Windows 11 facts for kids
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Screenshot showing the new Start menu and centered taskbar, with the Search box open
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| Company / developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Programmed in |
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| OS family | Microsoft Windows |
| Source model |
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| Marketing target | Personal computing |
| Available language(s) |
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| Package manager | .exe, APPX, appxbundle and APK-based (deprecated in March 2024, scheduled for removal in March 2025) |
| Supported platforms | x86-64, ARM64 |
| Kernel type | Hybrid (Windows NT kernel) |
| Userland | Native API Windows API .NET Framework Universal Windows Platform Windows Subsystem for Android Windows Subsystem for Linux |
| Default user interface | Windows shell (graphical) |
| License | Proprietary EULA |
Windows 11 is the newest main version of Microsoft's Windows NT operating system. It came out on October 5, 2021. It replaced Windows 10 (from 2015). If you have a Windows 10 device that meets the new rules, you can get Windows 11 for free.
Windows 11 brings big changes to how you use your computer. It has a new Start menu and a "Widgets" panel on the taskbar. You can also group windows together, which helps keep your screen organized. It includes cool gaming features like Auto HDR and DirectStorage. Internet Explorer is gone, and Microsoft Edge is the main web browser. Microsoft Teams is also built right into Windows 11. Microsoft also made it easier for different apps to be in the Microsoft Store. Plus, you can run Android apps on Windows 11!
Windows 11 needs more powerful computer parts than Windows 10 for security reasons. Microsoft officially supports it on newer processors like Intel Core (8th gen) or AMD Ryzen (2nd gen). Your computer also needs UEFI and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. You can still install it on older computers, but Microsoft might not give you all the updates. Windows 11 also doesn't work on older 32-bit processors anymore.
Many people like Windows 11. They praise its new look, how it manages windows, and its focus on security. However, some people don't like certain changes to the user interface.
As of May 2024, Windows 11 is the second most popular Windows version. It runs on about 25.65% of Windows computers worldwide. Windows 10 is still more popular, with about 2.5 times more users.
To follow new rules in Europe, Microsoft lets users there remove the Edge browser, Bing search, and ads.
Contents
How Windows 11 Was Made
Microsoft always works on making Windows better. For a while, they said Windows 10 would be the "last version" of Windows. This meant they would keep updating Windows 10 instead of making a new number version.
But then, Microsoft started working on a new look for Windows. This project was called "Sun Valley." It aimed to make Windows look more modern and easy to use. They also had a special version called "Windows 10X" for devices with two screens. Windows 10X had a new Start menu and a centered taskbar. Many ideas from Windows 10X ended up in Windows 11.
The Big Announcement
In June 2021, Satya Nadella, the head of Microsoft, hinted that a "next generation of Windows" was coming. Soon after, Microsoft sent out invitations for a special event. They even posted an 11-minute video of Windows startup sounds, making people guess the new version would be called Windows 11.
On June 24, 2021, Windows 11 was officially shown to the world. Panos Panay, a top product officer at Microsoft, presented it. Nadella called it "a re-imagining of the operating system." They also shared details for app makers, like updates to the Microsoft Store.
When Windows 11 Was Released
Before the official announcement, some pictures of Windows 11 leaked online. These showed a design similar to Windows 10X. Microsoft later confirmed these leaks were real.
Microsoft announced that Windows 11 would be released in "Holiday 2021." It would be a free upgrade for Windows 10 computers that could run it. On August 31, 2021, Microsoft said the official release date was October 5, 2021. This was the longest time between two main Windows versions.
Microsoft promoted Windows 11 with TV ads and special events. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai even showed the Windows 11 logo! On October 5, 2021, Windows 11 became available. You could upgrade through Windows Update or by using an installation tool.
Cool Features in Windows 11
Windows 11 is the first big Windows update since 2015. It makes the computer look and feel new with Microsoft's Fluent Design style. This design focuses on being easy to use and flexible. It also adds new ways to be productive and connect with others.
The Microsoft Store has a new look too. Now, app makers can put more types of apps in the Store. Microsoft even plans to let other app stores, like Epic Games Store, be available there. Windows 11 can also run software made for older computers on newer ARM-based devices.
Microsoft Teams is now built into Windows 11, right on the taskbar. This makes it easy to chat and call friends or classmates. The old app, Skype, is no longer included by default.
Microsoft says Windows 11 updates are smaller and faster. It also wakes up quicker from sleep mode.
Windows 11 comes with the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge web browser. This browser works well with websites designed for Google Chrome. Windows 11 is the first Windows version since Windows 95 that does not include Internet Explorer.
For gamers, Windows 11 includes the updated Xbox app. It also has special gaming technologies like Auto HDR and DirectStorage from the Xbox Series X and Series S. These features make games look and load better.
How the User Interface Looks
The way Windows 11 looks is very different. It uses clear, soft colors, shadows, and rounded corners everywhere. A new look called "Mica" makes app backgrounds match your desktop wallpaper. The design is inspired by the canceled Windows 10X. The Segoe UI font, used since Windows Vista, has been updated to look better on different screens.
The taskbar buttons are in the middle by default, like on a phone. The taskbar stays at the bottom of the screen. You can't easily move it to the top or sides anymore. When you click the date and time, you see your notifications. Other quick settings like volume and brightness are in a new pop-up. The "Widgets" button on the taskbar shows you personalized news and content from Microsoft Start.
The Start menu is completely new. It doesn't have the "live tiles" from Windows 8 and 10. Instead, it shows a grid of your favorite apps and a list of recent files. File Explorer also has a simpler toolbar. Its right-click menus are redesigned, moving common tasks to the top.
Task View, which lets you see all your open windows, has a fresh look. You can now set different wallpapers for each virtual desktop. Windows snapping is better too. If you hover over a window's maximize button, you can choose how to arrange multiple windows on your screen. These groups of windows can be minimized and restored together from the taskbar. If you unplug a second monitor, the windows from that screen will minimize instead of jumping to your main screen. When you plug it back in, they go back to where they were.
Android Apps on Windows
Windows 11 has a special feature called Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA). This lets you install and run Android apps on your computer. You can get Android apps from the Amazon Appstore through the Microsoft Store, or install them using APK files. WSA became available to users in the United States in early 2022. However, Microsoft announced that WSA will be removed in March 2025.
Setting Up Windows 11
When you set up Windows 11 Home or Pro (since version 22H2), you need an internet connection. For personal use, you also need a Microsoft account to sign in. It's harder to set up a local account without an internet connection now. Other versions of Windows 11 don't have this rule.
How Windows 11 Keeps You Safe
Windows 11 has strong security features. It needs a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 security chip. This chip helps protect your computer from attacks. Microsoft also requires features like Secure Boot and virtualization-based security (VBS) to be on by default. These help protect your computer from harmful software.
Like Windows 10, Windows 11 supports multi-factor authentication and biometric authentication (like fingerprint or face unlock) through Windows Hello.
Artificial Intelligence Features
Microsoft has added many artificial intelligence (AI) features to Windows 11. These include live captions for videos, removing background noise in video calls, and a webcam that follows your movements. The search bar on the taskbar now includes AI-powered Bing Chat.
Microsoft also announced "Recall," a feature that uses AI to save "snapshots" of what you do on your computer. This lets you search through your past activities. This feature will only be on special "Copilot Plus" PCs.
Different Versions of Windows 11
Windows 11 comes in two main versions:
- Home edition: For everyday users.
- Pro edition: For businesses, with extra networking and security tools like BitLocker.
Windows 11 Home might only let you install apps from the Microsoft Store by default (called "S Mode").
Windows 11 SE was made for schools and low-cost devices. It's simpler than other versions, with fewer distractions. It comes with apps like Microsoft Office and Minecraft Education Edition. Windows 11 SE doesn't have the Microsoft Store; school administrators manage app installations.
Other Editions
There are other versions like Pro Education, Enterprise, and IoT Enterprise. These are similar to their Windows 10 versions. Two new IoT Enterprise Subscription versions were added in version 24H2.
Updates and Support
Windows 11 gets major updates once a year. Each update is supported for a certain time: two years for Home and Pro editions, and three years for Education and Enterprise editions. If you install Windows 11 on a computer that doesn't meet the minimum requirements, Microsoft might not guarantee updates.
Versions of Windows 11
The Windows Insider program lets people test early versions of Windows 11. These are divided into "Dev" (very early, unstable), "Beta" (more stable, for upcoming features), and "Release Preview" (almost final versions).
| Version | Codename | Marketing name | Build | Release date | Supported until (and support status by color) | ||
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| 21H2 | Sun Valley | N/A | 22000 | October 4, 2021 | October 10, 2023 | October 8, 2024 | |
| 22H2 | Sun Valley 2 | 2022 Update | 22621 | September 20, 2022 | October 8, 2024 | October 14, 2025 | |
| 23H2 | Sun Valley 3 | TBA | 22631 | Q4 2023 | 24 months | 36 months | |
| Legend: Old version Older version, still maintained Latest version | |||||||
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What Your Computer Needs
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Processor | A compatible 64-bit processor (x86-64 or ARM64) with at least 1 GHz clock rate and at least 2 processor cores appearing on the Microsoft list of approved CPUs (CPU model check not enforced on some editions). |
| Memory (RAM) | At least 4 GB |
| Storage space | At least 64 GB |
| System firmware | Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) |
| Security | Secure Boot (recommended but not required) |
| Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 | |
| Graphics card | Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display | High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9" diagonally, 8 bits per color channel; optional on IoT Enterprise editions. |
| Internet connection and Microsoft accounts | Internet connection and Microsoft account required to complete first-time setup on Home and Pro (for personal use) editions. |
| Feature | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 5G support | 5G capable modem |
| Auto HDR | HDR capable monitor |
| Biometric authentication and Windows Hello | Illuminated infrared camera or fingerprint reader |
| BitLocker to Go | USB flash drive (available in Windows 11 Pro and higher editions) |
| Hyper-V | Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) (available in Windows 11 Pro and higher editions) |
| DirectStorage | NVMe Solid-state drive |
| DirectX 12 Ultimate | Available with supported games and graphics cards |
| Spatial sound | Supporting hardware and software |
| Two-factor authentication | Use of PIN, biometric authentication, or a phone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities |
| Speech recognition | Microphone |
| Wi-Fi 6E support | New WLAN IHV hardware and driver, Wi-Fi 6E capable AP/router |
| Windows Projection | Wi-Fi adapter that supports Wi-Fi Direct, WDDM 2.0 |
| Windows Subsystem for Android (public preview) | A supported processor and a solid-state drive At least 8 GB of RAM (minimum) At least 16 GB of RAM (recommended) |
Windows 11 needs different computer parts than Windows 10. It only works on 64-bit computers. This means older 32-bit processors are no longer supported. You need at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage space.
Microsoft has a list of approved processors. Generally, you need an Intel Core (8th generation) or newer, or an AMD Ryzen (2nd generation) or newer. Your computer also needs UEFI and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip.
You can still install Windows 11 on computers that don't meet all these rules. However, you might not get all the updates, and Microsoft won't cover damage if something goes wrong.
Newer versions of Windows 11 (like 24H2) need even more specific CPU features. This means some older processors that worked before might not work with the very latest updates.
On May 20, 2024, Microsoft announced "Copilot Plus" PCs. These are special Windows 11 computers with extra AI features. They need a built-in AI chip, at least 256 GB of storage, and 16 GB of RAM.
Firmware Needs
Windows 11 needs a UEFI system and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 security chip. Many newer processors have a TPM built-in, but it might be turned off. You might need to change settings in your computer's BIOS or update it.
However, for special "IoT Enterprise" versions of Windows 11 (version 24H2), Microsoft has brought back support for older BIOS systems. These versions also don't need a TPM.
Other Software and Games
Some games and programs might not run on Windows 11 if your computer doesn't meet the security requirements. For example, Riot Games' anti-cheat system, Vanguard, requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 to be enabled to play games like Valorant.
IoT Enterprise Editions
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Processor | A 64-bit processor (x86-64 with SSE4.2 and POPCNT instructions or ARM64 at ARMv8.1) with at least 1 GHz clock rate and at least 2 processor cores. |
| Memory (RAM) | LTSC: At least 2 GB Non-LTSC: At least 4 GB |
| Storage space | LTSC: At least 16 GB Non-LTSC: At least 64 GB |
| System firmware | Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) |
| Security | Optional |
| Graphics card | Compatible with DirectX 10/Not required |
| Display | Optional |
| Internet connection and Microsoft accounts | Not required |
The "IoT Enterprise" versions of Windows 11 have fewer requirements. Starting with version 24H2, they officially support older BIOS systems and don't need a TPM. They also need less powerful graphics cards. The "LTSC" version of IoT Enterprise needs even less RAM (2 GB) and storage (16 GB).
Images for kids
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The flyout for the volume and brightness control in Windows 11 version 22H2 and later
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The redesigned Task View in Windows 11, featuring a separate wallpaper support for individual desktops
See also
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In Spanish: Windows 11 para niños Template:KIDDLE XL END
