Microsoft has introduced the next iteration of its Windows desktop operating system. There are slight tweaks to the user interface, but CEO Satya Nadella sees Windows 11 as setting the stage for the next decade of Microsoft.
“Today marks a major milestone in the history of Windows,” he said. “It’s the beginning of a new generation. Throughout history, Windows has been a democratizing force for the world. Windows has always stood for sovereignty for creators and agency for consumers.”
For Nadella, the focus of the new operating system is to demonstrate that Windows has become a more open platform.
“There is no personal computing without personal agency,” he said. “Personal computing requires choice. We need to nurture and grow our agency over computing itself. We want to remove the barriers to provide real choice. We need to be empowered to choose the applications we run, the content we consume, the people we connect to. Operating systems and devices should mold to our needs, not the other way round.”
Nadella described Windows 11 as a platform for platform creators, offering frictionless access to apps and content.
“Today, the world needs a more open platform, one that allows apps that can be their platform – like the web,” he said. “That’s our aspiration for Windows. This is the first version of a new era of Windows. We’re building for the next decade and beyond.”
Microsoft plans to provide application compatibility with Windows 10 and offers free support for enterprises within 150 or more Microsoft 365 seats to support migrations to Windows 11 through its App Assure program.
The company also wants to entice more third-party developers to the platform and its Microsoft Store. It said it offers “competitive revenue share terms” at 85%/15% for apps and 88%/12% for games.
Starting on 28 July, app developers will also have an option to use their own or a third-party commerce platform in their apps, said Microsoft. This means they can avoid paying Microsoft any fees for the sales of their apps.
Microsoft claims that on Windows 11, it has not only improved the speed of its edge web browser, but all browsers will run faster. It said the new operating system also wakes from sleep faster and Windows Updates are 40% smaller.
In terms of the user interface, Microsoft said it had modernized the design and user experience in Windows 11. The new version now offers Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Desktops to help multitask and organization of Windows.
Direct integration with Microsoft Teams from the Taskbar also allows Windows 11 users to connect through text, chat, voice, or video with anyone across Windows, Android, and iOS.
