However, the company described the pandemic as the key driver of this change in strategy, adding that “how, when and where we work fundamentally changed overnight”. Interestingly, Microsoft did eventually reference this at its April 2022 hybrid work event. The company could have rolled out these changes in a Windows 10 update, but it chose not to refer back to this statement during the launch event and might be hoping its customers have short memories. But apparently it changed its mind about that. That’s what Microsoft said when it announced Windows 10, yes. Wasn’t Windows 10 the last ever version of Windows? At Amazon UK, you can even get a disc version for £99. You can buy it pre-loaded on a USB stick if you’d prefer – this is currently available for Windows 11 Home ( $139/ £115.99), but not Pro. The easiest method is via a download link, which will be sent to you once you complete the purchase: However, you can also now buy Windows 11 as a standalone operating system. You can even install and use Android apps via the Amazon Appstore, although a workaround that lets you use the Google Play Store instead is no longer functional. Windows 11 on tablets is much improved thanks to the introduction of gestures and a new on-screen keyboard that much more similar to the one on your phone.

You also get improved grouping and snapping of open windows, allowing you to multitask more effectively. There’s a new widgets panel which can show the weather, stocks, news and more, replacing the old Start Menu’s Live Tiles. You’ll find rounded corners everywhere you look and a new centrally positioned Start Menu, although you can return the latter to the side if you’d prefer. What’s Windows 11 like?Ĭlearly wanting to avoid upsetting millions by making radical changes (as it ultimately did with Windows 8), Microsoft has kept the same basic layout, albeit with a significant redesign. Here’s everything you need to know the the operating system, including links to all of our Windows 11 coverage at the bottom of the page.

Windows 11 full version release date