Microsoft have been teasing the “future of Windows” for a long time now and thanks to screenshots from Chinese site Baidu, we have our first look at the new version of Windows. The entire Windows 11 OS has now leaked online, complete with a new user interface, start menu and a lot more.
The Windows 11 UI and Start menu look really similar to what was found in Windows 10X. Windows 10X was the OS that Microsoft were building to better accommodate dual screen devices but that was cancelled in favour of Windows 11. The biggest changes that you will see can be found along the taskbar which now looks a lot cleaner. Microsoft have moved the app icons to the centre and have included a new Start button and menu.
The new Start menu looks like a simplified version of the one in Windows 10, minus the Live Tiles. It now includes pinned apps, recent files and the ability to quickly shut down or restart Windows 11 devices. There is also an option to move all the app icons and Start menu back to the left side if you do not want them centred.
Windows 11 also features a lot more rounded corners in the overall design. These are mainly visible in the context menus, the File Explorer and around certain apps. The Start menu also features a lot more rounded corners. It is important to note that this is an extremely early version of Windows 11 so not everything is included just yet. Because of this, the widgets are not fully loading but they are designed to slide out and provide quick access to certain content.
It is clear that Microsoft are using certain parts of their Windows 10X operating system in Windows 11. The new version of Windows also features new snap controls that helps you quickly snap windows side by side or arrange them in sections on your desktop. This can be early accessed from the maximise button.
In terms of the Windows Store, it does not seem to have any updates. This could be because all the Windows 11 features are not included in this early leak or it could be that Microsoft are not updating the UI of the store. This however seems unlikely as Microsoft have been working on a new store for Windows with CEO Satya Nadella saying that Microsoft are looking to “unlock greater economic opportunity for developers and creators” with Windows, and that will likely come in the form of a new store.”
Other small features include a new startup sound at every boot. Microsoft has been dropping hints that they are going to launch Windows 11 and even have an event slated for the 24th of June. Microsoft execs have also been teasing a “next generation of Windows” announcement for months, and this leak now confirms that Windows 11 will be officially revealed later this month.
