live |access-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624153856/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/24/22548428/microsoft-windows-11-android-apps-support-amazon-store |archive-date=June 24, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Windows 11's Intel-powered Android apps will run on AMD and Arm processors, too |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/24/22549303/windows-11-intel-bridge-android-apps-amd-arm-processors |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204301/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/24/22549303/windows-11-intel-bridge-android-apps-amd-arm-processors |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref> The Windows Subsystem for Android and Amazon Appstore became available to Release channel users in the United States on February 15, 2022, in Windows 11 Release build 22000.527.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Panay |first=Panos |author-link=Panos Panay (Microsoft) |date=February 15, 2022 |title=Bringing you closer to what you love with new experiences in Windows 11 |url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2022/02/15/bringing-you-closer-to-what-you-love-with-new-experiences-in-windows-11/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215170838/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2022/02/15/bringing-you-closer-to-what-you-love-with-new-experiences-in-windows-11/ |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |website=Windows Blogs}}</ref> On March 5, 2024, Microsoft announced deprecation of WSA with support ending on March 5, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2024-03-05 |title=Microsoft to end its Android apps on Windows 11 subsystem in 2025 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/5/24091370/microsoft-windows-11-android-apps-end-of-support |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
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WSA is based on the Intel Bridge runtime compiler; Intel stated that the technology is not dependent on its CPUs, and will also be supported on x86-64 and ARM CPUs from other vendors.<ref name=":14" />
=== Setup ===
Home and Pro (since [[Windows 11, version 22H2|version 22H2]]) edition installation requires internet connection and Microsoft account login (only if for personal use on Pro) is mandatory unless manually bypassed to create a local user.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2021 |title=Setup Windows 11 Home requires Microsoft account and internet connection |url=https://www.techwarrant.com/setup-windows-11-home-requires-microsoft-account-and-internet-connection/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghacks.net/2022/02/18/windows-11-pro-edition-will-require-microsoft-account-for-future-installs/|title=Windows 11 Pro users will force users to login to their Microsoft account during the set up process - gHacks Tech News|date=February 18, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Microsoft Account and Internet Connection Mandatory for Windows 11 Home Setup |url=https://www.techpowerup.com/283760/microsoft-account-and-internet-connection-mandatory-for-windows-11-home-setup}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-set-up-windows-10-with-a-local-account|title=Microsoft Local Account: Set It Up in Windows 10 and Windows 11|website=[[PCMAG]]}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Humphries |first=Matthew |date=February 18, 2022 |title=Installing Windows 11 Pro to Require Internet Connection, Microsoft Account |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/installing-windows-11-pro-to-require-internet-connection-microsoft-account |access-date= |website=PC Magazine}}</ref> However, Microsoft has since blocked one of the last remaining easy bypass methods that allowed local account creation during initial setup, complicating the bypass process further.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morales |first=Jowi |date=June 3, 2024 |title=Door slammed on last remaining easy Windows 11 local account setup workaround |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/door-slammed-on-last-remaining-easy-windows-11-local-account-setup-workaround |access-date=June 8, 2024 |website=[[Tom's Hardware]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pippig |first=Laura |date=June 3, 2024 |title=Microsoft blocks Windows 11 workaround that enabled local accounts |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2354686/microsoft-blocks-windows-11-workaround-local-accounts.html |access-date=June 8, 2024 |website=[[PCWorld]]}}</ref> All other editions are excluded from this requirement.<ref name=":1"/><ref name=11_IoT_req>{{Cite web|date=May 22, 2024 |title=Minimum System Requirements for Windows IoT Enterprise|url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/iot/iot-enterprise/Hardware/System_Requirements?tabs=Windows11|access-date=June 7, 2024 |website=[[Microsoft Learn]]}}</ref>
=== System security ===
As part of the minimum system requirements, Windows 11 only runs on devices with a [[Trusted Platform Module]] 2.0 security coprocessor,<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /> albeit with some exceptions, see {{section link||System requirements}} for details. According to Microsoft, the TPM 2.0 coprocessor is a "critical building block" for protection against [[firmware]] and hardware attacks. In addition, Microsoft now requires devices with Windows 11 to include virtualization-based security (VBS), hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI), and [[Unified Extensible Firmware Interface#Secure Boot|Secure Boot]] built-in and enabled by default.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Weston |first=David |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Windows 11 enables security by design from the chip to the cloud |url=https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/06/25/windows-11-enables-security-by-design-from-the-chip-to-the-cloud/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626053707/https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/06/25/windows-11-enables-security-by-design-from-the-chip-to-the-cloud/ |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |website=Microsoft Security Blog}}</ref> The operating system also features hardware-enforced stack protection for supported Intel and AMD processors for protection against [[zero-day exploit]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abrams |first=Lawrence |date=April 25, 2023 |title=How to enable Kernel-mode Hardware-enforced Stack Protection in Windows 11 |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-enable-kernel-mode-hardware-enforced-stack-protection-in-windows-11/ |access-date=May 28, 2023 |website=BleepingComputer}}</ref>
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The remaining 67 LIP languages that are LXP-based will move to a self-service model, and can only be added by Windows users themselves via the Microsoft Store and Windows Settings apps, not during the Windows imaging process. Any user, not just admins, can now add both the display language and its features, which can help users in business environments, but these exact options for languages (both LP and LIP) still depend on the OEM and mobile operator.
== Updates and support ==
Like Windows 10, Windows 11 follows Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy. Each annual feature update has its own support lifecycle: two years for the Home and Pro editions, and three years for the Education and Enterprise editions. Microsoft has stated that Windows 11 provides no lifecycle guarantee if it has been installed on a machine that does not meet its minimum hardware requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bott |first=Ed |date=December 19, 2022 |title=When will Microsoft end support for your version of Windows or Office? |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/when-will-microsoft-pull-the-plug-on-your-version-of-windows-or-office/ |access-date=March 29, 2023 |website=ZDNet}}</ref>
Windows 11 receives annual major updates, though Microsoft sometimes adds major features in mid-cycle releases. Starting in 2022, in the Enterprise and Education editions, major features added in yearly releases will be turned off by default until the next yearly release, though these features can be manually enabled as a [[Group Policy|group policy]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Andrew |date=September 20, 2022 |title=Microsoft commits to updating Windows 11 once per year, and also all the time |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/09/microsoft-commits-to-updating-windows-11-once-per-year-and-also-all-the-time/ |access-date=May 26, 2023 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>
=== Versions ===
{{main|Windows 11 version history}}The [[Windows Insider]] program carries over from Windows 10, with pre-release builds divided into "Dev" (unstable builds used to test features for future feature updates), "Beta" (test builds for the next feature update; relatively stable in comparison to Dev channel), and "Release Preview" (pre-release builds for final testing of upcoming feature updates) channels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gralla |first=Preston |date=October 29, 2021 |title=Windows 11 Insider Previews: What's in the latest build? |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3623370/windows-11-insider-previews-whats-in-latest-build.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103070054/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3623370/windows-11-insider-previews-whats-in-latest-build.html |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |access-date=November 3, 2021 |website=[[Computerworld]]}}</ref>
{{Windows 11 versions}}
== System requirements ==
{|class="wikitable floatright" style="text-align:center;max-width:535px;font-size:90%;margin-left:1.5em"
|+Hardware requirements for Windows 11<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=June 2021 |title=Windows 11: Minimum Hardware Requirements |url=https://download.microsoft.com/download/7/8/8/788bf5ab-0751-4928-a22c-dffdc23c27f2/Minimum%20Hardware%20Requirements%20for%20Windows%2011.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195007/https://download.microsoft.com/download/7/8/8/788bf5ab-0751-4928-a22c-dffdc23c27f2/Minimum%20Hardware%20Requirements%20for%20Windows%2011.pdf |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=Microsoft}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Compatibility for Windows 11 - Compatibility Cookbook |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/windows-11/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624213011/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/windows-11/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=[[Microsoft Docs]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2023 |title=Windows 11 System Requirements - Minimum and Recommended |url=https://nexttechblog.com/os/windows-11-system-requirements-minimum-and-recommended/ |access-date=February 28, 2023 |website=Next Tech Blog}}</ref><br /> (Excludes [[Windows IoT Enterprise|IoT Enterprise]] [[Windows 11, version 24H2|version 24H2]] editions)
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|}
=== Platform ===
The basic [[system requirements]] of Windows 11 differ significantly from Windows 10. Windows 11 only supports [[64-bit computing|64-bit]] systems such as those using an [[x86-64]] or [[AArch64|ARM64]] processor; [[IA-32]] and [[ARM32]] processors are no longer supported.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Abrams |first=Lawrence |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Windows 11 won't work without a TPM – What you need to know |work=[[BleepingComputer]] |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-11-wont-work-without-a-tpm-what-you-need-to-know/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625193452/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-11-wont-work-without-a-tpm-what-you-need-to-know/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021}}</ref> Thus, Windows 11 is the first consumer version of Windows not to support 32-bit processors (although [[Windows Server 2008 R2]] is the first version of [[Windows Server]] to not support them).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hruska |first=Joel |date=May 18, 2007 |title=Windows Server 2008 declared 32-bit's last hurrah |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2007/05/windows-vista-declared-32-bits-last-hurrah/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824184954/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2007/05/windows-vista-declared-32-bits-last-hurrah/ |archive-date=August 24, 2021 |access-date=August 24, 2021 |website=[[Ars Technica]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Perlow |first=Jason |date=April 30, 2009 |title=Make no bones about it: Server 2008 R2 is really Windows Server 7 |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/make-no-bones-about-it-server-2008-r2-is-really-windows-server-7/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930193328/https://www.zdnet.com/article/make-no-bones-about-it-server-2008-r2-is-really-windows-server-7/ |archive-date=September 30, 2021 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |website=[[ZDNet]]}}</ref> The minimum RAM and storage requirements were also increased; Windows 11 now requires at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=October 5, 2021 |title=Want Windows 11? Your PC better have these specs |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/394763/windows-11-system-hardware-requirements.html |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=[[PCWorld]]}}</ref> [[Windows 10 editions#S|S mode]] is only supported for the Home edition of Windows 11.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows 11 requirements – What's new in Windows |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624161307/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=[[Microsoft Docs]]}}</ref>
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On May 20, 2024, Microsoft announced "Copilot Plus"—a brand of Windows 11 PCs that will support enhanced artificial intelligence features. Copilot Plus PCs require an on-board [[AI accelerator]], at least 256 GB of storage, and at least 16 GB of RAM. Copilot Plus will initially be exclusive to ARM-based systems running the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite system-on-chip. x86-64-based Copilot Plus PCs will be released in the future.<ref name=":17" /><ref name=":18" />
=== Firmware compatibility ===
Legacy [[BIOS]] is no longer supported; a [[UEFI]] system and a [[Trusted Platform Module]] (TPM) 2.0 security coprocessor is now required.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Microsoft Unveils Windows 11 |url=https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-11/252299/microsoft-unveils-windows-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205902/https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-11/252299/microsoft-unveils-windows-11 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=Thurrott.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hanson |first=Matt |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Windows 11 system requirements are bad news for old laptops and PCs |work=[[TechRadar]] |url=https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/windows-11-system-requirements-are-bad-news-for-old-laptops-and-pcs |url-status=live |access-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625222754/https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/windows-11-system-requirements-are-bad-news-for-old-laptops-and-pcs |archive-date=June 25, 2021}}</ref> The TPM requirement in particular has led to confusion as many motherboards do not have TPM support, or require a compatible TPM to be physically installed onto the motherboard. Many newer CPUs also include a TPM implemented at the CPU level (with AMD referring to this as "fTPM", and Intel referring to it as "Platform Trust Technology" [PTT]),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Andrew |date=October 6, 2021 |title=How to upgrade to Windows 11, whether your PC is supported or not |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/10/how-to-upgrade-to-windows-11-whether-your-pc-is-supported-or-not/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006184312/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/10/how-to-upgrade-to-windows-11-whether-your-pc-is-supported-or-not/ |archive-date=October 6, 2021 |access-date=October 6, 2021 |website=[[Ars Technica]]}}</ref> which might be disabled by default and require changing settings in the computer's UEFI firmware,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Chris |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Windows 11 update: TPM 2.0 and PC Health Check confusion |url=https://www.slashgear.com/windows-11-tpm-2-0-update-system-requirement-confusion-24679866/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203318/https://www.slashgear.com/windows-11-tpm-2-0-update-system-requirement-confusion-24679866/ |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=SlashGear}}</ref> or a UEFI firmware update that changes the default settings to reflect these requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=August 5, 2021 |title=Asus releases Windows 11-ready BIOS updates with automatic TPM support |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/5/22610869/asus-windows-11-bios-updates-download-tpm-support |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006225532/https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/5/22610869/asus-windows-11-bios-updates-download-tpm-support |archive-date=October 6, 2021 |access-date=October 6, 2021 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref>
Starting with version 24H2, [[Windows IoT Enterprise|IoT Enterprise]] editions have officially reintroduced legacy BIOS support and eliminated the requirement for a TPM.<ref name=11_IoT_req/>
=== Third-party software ===
Some third-party software may refuse to run on configurations of Windows 11 that do not comply with the hardware security requirement. After the release of Windows 11, [[Riot Games]]' kernel-level [[Cheating in online games|anti-cheat]] system Vanguard—used in ''[[Valorant]]'' and since May 2024 by ''[[League of Legends]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=2024-05-03 |title='We have not confirmed any instance of Vanguard bricking anyone's hardware' following its League of Legends rollout, Riot says, but there are definitely problems for some players |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/moba/we-have-not-confirmed-any-instance-of-vanguard-bricking-anyones-hardware-following-its-league-of-legends-rollout-riot-says-but-there-are-definitely-problems-for-some-players/ |access-date=2024-05-20 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref>''—began to enforce the operating system security requirements, and will not allow the games to be run on the OS if secure boot and a TPM 2.0-compliant coprocessor are not enabled.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stanton |first=Rich |date=September 7, 2021 |title=Valorant leads the charge enforcing Windows TPM to perma-ban cheaters' hardware on |work=[[PC Gamer]] |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/valorant-leads-the-charge-on-enforcing-windows-tpm-to-perma-ban-cheaters-hardware/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118164913/https://www.pcgamer.com/valorant-leads-the-charge-on-enforcing-windows-tpm-to-perma-ban-cheaters-hardware/ |archive-date=November 18, 2021}}</ref>
=== IoT Enterprise editions ===
{|class="wikitable floatright" style="text-align:center;max-width:535px;font-size:90%;margin-left:1.5em"
|+Hardware requirements for Windows 11 [[Windows IoT Enterprise|IoT Enterprise]] [[Windows 11, version 24H2|version 24H2]] editions<ref name=11_IoT_req/><ref name=IoT2 />
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For the first time since Windows 11 release, Microsoft has officially eliminated a [[Trusted Platform Module|TPM]] and [[UEFI]] minimum requirement for all systems running these editions and dropped the minimum [[DirectX]] version down to 10 (version 12 was previously required on [[Windows 11, version 23H2|23H2]]). Finally, the IoT Enterprise LTSC edition further drops the minimum required RAM to 2 GB and storage space to 16 GB.<ref name=11_IoT_req /><ref name=IoT2 />{{clear|right}}
== Reception ==
=== Pre-release ===
Reception of Windows 11 upon its reveal was positive, with critics praising the new design and productivity features.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hardawar |first=Devindra |date=June 29, 2021 |title=Windows 11 hands-on: A cleaner OS to keep you productive |url=https://www.engadget.com/windows-11-hands-on-microsoft-insider-preview-215041175.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701045817/https://www.engadget.com/windows-11-hands-on-microsoft-insider-preview-215041175.html |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=July 3, 2021 |website=[[Engadget]]}}</ref> However, Microsoft was criticized for creating confusion over the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bott |first=Ed |author-link=Ed Bott |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Will your PC run Windows 11? Even Microsoft can't say for sure |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/will-your-pc-run-windows-11-even-microsoft-cant-say-for-sure/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701062140/https://www.zdnet.com/article/will-your-pc-run-windows-11-even-microsoft-cant-say-for-sure/ |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |website=[[ZDNet]]}}</ref> The increased system requirements (compared to those of Windows 10) initially published by Microsoft meant that up to 60 percent of existing Windows 10 PCs were unable to upgrade to Windows 11,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kingsley-Hughes |first=Adrian |date=July 1, 2021 |title=Windows 11 chaos, and how copying Apple could have helped Microsoft avoid it |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-chaos-and-how-copying-apple-could-have-helped-microsoft-avoid-it/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701150223/https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-chaos-and-how-copying-apple-could-have-helped-microsoft-avoid-it/ |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2021 |website=[[ZDNet]]}}</ref> which has faced concerns that this will contribute to [[electronic waste]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=June 29, 2021 |title=Windows 11 Will Leave Millions of PCs Behind, And Microsoft is Struggling to Explain Why |url=https://theverge.com/2021/6/29/22555371/microsoft-windows-11-cpu-support-hardware-requirements-tpm-response |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713100735/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/29/22555371/microsoft-windows-11-cpu-support-hardware-requirements-tpm-response |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |access-date=July 17, 2021 |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref>
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Research Vice President of [[Gartner]] Stephen Kleynhans felt that Microsoft was "looking at the entire stack from the hardware up through the applications and the user experience and trying to make the entire stack work better and more securely.<ref name=":13" />
=== Launch ===
Andrew Cunningham of ''[[Ars Technica]]'' praised the improvements to its visual design (describing the new "Mica" appearance as reminiscent of the visual appearance of [[iOS]] and [[macOS]], and arguing that Microsoft had "[made] a serious effort" at making the user-facing aspects of Windows 11 more consistent visually. He also praised window management, performance (assessed as being equivalent to if not better than Windows 10), other "beneficial tweaks", and its system requirements having brought greater public attention to hardware security features present on modern PCs. Criticism was raised towards Widgets' lack of support for third-party content, thus limiting it to Microsoft services only, regressions in taskbar functionality and customization. Also noting the inability to easily select default applications for common tasks such as web browsing, as it requires the user to select the browser application for each [[File format|file type]] individually, and Microsoft's unclear justification for its processor compatibility criteria. Cunningham concluded that "as I've dug into [Windows 11] and learned its ins and outs for this review, I've warmed to it more", but argued that the OS was facing similar "public perception" issues to [[Windows Vista]] and [[Windows 8]]. However, he noted that 11 did not have as many performance issues or bugs as Vista had upon its release, nor was as "disjointed" as 8, and recommended that users who were unsure about the upgrade should stay on Windows 10 in anticipation of future updates to 11.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Andrew |date=October 4, 2021 |title=Windows 11: The Ars Technica review |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/10/windows-11-the-ars-technica-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005012526/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/10/windows-11-the-ars-technica-review/ |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |access-date=October 5, 2021 |website=[[Ars Technica]]}}</ref>
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Mark Hatchman of ''[[PC World]]'' was more critical of Windows 11, arguing that it "sacrifices productivity for personality, but without cohesion", commenting upon changes such as the inability to use local "offline" accounts on Windows 11 Home, regressions to the [[taskbar]], a "functionally worse" [[start menu]], [[Microsoft Teams]] integration having privacy implications and being a ploy to coerce users into switching to the service, [[File Explorer]] obscuring common functions under unclear icons, forcing users to scroll through many options to discourage changing the default web browser from Microsoft Edge, and that the OS "anecdotally feels less responsive, slower, and heavier than Windows 10". He concluded that Windows 11 "feels practical and productive, but less so than its predecessor in many aspects", while its best features were either "hidden deeper within", required specific hardware (DirectStorage, Auto HDR) or were not available on launch (Android app support).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=October 4, 2021 |title=Windows 11 review: An unnecessary replacement for Windows 10 |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/539183/windows-11-review-an-unnecessary-replacement-for-windows-10.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005002142/https://www.pcworld.com/article/539183/windows-11-review-an-unnecessary-replacement-for-windows-10.html |archive-date=October 5, 2021 |access-date=October 5, 2021 |website=[[PCWorld]]}}</ref>
== See also ==
*[[List of operating systems]]
*[[Microsoft Windows]]
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
*{{Official website}}
*[https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/windows11-release-information Windows 11 release information] from Microsoft
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