Microsoft Windows 11 officially (almost) here

The new OS will be available for download - for free - by the end of the year

Tech giant Microsoft has finally officially announced the next generation version of its Windows operating system, innovatively known as Windows 11, after a six year wait.

Microsoft unveiled the new version was in a virtual event on Thursday.

Windows 11 has many cosmetic changes from Windows 10, such as a redesigned Start button, revamped task bar and sounds, and a variety of features designed to enhance efficiency and speed.

Icons are positioned in the centre of the taskbar, lending the new OS a macOS-like feel.

Microsoft has also worked on widgets. Windows 11 features brand new widgets that providing details like weather, news, updates, time and more. For publishers and creators, Widgets also opens new real estate within Windows to offer personalised content.

With the Snap Groups feature, users can collate several apps into a single group. The feature is accessible directly from the taskbar and is intended to help users in task switching.

Another 'snapping' feature, Snap Layout, is designed for multitasking. It will enable users to run multiple windows simultaneously on the same screen.

The App Store has also received a major update. Microsoft says the App Store now supports Android apps. Through a partnership with Amazon, users will be able to discover Android apps in the Microsoft store and download them via the Amazon store. The company worked with Intel, using its Intel Bridge technology, to achieve this.

In another Store announcement, Microsoft is attempting to widen the app selection by making it easier for developers to write programmes. Developers will be able to publish any kind of app on the new App Store, regardless of framework and packaging technology - such as Win32, .NET, UWP, Xamarin, Electron, React Native, Java and Progressive Web Apps.

During the Windows 11 launch event, Microsoft confirmed rumours that its collaboration platform, Teams, will be built into the core of Windows 11. The company says this will enable users to connect more easily with personal and work contacts, and help them launch chats and calls with a single touch or click.

Windows 11 will be available on new desktops, laptops and other devices by the end of the year. All Windows 10 users will be able to download the OS for free, as long as they have a minimum of a dual-core 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of free storage space.

They will also need UEFI, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, Secure Boot capable firmware, and a graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 or later.

Microsoft promises 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions, and 36 months for Enterprise and Education. Like home users, businesses on Windows 10 Enterprise (version 1909 or higher) or Windows 10 Pro (version 20H1 or higher) will be able to move to Windows 11 for free.

Once available, users will be able to download Windows 11 the same way they do with Windows update (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and then Check for Updates).

Windows 11 Home edition will require a Microsoft account and internet connectivity to complete device setup on first use.