How to Sideload Apps onto an iPhone or iPad Without Jailbreaking - Ho
How To Find Out If You Have The Most Updated Operating System
Understanding what operating system your computer is running
How many times have you been asked what operating system version you use, and you haven't got a clue? The question is often asked when you're seeking technical support for software or hardware issues, during software installation, online forms or when you're trying to set up a network. It feels like an answer you should instinctively be able to provide, but oftentimes people aren't even aware or don't have it memorized.
So what exactly is an operating system (OS)? An operating system is a software program that allows users to interact with the computer or mobile device and run applications (like Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, Facebook, etc). Examples of popular operating systems include Microsoft Windows, macOS and Unix. Each operating system has its own features, interface and capabilities, catering to the needs of different users and environments.
Additionally, operating systems have multiple versions representing a release that may include new features, improvements, bug fixes and security updates.
Providing accurate information about your operating system can be important for receiving troubleshooting assistance and using compatible software and hardware.
So, how do you find the operating system you're on? Below are some well-known operating systems and step-by-step instructions on how to identify the version of that operating system.
Quick Links:
If you are unsure start with Method 1, but if you think you know what OS you have here are some quick links to help below:
How to find the operating system for a Windows Machine
Method 1: Using System Information
Method 2: Using Settings
How to find the operating system info in Windows 11
The "Edition" will tell you the specific edition of Windows 11 you are using, and the "OS build" or "Version" will provide the version number.
How to find the operating system info in Windows 10
The "Edition" will tell you the specific edition of Windows 10 you are using, and the "Version" will provide the version number.
How to find the operating system info in Windows 7
Please note that Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft as of January 14, 2020. It's recommended to upgrade to a newer and supported operating system for security reasons.
How to find the operating system for an Apple Mac
Keep in mind that the appearance of these options may vary slightly depending on the version of macOS you are using, but the general process remains the same.
Now that you know the version you're on, how can you tell if it's the most updated? Most modern operating systems provide automatic updates, and enabling automatic updates is a good practice to help ensure your OS is up-to-date. Some people prefer to update manually; if this sounds like you, we recommend doing so at least every month by following the steps below.
Windows and Android users can check for updates by selecting Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. If an update is available, you may install them directly from there.
Mac users can click the Apple logo at the top-left corner of the screen > System Settings > General > Software Update. If there is a new version available, you will see an option to update.
iPhone and iPad users can open the Settings app > General > Software Update. If there is a new version available, you will see an option to update.
Make sure to follow these steps carefully because there are some 'bad actors' out there who might try and scam you by offering fake updates. Scammers often use tactics like phishing emails, fake websites or pop-up messages to trick users into downloading malicious software or providing personal information. If you're ever unsure about the legitimacy of an update or communication, it's advisable to reach out to the official support channels of the software or operating system for confirmation.
There are several reasons why it's important to keep your operating system updated—here are a few:
There are different types of updates depending on the scope and impact of the changes being introduced. Regular (or minor) updates generally happen on a monthly basis and involve small improvements, optimizations and bug fixes; these updates are often provided free of charge. Major updates are more significant and may be released on a yearly or multi-year basis to bring new capabilities, feature enhancements and sometimes a refreshed user interface. Moving to a new major version of an operating system may involve a cost.
Deciding when to upgrade to a new major version of an operating system depends on various factors, and it comes down to a personal choice. It should align with your specific needs, preferences and the technical requirements of your system. It's a good practice to stay informed about updates, regularly check for security considerations and plan your upgrade based on a combination of these factors.
If you do decide to upgrade, it's important to know that an internet connection is often required to initiate the upgrade (during the download), but likely not required for the installation. If you have automatic updates enabled, your OS may download and install updates in the background whenever your device is connected to the internet.
Sometimes it's difficult to get used to the upgrade once completed. For example, the experience is too different from what you had prior, or it might even break some of the software you use on a regular basis. Major operating system changes can take some time to get used to, and initial discomfort may be temporary. First try and give yourself some time to explore and adapt to the new features and interface. If the issues persist and are significantly impactful, you may want to consider rolling back to the previous version, restoring from a backup, check for updates or service packs, customize settings or consider an alternative operating system.
Need some help?
It may be helpful to visit the official website of the company to get more information around your issue(s). For Windows and Android information, visit Microsoft and for Mac and iOS information, visit Apple. Additionally, AOL provides support for nearly any issue you might be experiencing:
Windows 11 Vs. Windows 10: Is It Finally Time To Upgrade?
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends Windows 11 is the newest version of Windows, and it's one of the best Windows versions ever released. At launch, the operating system was very similar to Windows 10, but it has morphed a lot over the past several years. Now, Windows 11 has several key differences compared to Windows 10.
If you've been holding out on upgrading, we have everything you need to know about Windows 11 and how it's different than Windows 10 in this article. We'll detail the differences, as well as show you the areas where Windows 11 is growing faster than Windows 10.
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: what's newAlthough Windows 11 looks like nothing more than a reskin of Windows 10, the operating system packs in a ton of new features. There are relatively small changes, like a new Start menu and Taskbar, as well as some defining features.
Better design and featuresWindows 11 makes a big visual departure for Microsoft. In the new operating system, Microsoft centers the Taskbar and the Start menu on the screen. This makes it look a bit more like macOS and ChromeOS. However, you can still move it back to the left if you want.
But if you want to pin your Taskbar to the right or the left of the screen, then we have bad news. You can no longer do that natively, as in Windows 11, the Taskbar only stays on the bottom. Paid third-party apps like Start11 can change it if you want, however.
Outside of the main visual change, Windows 11 comes with rounded corners on windows, new app icons, and new Fluent Emojis, which are exclusive to Windows 11. Still, Windows 11 hasn't seen the 3D emojis Microsoft teased during the initial launch.
There are multiple small feature additions, as well, including live captions for your browser and Focus mode, which allow you to customize notification settings for a set time while you work.
One big area Microsoft has focused on is File Explorer. The latest update adds tabs, and Microsoft is reportedly prepping a large redesign of File Explorer in 2023. This redesign is said to bring Microsoft services and OneDrive into File Explorer, as well as a new details menu when you select a file or folder.
Start menu and TaskbarIf you're looking at the differences between Windows 11 and Windows 10, the biggest ones are the Start menu and the Taskbar.
Starting with the Start menu, in Windows 11 it is a bit more simplistic. You only see a static list of apps, followed by your most frequented documents at the bottom. Critically, Live Tiles are gone in Windows 11, which makes the Start menu look much tidier.
As for the Taskbar, Microsoft has collapsed the search box into an icon and also removed the Cortana functions in Windows 11. Now, you'll find a dedicated icon for Microsoft Teams in the Taskbar, which is integrated into Windows 11. You're free to remove the icon if you don't use Teams, though.
The other big change also involves moving the weather in the Taskbar to the left side of the screen. This was known as News and Interests in Windows 10, but in Windows 11, that gets replaced by Widgets (read our roundup of the best Windows 11 widgets). You'll still see the weather, but you'll also see other things like your favorite news, sports scores, traffic, and more.
Windows 11 introduces Virtual Desktops as well, which allow you to maintain separate desktop workspaces for work, gaming, or whatever else you want.
Improved gaming featuresIf you want the best Windows OS for gaming, Windows 11 is for you. Recent Windows 11 updates included optimizations for running games in windowed mode, and it supports features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage — an upcoming feature that helps games load in less than one second.
Some of these features, like DirectStorage, are available on Windows 10 as well. Microsoft has made it clear that gaming is a big focus for Windows 11, so it's the better platform for gamers now, especially with some of the performance bugs worked out. PC gamers are updating to Windows 11 in droves, so that's a good sign.
Most recently, Microsoft added enhanced refresh rate support in Windows 11, fixing issues for gamers with multiple monitors. More titles support DirectStorage, as well, such as Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart.
Snap Layouts and multitaskingThe multitasking improvements in Windows 11 are exclusive; they aren't being backported to Windows 10. In Windows 11, you can increase your multitasking and system performance with Snap Layouts that group your windows and save them to the taskbar. This is available in Windows 10, but Windows 11 makes it easier to access Snap Layouts and provides more configurations. Microsoft has updated Snap Layouts with even more functionality since its launch, too.
Windows 11 solves a big issue with multi-monitor setups, too. Windows 11 remembers how you had your windows on your external monitor and will save them in that state when you disconnect from a monitor and then plug it back in. This is one of the most annoying problems with Windows 10 that Windows 11 finally addresses.
Enhanced tablet modeWindows 10 has a traditional tablet mode that makes your PC go to a full-screen Start menu experience. In Windows 11, this is removed. Instead, Windows 11 behaves more like an iPad, where when you switch your device to a tablet, things become easier to touch. That includes new gestures for opening the Start menu, dismissing windows, and more, none of which are present in Windows 10. In addition to tablets, this feature has bolstered Windows 11 devices like the Asus ROG Ally.
In addition, Windows 11 brings deeper pen functionality. You can still use Whiteboard to collaborate visually, but Windows 11 also brings support for up to four app shortcuts through your pen.
Voice navigation is also improved in Windows 11, allowing you to use your voice to launch apps, enter keyboard and mouse inputs, control the operating system, and basically anything else you could need. In short, Windows 11 allows you to fully control the OS with your voice.
Performanceis great if you care about performance. Microsoft talked about the performance benefits and optimizations in Windows 11 in a YouTube video.
According to Microsoft, Windows 11 does a lot of work in memory management to favor the app windows you have open and running in the foreground. This should ensure that they get more CPU power over other system resources. Windows 11 also suspends some data in RAM while your PC sleeps, helping it wake from sleep 25% faster than Windows 10.
Microsoft has added performance improvements since launch. In February, Windows 11 received an update that boosted solid-state drive (SSD) speeds, for example.
Windows 11 is snappier than Windows 10, but the differences are small in real-world use. The various optimizations in Windows 11 help it to run faster on weaker laptops, but you're not giving up a ton of performance with Windows 10.
Collaboration and remote workYou can use Windows 11 or Windows 10 for remote work, but Windows 11's collaboration features are much better. It supports background blur, eye contact adjustments for meetings, and automatic framing — none of which are present on Windows 10.
These AI-powered features are available through Microsoft Teams, though some of them may depend on the hardware you have on your computer.
Android appsOne of the defining features of Windows 11 when it first launched was Android app support. Although you can still install Android apps on Windows 11, the marketplace for these apps (the Amazon App Store) will close on March 5, 2025. You'll still be able to use apps that you've already installed beyond that point, but the storefront will no longer be accessible.
Android apps separated Windows 11 from Windows 10 in a big way, but that's changing soon. If you were hoping to upgrade to Windows 11 to use your favorite Android apps, you'll be disappointed.
The AI difference: Copilot in Windows 11Although there are a lot of small additions to Windows 11 versus Windows 10, the defining difference is AI. Microsoft is packing AI features into Windows 11, and none of those features are going back to Windows 10. Some of the most impressive AI features aren't even available to all Windows 11 PCs.
All of these features fall under the Copilot banner, which is Microsoft's AI chatbot. It runs on the same backbone as ChatGPT, and in Windows 11, it's integrated into the OS. You'll find a Copilot icon in the taskbar that you can open. Beyond being a version of Bing Chat on your desktop, Copilot can take prompts from your clipboard, as well as interact with plug-ins.
Windows 10 doesn't get Copilot, at least not on the desktop. You can still access Copilot through Microsoft Edge, but you don't get access to the clipboard sharing available in Windows 11.
In addition, Windows 11 is the only OS with access to Copilot+ features. This is a new class of device that includes several AI features that run locally. The most prominent is Recall, which takes a snapshot of everything you do on your PC. It's like normal Copilot, but with your personal context built in. Recall and other Copilot+ features not only require the latest version of Windows 11, but also specific hardware.
Should you upgrade to Windows 11?Being the latest Windows version, Windows 11 is the best choice for most people. However, its new features also bring some limitations that complicate some upgrades, especially on older PCs.
Upgrading to Windows 11Upgrading to Windows 11 is a simple affair, but you might be apprehensive if you've been sitting on Windows 10. As we lay out in our guide on how to install Windows 11, most PCs can upgrade from Windows 10 for free through a simple Windows update. We strongly recommend going this route to avoid malicious Windows 11 installers that can surface in search engines.
Microsoft has completed the rollout, so any PC with supported hardware can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. You only have 10 days to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 after updating. After that, you'll need to do a clean install (erase all your data) to downgrade. If you're the technical type, you also can try to dual-boot Windows 10 and Windows 11 with little risk.
Although there are a lot of new features in Windows 11, Microsoft also removed some features that are available in Windows 10. You can no longer sync your desktop wallpaper; Internet Explorer and the Math Input panel are gone; and a few apps are also removed. Those apps are 3D Viewer, OneNote for Windows 10, Paint 3D, and Skype. You can still find those in the store, though. Microsoft has a full list if you're concerned.
Microsoft also retired its WordPad application, instead pushing users to NotePad or Microsoft Word.
System requirements and compatibilityThe only hurdles to upgrading are the Windows 11 system requirements. You'll need a recent processor from Intel 8th-generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 (or newer) processor and support for TPM 2.0 on your system. TPM is basically a hardware security processor in modern PCs. Nearly all desktops and laptops support TPM 2.0, but make sure to check our list of motherboards that support TPM if you built your own PC. Window 10 doesn't have this restriction on custom PCs.
You can technically install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, but we wouldn't recommend doing it. Microsoft could stop supporting systems that aren't certified for Windows 11, and you might not get critical security updates anymore (though Microsoft has rolled out Windows 11 updates for unsupported hardware since launch).
If your computer is more than 4 years old, there's a good chance that it's not supported by Windows 11. That might be the deciding factor between it and Windows 10.
Support and update cycleWindows 11 broke from the semi-annual update cadence of Windows 10 in favor of a single annual update. That's just like macOS. Microsoft is committed to supporting Windows 10 through 2025, and it recently announced that Windows 10 will only get once-a-year updates as well. In addition to the large annual update, Windows 11 sees smaller feature rollouts throughout the year.
The most recent Windows 11 2022 Update sets the pace for how these annual updates will look. It's feature-packed, especially compared to the slow pace of updates in the Windows 10 era.
This update features everything from small user interface tweaks to the Start menu to entirely new apps like Clipchamp. The accessibility features are a must-have for some, and there are even some important Windows 10 features that have finally made the transition to Windows 11 — such as folders in the Start menu. In a lot of ways, it feels like the version of Windows 11 that should have launched last year.
Microsoft is continuing to support Windows 10 through October 14, 2025. However, it stopped selling new Windows 10 licenses at the beginning of 2023. That means if you already have Windows 10, you'll continue to receive support for the next couple of years. If you want to upgrade from an older version, though, you'll need to jump straight to Windows 11.
BugsWindows 11 has seen its fair share of bugs, while the much older Windows 10 is more stable. Microsoft has been quick to fix issues with its latest OS, though. We've seen a bug that creates thousands of empty folders in File Explorer, as well as a bug that would massively slow SSD speeds.
At one point, Microsoft recommended against one of its Windows 11 updates, and the OS has seen numerous issues with AMD processors. Microsoft has fixed all of these problems, but it's safe to assume that Windows 11 will present more bugs than Windows 10, even if Microsoft is quick to address them.
There's one ongoing Windows 11 problem that relates to memory leaks, however. As we've confirmed and tested, Windows 11 could take up extra RAM when you open up multiple instances of File Explorer. It never releases the RAM when you close the File Explorer, and the system takes up extra resources. This isn't a problem everyone is having, and it's also been around in Windows 10 for a while, but it's a notable one — to say the least.
We just covered a few issues from Windows 11 in the past, but there's a great way to track bugs in Windows 11. Windows users can always report new bugs in the Feedback Hub app. If you sort by New or Top, you'll see all the little Windows 11 bugs that we can't possibly put in one post. So, if you really want to see what's happening there, search through the app on your Windows 10 PC for Windows 11 feedback.
Is Windows 11 worth it?Windows 11 is worth the update for most people. It comes with a wide range of new features, performance improvements, and design changes. As the latest Windows OS, it usually gets more attention than Windows 10, too.
There's not too much risk in upgrading to Windows 11, either. With some planning, you can easily uninstall Windows 11 and go back to Windows 10. And with the latest update available, it's never made more sense to give it a shot.
Windows 11 Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know
Microsoft made its newest operating system, Windows 11, publicly available on October 5, 2021 — a little more than six years after Windows 10 debuted. Windows 11 offers updates and new features, including a simpler design intended to increase productivity, ways to connect to people faster, an all-new Microsoft Store, and a more open ecosystem that unlocks new opportunities for developers and other creators.
This Microsoft Windows 11 cheat sheet details the operating system's main features, lists system requirements, explains how and when to get it, and more.
What is Windows 11?Windows 11 is Microsoft's newest major release of its operating system and the successor to Windows 10. The OS features an all-new simplified yet modernized interface designed to inspire productivity and creativity.
While the March 2022 Windows 11 Patch is not classified as a "feature update" to the operating system by Microsoft, the patch did contain a few unannounced features. For example, if you run Windows 11 with Widgets turned on, you will notice a new icon in the lower left corner of the desktop that provides a summary of your local weather conditions. Microsoft also updated Notepad and rebranded the Groove media player.
As of May 2024, Windows 11 is the second most popular Windows version in use after Windows 10.
What is the Windows 11 version timeline? Version 21H2The original version of Windows 11 was released to the public in October 2021. This version, also referred to as version 21H2 and codenamed "Sun Valley," was made available as a preview build to Windows Insiders in the development channel in June 2021. During its approximately one year existence, Windows 11 version 21H2 was updated and patched over two dozen times.
Version 22H2The Windows 11 2022 Update, often referred to as 22H2 and codenamed "Sun Valley 2," was the first major update to Windows 11. The first preview of this version of Windows 11 22H2 was released to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel on September 2, 2021. The update began rolling out to the public on September 20, 2022.
The Windows 11 2022 Update included several feature updates, improvements and enhancements. These included hypervisor-protected code integrity security, sync status of OneDrive displayed in File Explorer, Windows Studio Effects, and streamlining changes for future Windows 11 updates and patches. Since its release, Windows 11 22H2 has been patched and updated numerous times.
SEE: Check out these Windows 11 22H2 enterprise features you need to know.
Version 23H2The Windows 11 2023 Update, often referred to as 23H2, was released to the public with eligible computers on September 26, 2023. In September 2023, Microsoft began rolling out a new Windows 11 update to eligible computers. Known as Windows 11 23H2, this latest major update adds new features, applications and security protocols to the operating system, including Windows Copilot, File Explorer enhancements, Windows backup app, taskbar improvements, new volume mixer, 7-Zip and RAR support and RGB peripheral customization.
SEE: Everything you need to know about Microsoft Copilot in this TechRepublic cheat sheet.
Version 24H2The Windows 11 24H2 Update is an upcoming update to the operating system. A preview was released through the Windows Insider Program to developers on February 8, 2024. Some notable enhancements will include HDR Backgrounds, Wi-Fi 7 support, AI Voice Clarity and AI CoWriter in Notepad.
What new features come with Windows 11? New Start layoutIn Windows 11, the newly centered Start button uses the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show recent files, no matter what platform or device they were being viewed on previously, including an Android or iOS device.
Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and DesktopsA new set of features in Microsoft Windows 11 is the introduction of Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops. These offer a "powerful way to multitask and stay on top of what you need to get done," according to Microsoft's press release. With these Windows 11 features, users can organize windows and optimize screen real estate for a cleaner visual layout (Figure A). Users can create and customize separate Desktops for each part of their life — like one for work and one for personal use.
Figure A
The new Windows 11 Desktops feature. Image: Microsoft Chat from Microsoft Teams In Windows 11, Microsoft integrates Chat from Microsoft Teams into the taskbar, so users can instantly connect via text, chat, voice or video with personal contacts, regardless of which platform or device is being used across Microsoft Windows, Android or iOS. Through Microsoft Teams, users can now instantly mute and unmute or start a presentation directly from the taskbar in the new OS.
Lockscreen WidgetsWindows 11's new Widgets are a personalized feed
Figure B
The new Widgets feature in Windows 11. Image: Microsoft Microsoft Store overhaul The Microsoft Store has undergone a major overhaul; users now have one safe location for apps and content to watch, create, play, work and learn. According to Microsoft, the Store "has been rebuilt for speed and with an all-new design that is beautiful and simple to use. Not only will we bring you more apps than ever before, we're also making all content — apps, games, shows, movies — easier to search for and discover with curated stories and collections."
Leading first- and third-party apps such as Microsoft Teams, Visual Studio, Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom and Canva have also been added to the Microsoft Store.
Android appsThrough its partnership with Amazon and Intel, the Microsoft Store allows users to discover Android apps, which can be downloaded via the Amazon Appstore. Microsoft is enabling developers and independent software vendors to bring apps to the Microsoft Store, no matter what app framework is used to create them.
What new features come with Windows 11 22H2?The first major content patch, known as Windows 11 22H2, added several new features and applications to the operating system.
For enterprise users, Windows 11 22H2 improved File Explore functionality to integrate OneDrive status, which improves team collaboration and cooperation. The update also added a new feature called Windows Studio Effects, which will improve virtual meetings with AI-powered processing efficiency.
At the user level, Windows 11 22H2 added new quality-of-life features like voice activated navigation, Start Menu feature improvements, additional personalization themes and the Clipchamp app. Further, Windows 11 22H2 added new live captioning features for automatically transcribing virtual meetings.
What new features come with Windows 11 23H2?The latest major content patch, known as Windows 11 23H2, adds several new features and applications to the operating system.
The highlight of Windows 11 23H2 Update is the addition of Windows Copilot, which integrates an on-demand generative AI feature directly into the operating system. Windows Copilot will be accessible to users as they work with Mail, Paint, Notepad and any other Windows app.
Windows 11 23H2 includes the often asked for ability to control RGB peripherals natively through Windows settings instead of relying on third-party software and utilities. The update also supports several common open-sourced archiving protocols, including 7-Zip and RAR. The 23H2 update includes quality-of-life improvements for Windows File Explorer and the taskbar.
SEE: How to Enable Windows Copilot in Windows 11 23H2
What AI features have been added to Windows 11?Microsoft has added a number of features based on artificial intelligence to Windows 11 since its initial release, including Live Captions, background noise removal in videoconferencing, webcam autoframing and the Bing Chat chatbot in the taskbar's search field.
CopilotIn January 2024, Microsoft announced that the new Windows 11 PCs, including the Surface line coming out through Spring 2024, will include a Copilot key. The Copilot key enables easy access to Microsoft's AI assistant, Copilot, in Windows.
Copilot assists with a variety of tasks, such as transforming documents into presentations, editing photos, summarizing emails and meetings, managing PC settings like enabling battery saver and accessing information from different apps and platforms.
SEE: Windows 11 Update Brings New Tricks to Microsoft Copilot
RecallRecall, announced at Microsoft Build on May 20, 2024, is a new AI-powered feature that allows users to quickly and intuitively search through their device's history using natural language questions. While this is included as a part of Windows 11, it will only work on Copilot+ PCs that have built in neural processing units.
Recall runs locally, logging everything the computer has done, including web browsing, file creation and voice chats, so anything the user has come across via that PC can be called upon. Recall is incorporated with Timeline — the existing Windows feature that shows running apps and past activities — to give an easy-to-use scrollable interface.
Due to security concerns, Microsoft delayed Recall's rollout with the new Copilot+ PCs on June 18, 2024, so it can "ensure the experience meets our high standards for quality and security."
What do developers need to know about Windows 11? PWABuilder3Windows 11 features the new PWABuilder3, so developers can build a PWA from their web app in minutes (Figure C). WebView2 runtime is included with Windows 11, which makes it easier to take advantage of its web platform as a secure way 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.
Figure C
PWA Shortcuts integrated with Windows 11. Image: Microsoft Windows App SDK Released March 29, 2021, the Windows App SDK, previously known as Project Reunion, makes it easier to integrate Windows 11 features into apps, but it still allows developers to reach more than a billion users on Windows 10.
Windows on ARMDevelopers can build apps that run natively on Windows on ARM with the new ARM64 Emulation Compatible ABI. Using the ARM64EC, native ARM and emulated x64 code can be mixed in the same process or module. This interoperability means developers can optimize apps to run on Windows on ARM — even if the app has x64 dependencies or loads x64 plugins they don't control.
WinUI3To rejuvenate app designs, developers can use WinUI3 in Windows 11, which offers built-in UI updates such as rounded geometry, refreshed iconography, new typography, fun micro-interactions like Lottie animation and refreshed color palette. The Snap layouts feature will help with maximum productivity in Windows 11.
Reunion WindowingReunion Windowing allows developers to easily manage and create app windows. The feature works with existing app codes, simplifies common operations and brings new functionality to desktop apps like Light-Dismiss Behavior, Picture-In-Picture mode and easier titlebar customization.
SEE: Learn how to install Windows 11 from Microsoft's ISO file.
Microsoft Store commerce availabilityAlong with the major changes to the Microsoft Store, Microsoft is taking steps to unlock greater economic opportunity for creators and developers. Microsoft now allows developers and independent software vendors to advertise their apps on the platform regardless of whether they're built as a Win32, Progressive Web App, Universal Windows App or any other app framework, so they can reach and engage a larger audience.
The revenue share policies have changed, too. Developers can now bring their own non-gaming apps into the Microsoft Store with their own commerce platform and keep 100% of the revenue — Microsoft takes nothing. Developers can still use Microsoft's commerce platform, with competitive revenue share of 15% for apps and 12% for games.
Must-read Windows coverage Is Windows 11 free?Windows 11 is available through a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs as of October 5, 2021. To see if your Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11, download the PC Health Check app.
Train your team and become a Windows 11 power user with The Essential Windows 11 Course and The Ultimate Windows 11 Training Video Course from TechRepublic Academy.
How do I upgrade to Windows 11?Microsoft Windows 11 is available as a general release to the public. Assuming your personal 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 may also take advantage of the Windows 11 Installation Assistant to bypass the Windows 10 Update & Security screen and upgrade to Windows 11 directly.
Can you set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft Account?Microsoft requires the user to log in to a free Microsoft account to download and install Windows 11; however, this step can be avoided by creating a local account — i.E., one that only applies to that machine and does not involve an internet connection — during the setup process.
Follow these steps to create a local account and install Windows 11.
Create a local account when prompted, and then finish the installation. You can connect to the internet once the installation has completed.
Why is my PC not eligible for Windows 11?To install Windows 11, your PC must meet system requirements that it may not currently satisfy. These requirements include:
SEE: Here's how to tell if your PC can run Windows 11.
What are the feature-specific requirements for Windows 11?Some features in Windows 11 have increased requirements beyond those listed above. Here are additional details regarding requirements for key features per Microsoft.
Comments
Post a Comment