Microsoft announced Windows 11 on June 24, 2021, with a redesigned Start menu, new window-management tools and plans for Android apps. It offered the upgrade at no charge to eligible Windows 10 PCs.
A redesigned Start menu
The Start button and pinned taskbar icons are centered by default, with an option to align them to the left. Pinned apps and recent documents replace the Live Tiles layout. Rounded corners give the interface a different appearance.
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Snap Layouts offers arrangements for open windows, while Snap Groups helps you return to a set of apps. These tools can reduce the time spent moving windows around when working across several documents or displays.
Teams and Widgets
Microsoft plans to integrate Chat from Microsoft Teams into the taskbar. Widgets will provide a separate panel for information such as news and weather.
What happened to Android apps on Windows 11?
Microsoft later brought selected Android apps to Windows 11 through the Windows Subsystem for Android and Amazon Appstore. Microsoft says both became unavailable in the Microsoft Store on March 5, 2025.
Smaller updates
Microsoft says Windows 11 updates will be 40 percent smaller. Download size is separate from installation time, which also depends on the update and the computer.
Gaming and upgrade requirements
Auto HDR and DirectStorage are among the announced gaming features. Their benefits depend on compatible hardware and supported games. Check the Windows 11 system requirements before planning an upgrade.
When Windows 11 launched
Windows 11 began rolling out on October 5, 2021. Microsoft detailed the design and new features in its original Windows 11 announcement.
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