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Windows has long been the center of the PC business, and it is impossible to imagine a world without it. Despite the ups and downs, Windows 10 has always been a relatively stable version. Now with the advent of Windows 11, the risk is not too high. Considering that the major Windows versions rarely appear, in any case, this is a crucial version.
You can also take a look: We can expect 5 major changes in Windows 11
With beta access now open, we decided to try Windows 11. Although it is still in its early stages, it is solid enough for my early impressions. Windows 11 will be released as an upgraded version at the end of 2021.Let’s get to know Android AuthorityEarly Bird Review of Windows 11 Beta!
About this Windows 11 review: I tested multiple Windows 11 beta versions in 28 days, including versions 10.0.22000.100, 10.0.22000.120, and 10.0.22000.132. I use it on an Asus TUF Gaming A17 laptop equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 4600H CPU. These versions are installed through the Windows Insider Program.
What you need to know about Windows 11 beta
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Windows 11 is the upcoming major version of Microsoft Windows. It is currently in beta through the Windows Insider Program. Microsoft has released the beta version on the development channel since June 28, and the beta version since July 29. It announced a release window for the final version of this upgrade in late 2021, but the exact date has not yet been determined.
Microsoft offers Windows 11 as a free upgrade, but Eligibility criteria The setting is higher than the Windows 10 upgrade, in which TPM 2.0 is set as one of the requirements. Windows 11 hopes to bring a lot of visual and functional changes, but this will not be a complete reform.
How about the new design?
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Most changes that are important to most users are related to design. Compared with Windows 10, Windows 11 is not a big leap, but the design changes are very obvious.
First, we have a center-aligned taskbar. Over the years, the taskbar has remained consistent, but Windows 11 has center-aligned icons by default. You can use the newer beta version to switch to left alignment, but we are not sure whether this will happen in the final commercial version. Windows still retains an important change-the ability to move the entire taskbar to the right, left, or top of the desktop. The taskbar is now locked and there is no height adjustment option.
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Visual changes permeate the start menu through the taskbar. The live tiles disappear, and you will receive fixed applications and recommended latest content. This makes the start menu less confusing.
There are also many smaller changes, such as the more prominent transparency effect now-a far cry from the past Windows Aero. The window also has rounded corners, and the default is square when the windows are aligned. All in all, you can think of Windows 11 visual effects as an upgrade. Although there are some problems here and there.
How did it perform?
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Microsoft has not really made a clear commitment to improve the performance of Windows 11 or anything similar. During my use, I found that even in the beta version, it is as reliable as Windows 10 for me.
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Regarding general performance, I have not encountered any problems. During my use, the Windows 11 beta feels as smooth as Windows 10, or smoother than Windows 10. This includes extensive web browsing in Chromium-based Microsoft Edge, extensive photo editing in Adobe Lightroom, and playing Fortnite every day. The latter went smoothly unexpectedly, better than I expected.
If you find that Windows 10 runs well on your PC, then Windows 11 should not be much different.
How is the function?
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Windows 11 is actually a step backwards in terms of functionality. The right-click menu is now smaller. You can get cut, copy, paste, share and delete functions in a grid format at the top. This is not bad, but it has a learning curve. The rest of the menu is also complicated, with a “show more options” button that can pop up the old right-click menu. Windows 11 still seems to have two views on the direction of this menu, but this may change before the final version is released.
One notable new feature in Windows 11 is the widget button, which expands a bunch of widgets, much like those on the Edge welcome page feed. Unfortunately, the widget does not respect your choice of default browser.
You can also take a look: How to change the default browser in Windows 10
In addition, Microsoft is increasing the difficulty of switching from Microsoft Edge to a different browser. The default browser options will now only be displayed on the first launch. If you did not switch from Edge at that time, you will have to manually switch each file type related to the browser one by one instead of the “one-click switch” method used previously. Microsoft calls this “granular control”, but it seems unnecessary and not conducive to competition.
Is there anything else worth pointing out in Windows 11?
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- More in-depth Microsoft service integration: Microsoft’s services are now better integrated, depending on what you use, which may make you happy or annoying.
- New window group presets: Windows 11 remembers your window groups, allows you to summon them with one click, and provides you with options to capture windows in different layouts.
- The old part is still here: Microsoft still keeps familiar parts, such as the old control panel, for those who may need it.
- Compatibility issues are unlikely to occur: So far, Windows 11 does not seem to have any application compatibility issues, which may be due to its similarities with Windows 10.
- Native support for Android applications: Although this does not yet exist, we hope to see Android application support reach the beta version soon, unless Microsoft decides to exclude it before the final version of Windows 11 is released.
Windows 11 beta review: verdict
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Windows 11 has not made a big leap, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It remains familiar, while changing enough to look like an upgrade. Microsoft seems to have downplayed the major changes after the Windows 8 crash, which is great. Windows 11 gives people the feeling of being disturbed, not shaken, which makes it have some inconsistencies, but there are also many familiarities. The beta version has some issues here and there, but we hope to fix most of these little quirks before the final version.
For example, many currently inconsistent decorative bits are likely to be cleaned up before the final release. We will see more and more promised features enter Windows 11, including support for native Android applications through the Amazon App Store, and more game-centric features such as Auto HDR and DirectStorage. The final version should be complete enough, although I don’t want Microsoft to temporarily get rid of legacy bits like the control panel.So it’s probably In and new,No Go out with the old man.
Windows 11 as a free upgrade may become a cautionary tale, because Microsoft is trying to promote its services more actively and make you a product.
Microsoft needs to slow down slightly the speed of service integration. OneDrive is not a cloud storage that everyone likes. The team may be large, but not everyone wants to use it. In addition, people will not use Microsoft Edge just because it is difficult for Microsoft to switch. If anything, it will definitely leave a bitter taste, especially if Microsoft tries to use this method to push its services to Windows 11.
This is the first time we have learned about Windows 11 Beta. We will definitely update this article when a new iteration arrives.