Windows 11 cheat sheet: Everything you need to understand

Microsoft Windows 11 Image: Microsoft Must-read Windows protection Microsoft made its most recent os, Windows 11, publicly offered on October 5, 2021– a little over six years after Windows 10 debuted. Windows 11 offers several updates and brand-new functions, including a simpler design intended to increase efficiency, ease of usage and imagination, methods to link to individuals quicker, much better PC gaming experiences, faster ways to get information you require, an all-new Microsoft Shop, and a more open community that opens brand-new chances for designers and other creators.

This Microsoft Windows 11 cheat sheet information the os’s main features, lists system requirements for the OS, explains how and when to get it and more. (Download the totally free PDF version of this Windows 11 cheat sheet.) We’ll upgrade this Windows 11 guide when new details is released.

SEE: Windows 11: Tips on setup, security and more (totally free PDF) (TechRepublic)

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What is Windows 11?

Windows 11 is Microsoft’s newest significant release of its os and the follower to Windows 10. The OS features a brand new streamlined, yet updated, user interface and was created to inspire productivity and creativity.

Windows 11 released

Since October 5, 2021, Microsoft Windows 11 is available as a general release to the public. Presuming your computer meets the prerequisite requirements including installation of Windows 10 1909 or later, you can upgrade to Windows 11 by navigating to the Update & Security settings screen.

Users might likewise benefit from the Windows 11 Installation Assistant to bypass the Windows 10 Update & Security screen and upgrade to Windows 11 directly.

While theMarch 2022 Windows 11 Spotis not classified as a “feature upgrade” to the operating system by Microsoft (a full function upgrade is arranged for late 2022), the spot does contain a few unannounced new functions. For instance, if you run Windows 11 with Widgets switched on, you will notice a brand-new icon in the lower left corner of the desktop that supplies a summary of your regional weather conditions. Microsoft has actually also updated Note pad and rebranded the Groove media gamer.

SEE: Windows 11 cheat sheet: Whatever you require to know (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

In September 2020, Microsoft started presenting a new Windows 11 upgrade to qualified computers. Called Windows 11 22H2, this very first major upgrade added new functions, applications and security procedures to the os, consisting of hypervisor-protected code integrity security, sync status of OneDrive showed in File Explorer, Windows Studio Impacts, and improving modifications for future Windows 11 updates and spots.

Pre-release updates of Windows 11

As of July 29, 2021, a sneak peek variation of Windows 11 was readily available for evaluation to members of the Windows Expert Beta Channel; prior to that date, sneak peek variations of Windows 11 were just available to members of the Dev Channel. So, to set up Windows 11 Version 22000.100 or much better on a valid Windows 10 PC, activate the Windows Expert Beta Channel on the Update & Security Settings screen in Windows 10 and after that click the Look for Updates button.

SEE: How to install Windows 11 on a virtual device (TechRepublic)

As of August 23, 2021, Microsoft has launched an ISO file for the Windows 11 Insiders Sneak peek; formerly, your only option was to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 through Microsoft’s Windows Expert program. To download the Windows 11 ISO file, navigate to the Windows Expert Preview Downloads page and check in with your account.

SEE: How to install Windows 11 from Microsoft’s ISO file (TechRepublic)

What is the Windows 11 variation timeline?

Version 21H2

The original version of Windows 11 was launched to the general public in October 2021. This variation, also referred to as variation 21H2 and codenamed “Sun Valley,” was offered as a sneak peek build to Windows Experts in the development channel in June 2021. Throughout its roughly one year of existence, Windows 11 version 21H2 was upgraded and patched over two lots times.

Variation 22H2

The Windows 11 2022 Update, frequently referred to as 22H2 and codenamed “Sun Valley 2,” was the very first significant upgrade to Windows 11. The very first preview of version of Windows 11 22H2 was released to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel on September 2, 2021. The upgrade began rolling out to the general public on September 20, 2022.

The Windows 11 2022 Update included numerous function updates, improvements and improvements. Considering that its release, Windows 11 22H2 has actually been patched and updated various times. The Windows 11 2022 Update is the most present variation of the Microsoft os.

SEE: Windows 11 22H2: Enterprise features you require to know (TechRepublic)

What new functions included Windows 11?

In Windows 11, the newly focused Start button uses the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show recent files, no matter what platform or device they were being seen on formerly, consisting of an Android or iOS device.

A new set of functions to Microsoft Windows 11 will be the introduction of Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops. These offer a “powerful method to multitask and remain on top of what you require to get done,” according to the Microsoft’s press release. With these Windows 11 functions, users can organize windows and optimize screen realty for a cleaner visual layout. Users can develop and personalize different Desktops for each part of their life– like one for work and one for personal usage.

The new Windows 11 Desktops function. Image: Microsoft In Windows 11, Microsoft is integrating Chat from Microsoft Teams into the taskbar so users can immediately link through text, chat, voice or video with individual contacts no matter which platform or device is being utilized throughout Microsoft Windows, Android or iOS. Through Microsoft Teams, users can now quickly mute and unmute or start a discussion directly from the taskbar in the brand-new OS. SEE: Windows progresses: Windows 11, and the future of Windows 10(TechRepublic)For gamers, Windows 11″ unlocks the complete capacity of your system’s hardware, putting a few of the current video gaming technology to work for

can open their Windows 11 desktop to see a similarly curated view. Widgets offers new opportunities within Windows 11 to provide individualized material for developers and publishers. The new Widgets include in Windows 11. Image: Microsoft The Microsoft Shop is getting a major overhaul– users will have one safe place for apps and content to enjoy, produce, play, work and find out. According to

Microsoft, the Store “has actually been restored for speed and with an all-new style that is gorgeous and simple to use. Not only will we bring you more apps than ever before, we’re also making all content– apps, video games, shows, motion pictures– simpler to search for and find with curated stories and collections. “Soon, leading first- and third-party apps such as Microsoft Teams, Visual Studio, Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom and Canva will be readily available in the Microsoft Shop. Being available in late 2021 for Windows 11: Android apps on Windows. Through its partnership with Amazon and Intel, and for the very first time ever, the Microsoft Store will permit users to discover Android apps, which can be downloaded through the Amazon Appstore. Microsoft is allowing developers and independent software vendors to bring apps to the Microsoft Shop, no matter what app structure is used to create them. SEE: How to get the preview variation of Windows 11(TechRepublic )What new functions come with Windows 11 22H2? The very first significant content patch known as Windows 11 22H2

added a number of new functions and applications to the operating system. For business users, Windows 11 22H2 enhanced File Explore functionality

to integrate OneDrive status, which improves group partnership and cooperation. The update also included a new feature called Windows Studio Effects which will enhance virtual meetings with AI-powered processing efficiency. At the user level, Windows 11 22H2 added new quality-of-life features like voice triggered navigation, Start Menu function enhancements, additional customization themes and the Clipchamp app. Windows 11 22H2 likewise included new live captioning features for immediately transcribing virtual meetings. What do designers need to know about Windows 11? Windows 11 features the brand-new PWABuilder3, so developers can develop a PWA from their web app in minutes. WebView2 runtime is consisted of with Windows 11, which makes it easier to benefit from its web platform as a protected method to build hybrid web apps. Offerings like Windows Terminal and the new Microsoft Edge DevTools can still be used, as they are now included in Windows 11. PWA Shortcuts integrated with Windows 11. Image: Microsoft The Windows App SDK(previously known as Task Reunion)will make it easier to incorporate Windows 11 functions into apps, however it still enables developers to reach more than a billion users on Windows 10. The Windows App SDK 1.0 is set to be launched later this year. Developers can build apps that run natively on Windows on ARM with the new ARM64 Emulation Compatible ABI. Using the ARM64EC

, native ARM and replicated x64 code can be mixed in the very same procedure or module. This interoperability suggests designers can optimize apps to run on Windows on ARM– even if the app has x64 reliances or loads x64 plugins they don’t control. SEE: Developers: The Windows 11 platform is back(TechRepublic)To renew app

designs, designers can use WinUI3 in Windows 11, which offers integrated UI

updates such as rounded geometry, refreshed iconography, brand-new typography, fun micro-interactions (such as Lottie animation) and revitalized color combination. The Snap layouts function will assists with optimum productivity in Windows 11. Reunion Windowing enables designers to quickly handle and create app windows. The function works with existing app codes, streamlines common operations and brings new functionality to desktop apps like Light-Dismiss Behavior, Picture-In-Picture mode and simpler titlebar modification. Along with the major modifications to the Microsoft Store, Microsoft is taking steps to unlock greater financial opportunity for creators and developers. Microsoft prepares to enable developers and independent software application suppliers to bring their apps no matter whether they’re built as a Win32, Progressive Web App, Universal Windows App or any other app framework. This will enable designers to reach and engage a bigger audience. The earnings share policies will be changing, too, according to Microsoft. App developers can now bring their own commerce into the Microsoft Store

and keep 100%of the profits– Microsoft takes absolutely nothing. Developers can still use Microsoft’s commerce with competitive profits share of 85/15. What are the system requirements for Windows 11? Processor: 1 gigahertz(GHz )or quicker with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip( SoC)RAM: 4 GB Storage: 64 GB or bigger

storage device System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable Graphics card: Suitable with DirectX 12 or later on with WDDM 2.0 motorist Display: High-definition (720p)display that is higher than 9 ″ diagonally, 8 bits per color channel Web connection: Windows 11 Home edition requires web connectivity and a Microsoft

account to complete gadget setup on very first use. Switching a gadget out of Windows 11 Home in S mode requires web connectivity. SEE: How to inform if your PC can run Windows 11 (TechRepublic)What are feature-specific requirements for Windows 11? Some functions in Windows 11 have actually increased requirements beyond those listed above. Here are extra details concerning requirements for crucial features per Microsoft. 5G assistance: Requires a 5G-capable modem.

Auto HDR: Requires an HDR monitor. BitLocker to Go: Requires a USB flash drive (offered in Windows Pro and above editions ). Client Hyper-V: Needs a processor with 2nd level address translation(SLAT)capabilities (available in Windows Pro and above editions). Cortana: Requires a microphone and speaker and is presently available on Windows 11 for Australia

utilize the Standard NVM Express

or higher in width. Mute/Unmute from Taskbar: Needs video camera, microphone and speaker (audio output). App needs to be compatible with function to allow international mute/unmute. Spatial Noise: Requires supporting software and hardware. Teams: Requires camera, microphone and speaker(audio output)

. Touch: Requires

a screen or monitor that supports multi-touch. Two-factor authentication: Requires use of PIN, biometric (fingerprint reader or illuminated infrared electronic camera)or a phone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities. Voice Typing: Requires a PC with a microphone. Wake on Voice: Needs Modern Standby power design and microphone. Wi-Fi 6E: Requires new WLAN IHV

hardware and chauffeur and a Wi-Fi 6E capable AP/router. Windows Hello: Requires an electronic camera configured for near infrared(IR )imaging or finger print reader for biometric authentication. Gadgets without biometric sensors can utilize Windows Hey there with a PIN

or portable Microsoft suitable security secret. Windows Projection: Requires a screen adapter that supports Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM)2.0 and a Wi-Fi adapter that supports Wi-Fi Direct. SEE: Windows

11: Understanding the system requirements and the security advantages(TechRepublic) Is Windows 11 complimentary? Windows 11 is offered through a totally free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs since October 5, 2021. To see if your Windows 10 PC is qualified

for the totally free upgrade to Windows 11, download the PC Medical examination app. Microsoft said it is dealing with its retail partners to”make certain [the] Windows 10 PCs you purchase today are ready for the upgrade to Windows 11.”Train your group and become a Windows 11 power user with these resources in TechRepublic Academy: Is Windows 11 worth it? According to Microsoft’s present support strategy, Windows 10 will lose support for future feature and security updates on October 14, 2025. After that date, any business, despite size, will sustain a significant threat of liability for utilizing

Windows 10. With that in mind, upgrading to Windows

11 is obviously necessary and totally worth the time and effort.

Windows 11 is created to make the most of the latest in both hardware and software security protocols, something Windows 10 is unable to do. These security measures help the os fend off various cyberattacks and malware consisting of software infections and ransomware. Due to the fact that Windows 11 is a free upgrade to Windows 10, for most services and individuals there is little factor not to

update. SEE: How to find and set up the brand-new Windows 11 22H2 update (TechRepublic)Source