Introducing Windows 11

The responsibility of designing for that many people is one we don’t take lightly. The past 18 months brought an incredible shift in how we used our PCs; we went from fitting the PC into our lives to trying to fit our whole lives into the PC.  In the process we found ourselves recreating the office banter, the hallway chatter, workouts, happy hours and holiday celebrations – digitally.

We’ve simplified the design and user experience to empower your productivity and inspire your creativity. It’s modern, fresh, clean and beautiful. From the new Start button and taskbar to each sound, font and icon, everything was done intentionally to put you in control and bring a sense of calm and ease. We put Start at the center and made it easier to quickly find what you need.

Windows has always been about helping you work how you want, by offering flexibility of multiple windows and the ability to snap apps side by side.

Windows 11 cuts through complexity and brings you simplicity.

A faster way to connect to the people you care about

Delivering the best PC gaming experiences yet

With Windows 11, we’re excited to introduce Chat from Microsoft Teams integrated in the taskbar. Now you can instantly connect through text, chat, voice or video with all of your personal contacts, anywhere, no matter the platform or device they’re on, across Windows, Android or iOS.

If you’re a gamer, Windows 11 is made for you. Gaming has always been fundamental to what Windows is all about. Today, hundreds of millions of people around the world game on Windows and find joy and connection with loved ones and friends through play. Windows 11 unlocks the full potential of your system’s hardware, putting some of the latest gaming technology to work for you.

Like: DirectX 12 Ultimate, which can enable breathtaking, immersive graphics at high frame rates; Direct Storage for faster load times and more detailed game worlds; and Auto HDR for a wider, more vivid range of colors for a truly captivating visual experience. Nothing has changed in our commitment to hardware compatibility – Windows 11 supports your favorite PC gaming accessories and peripherals.

To learn more about what Windows 11 means for gamers, check out Xbox Wire.

Windows 11 brings you closer to the news and information you care about faster with Widgets – a new personalized feed powered by AI and best-in-class browser performance from Microsoft Edge.

An all-new Microsoft Store where your favorite apps and entertainment come together.

The new Microsoft Store is your single trusted location for apps and content to watch, create, play, work and learn.

Creating a more open ecosystem unlocking new opportunity for developers and creators

We believe creating a more open ecosystem ultimately benefits our customers – giving them secure, frictionless access to the apps, games, movies, shows and web content they want and need.

To learn more about the changes to the Microsoft Store, visit this Windows Blog post.

If you want to learn more about what Windows 11 means for developers, visit the Windows Developer Blog.

Faster, more secure and familiar for IT

For IT, Windows 11 is built on the consistent, compatible and familiar Windows 10 foundation you know. You’ll plan for, prepare and deploy Windows 11 just as you do today with Windows 10. Upgrading to Windows 11 will be like taking a Windows 10 update. The familiar management experiences you have in place today – like Microsoft Endpoint Manager, cloud configuration, Windows Update for Business and Autopilot – will support your environment of tomorrow as you integrate Windows 11 into your estate.

Just as with Windows 10, we are deeply committed to app compatibility, which is a core design tenet of Windows 11. We stand behind our promise that your applications will work on Windows 11 with App Assure, a service that helps customers with 150 or more users fix any app issues they might run into at no additional cost.**

Windows 11 provides a Zero Trust-ready operating system to protect data and access across devices. We have worked closely with our OEM and silicon partners to raise security baselines to meet the needs of the evolving threat landscape and the new hybrid work world.

You can learn more about Windows 11 as the operating system for hybrid work and learning in the Microsoft 365 blog.

It’s a great time to buy a PC.

That co-engineering begins with innovation in the silicon. From AMD and the incredible graphics depth brought by the Ryzen processors to the incredible performance of Intel’s 11th gen and Evo Processors, to Qualcomm’s AI prowess, 5G and Arm support, the innovation of our silicon partners brings together the best of Windows 11 with the largest hardware ecosystem in the world.

And with Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Surface and others, we’ve worked to ensure most PCs* you can buy today will be ready for Windows 11 – across a variety of form factors and price points.

Ready for Windows 11?

Easier to use

Explore the new Windows 11 features that help you get things done in a fast, fun, and easy way.

Smart App Control

Smart App Control takes the stress out of downloading and installing apps by only allowing apps predicted to be safe to run on your Windows PC. This security feature is available only on the latest version of Windows 11 in the United States and Western Europe.⁵

Explore Smart App Control 

Microsoft 365 Defender App

A Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription includes the Microsoft Defender app⁶, giving you real-time security notifications, expert tips, and recommendations that help protect you from hackers and scammers. It works with multiple devices and comes with identity threat monitoring, which helps you and your family stay safer online.

Explore Microsoft 365 Defender 

Modern protection against modern threats

Ever-evolving security threats require top-level security to keep users, identities, data, and devices protected. In Windows 11, hardware and software work together to help protect you and your information. Browse Windows 11-equipped devices now.

Windows security, continued

Our commitment to protect.

With thousands of security experts working to hunt down threats, fix vulnerabilities, and stay a step ahead of cybercriminals—we’re doing all we can to help keep you safe.

Microsoft Support Security hub 

Something bugging you?

The Microsoft Windows Insider Preview bounty program invites eligible researchers across the globe to find and submit vulnerabilities. Qualified submissions are eligible for awards from $500 to $100,000.

Windows Insider Preview Program 

Supporting your security

Windows Security is your home to manage the tools that protect your device and your data. Access Windows Security by going to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.

Manage Windows Security 

Tap into an easier way to get things done

With a touchscreen on a new Windows 11 PC you don’t just look at a screen, you can build, design and create directly on it with your own hands.

Every window right where you want it

No more searching for endless windows. With Snap Assist reimagined for Windows 11, there are more ways to arrange your windows exactly how you want. 

Tap into an easier way to do things

Get in-touch with your entire laptop. Zoom, tap, swipe and discover the natural feel of a touchscreen on a new Windows 11 PC.

Get new ways to get more done

With multiple desktops you can easily switch from being a student to being a gamer. Separate workspaces help you focus by keeping work, school, and your personal stuff in their own place.

Bring balance to your desktop

Windows 11 has easy-to-use tools that can help you optimize your screen space and maximize your productivity. Combine that with a Microsoft 365 subscription*and nothing will stop you from getting tasks done. Learn more about Windows 11 tips and tricks.

Refocus your workflow

PowerPoint, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Teams—the apps* you need work seamlessly with new multi-tasking tools like Snap layouts, Desktops, and a new more intuitive redocking experience.

A PC that adapts to you

With a broad choice of devices—across style, price, features, and forms—you’re sure to find the right fit with Windows 11.

Meet the new Microsoft Store

Apps* for creativity, productivity, or fun. Award-winning blockbusters to indie productions. Seasons of your favorite sitcoms and episodes of the latest shows. It’s all here and easier to find.+

Stream your favorite movies, series & originals on Disney+

Disney+ is the streaming home of your favorite stories. With unlimited entertainment from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, there’s always something new to discover.4

Intelligent photo editing with Adobe Photoshop Elements

Bring out your creativity to share your life stories. Turn your inspiration into works of art with Adobe AI, automated editing options, step-by-step guides, and more.

Make play always a tap away

Find the best-selling games that test your skills and smarts.1

Imagination ready

Apps for the creative process, from idea stage to editing to sharing.1

Stay in touch and on schedule

Manage your personal and professional life better with these communication and organization apps.

The best things in life really are free

See the top free1 apps that are trending.

Apps and games for days (and nights)

The Microsoft Store on Windows 11 is growing. Get more apps and games—including a preview of the Amazon Appstore 8.

Everything talent needs to shine

Unlock more colors

Get a truly cinematic experience. Auto HDR enables a wider spectrum of colors and luminance, making your games come to life.⁴

Better gaming sessions with Game Bar

No need to Alt+Tab out to skip songs, change volume, or even monitor performance metrics. Just press +G to bring it all up with Xbox Game Bar.

Rethink “surround” sound

Expect immersion. Hear where and how far the sources of sounds are with 3D Spatial Sound and a compatible set of headphones.

Enabling the next generation of games