In this article, we will talk about the Huge Changes that are Coming in Windows 11 starting with year, changes that will improve the OS from the Core.
New General Changes in Windows 11
- More taskbar customization, including vertical and top positions: Repositioning the taskbar is one of the top asks we’ve heard from you. We are introducing the ability to reposition it to the top or sides of your screen, making it easier to personalize your workspace.
- Integrating AI where it’s most meaningful, with craft and focus: You will see us be more intentional about how and where Copilot integrates across Windows, focusing on experiences that are genuinely useful and well‑crafted. As part of this, we are reducing unnecessary Copilot entry points, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets and Notepad.
- Reducing disruption from Windows Updates: Receiving updates should be predictable and easy to plan around, so we’re giving you more control. This includes the ability to skip updates during device setup to get to the desktop faster, restart or shut down without installing updates and pause updates for longer when needed, all while reducing update noise with fewer automatic restarts and notifications.
- Faster and more dependable File Explorer: File Explorer is one of the most used surfaces in Windows. Our first round of improvements will focus on a quicker launch experience, reduced flicker, smoother navigation and more reliable performance for everyday file tasks.
- More control over widgets and feed experiences: Widgets should feel helpful and relevant, not distracting or overwhelming. We’re introducing quieter defaults, more control over when and how widgets appear, and improved personalization for the Discover feed.
- A simpler, more transparent Windows Insider Program: The Windows Insider Program is how you help shape the future of Windows, and it should be easy to understand what to expect and how to participate. We are implementing changes to make it easier for you to navigate with clearer channel definitions, easier access to new features, higher quality builds, better visibility into how your feedback shapes Windows, and more opportunities to engage directly with us.
- Improved Feedback Hub, available starting today: Your feedback is essential to improving Windows, and it should be easy to share and see what others are saying. Today, we’re rolling out the largest update to Feedback Hub yet to our Insiders, with a redesigned experience that makes it faster and easier to submit feedback and engage with the community.
Better System Performance
Faster and more responsive Windows experiences, with early improvements already delivering launch time reductions in apps like File Explorer.
Improved Memory Efficiency
Improved memory efficiency, lowering the baseline memory footprint for Windows, freeing up more capacity for the apps you run.
More Responsive Apps
Faster responsiveness in core Windows experiences like the Start menu, by moving more experiences to WinUI3.
New File Explorer
- Substantially lower latency for search, navigation and context menus
- Copying and moving large files will be faster and more reliable
- Faster launch and responsiveness for common file tasks
Improved Windows Subsystem for Linux
- Faster file performance between Linux and Windows
- Improved network compatibility and throughput
- More streamlined first-time setup and onboarding experience
- Better enterprise management with stronger policy control, security and governance
New Windows Insider Program
- Clearer visibility into what features are included in each Insider build, so you know what to expect
- More control over which new features you try, with easier switching between Insider channels to match your desired level of stability or early access
- Higher quality builds entering each channel, with more rigorous validation and feedback signals before release
- Stronger feedback loops across Windows so issues are identified, prioritized and addressed faster
Increased OS, Driver and App Reliability
- Strengthening the Windows foundation by reducing OS level crashes, improving driver quality and app stability across our ecosystem so PCs run smoothly and reliably every day
- Creating easier, faster and stable connections with Bluetooth accessories, fewer USB related crashes and connection loss, and improved printer discoverability and connections
- More reliable camera and audio connections to increase your productivity at work and play
New Windows Update
- Less disruption from Windows Update, moving devices to a single monthly reboot, while organizations and users who wish to get new features and fixes faster remain able to do so
- More direct control over updates, including the ability to pause updates for as long as you need and restart or shut down without being forced to install them
- Faster, more reliable update experiences, with clearer progress during updates and built‑in recovery to help keep devices stable if something goes wrong
New Windows Hello
- More reliable facial recognition, so you can trust sign‑in to work when you need it
- Faster and more dependable fingerprint sign‑in, with fewer retries
- Easier secure sign‑in on gaming handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally X, with full gamepad support for creating a PIN during setup and in Settings.
New Movable and Smaller Taskbar
Expanded taskbar personalization options, including alternate taskbar positions and a smaller taskbar, giving you greater control over how this core surface fits your workflow.
New Start Menu with Turn Off Option for the Recommended Section
A more relevant Recommended section in Start will surface apps and content you care about most, with clear controls to customize the experience or turn it off.
Less Pages and Ads in Windows Setup
Device setup on new Windows PCs is quieter and more streamlined, with fewer pages and reboots so getting started is simpler.
Widgets Improvements
- Widgets surface information more intentionally by default, keeping content glanceable and reducing unnecessary interruptions
- Simpler settings make it easier to personalize, opt into or turn off Widgets and feed content based on your preferences
Improved Windows Search
- Find what matters faster, with search that surfaces apps, files and settings clearly so you can get to the right result quickly
- Clearer and more trustworthy results, with results from content on your device easy to understand and clearly distinct from web results
- A more consistent search experience across the Taskbar, Start, File Explorer and Settings
Use Windows with a Local Account
Microsoft is also hinting at removing the MS Online Account Requirements in an X reply by one of Microsoft’s employee’s.
For more information related to all the changes, you can check this article from the Microsoft Blog.
For a more in-depth presentation of all the changes in Windows 11, you can watch the video below from the youtube channel.
9
20
