Windows 11

Windows 11 is the current major release of <a href="/facts/Microsoft/nGIDDXdx">Microsoft</a>'s <a href="/facts/Windows_NT/EtccWvxQ">Windows NT</a> operating system, released on October 5, 2021, as the successor to <a href="/facts/Windows_10/be9IHehJ">Windows 10</a> (2015). It is available as a free upgrade for devices running Windows 10 that meet the system requirements. A <a href="/facts/Windows_Server/5t7XxyUV">Windows Server</a> counterpart, <a href="/facts/Windows_Server_2022/5t7XxyUV">Server 2022</a> was released in 2021 and was updated to <a href="/facts/Windows_Server_2025/1jWbj2K2">Server 2025</a> in 2024. Windows 11 is the first major version of Windows without a corresponding mobile edition, following the discontinuation of <a href="/facts/Windows_10_Mobile/JGjuL0fl">Windows 10 Mobile</a>.
Windows 11 introduced a redesigned <a href="/facts/Windows_shell/QG3MUJh7">Windows shell</a> influenced by elements of the canceled <a href="/facts/Windows_10X/4CgucUSQ">Windows 10X</a> project, including a centered <a href="/facts/Start_menu/ubDBJLDX">Start menu</a>, a separate "Widgets" panel replacing live tiles, and new window management features. It also incorporates gaming technologies from the <a href="/facts/Xbox_Series_X_and_Series_S/gkN9VjV2">Xbox Series X and Series S</a>, such as Auto <a href="/facts/High-dynamic-range_video/jzRH1mFe">HDR</a> and <a href="/facts/DirectStorage/gkN9VjV2">DirectStorage</a> on supported hardware. The <a href="/facts/Chromium_(web_browser)/F1S8sAEt">Chromium</a>-based <a href="/facts/Microsoft_Edge/BGoJEFX9">Microsoft Edge</a> remains the default web browser, replacing <a href="/facts/Internet_Explorer/uL8a4Y5l">Internet Explorer</a>, while <a href="/facts/Microsoft_Teams/w21lo6BU">Microsoft Teams</a> is integrated into the interface. Microsoft also expanded support for third-party applications in the <a href="/facts/Microsoft_Store/tnnWFhAF">Microsoft Store</a>, including limited compatibility with <a href="/facts/Android_(operating_system)/nNyHb0xz">Android</a> apps through a partnership with the <a href="/facts/Amazon_Appstore/tqUCDhwQ">Amazon Appstore</a>.
Windows 11 introduced significantly higher system requirements than typical operating system upgrades, which Microsoft attributed to security considerations. The operating system requires features such as <a href="/facts/UEFI/w86VGmy2">UEFI</a>, <a href="/facts/Secure_Boot/w86VGmy2">Secure Boot</a>, and <a href="/facts/Trusted_Platform_Module/3XHCGYkX">Trusted Platform Module</a> (TPM) version 2.0. Official support is limited to devices with an <a href="/facts/Coffee_Lake/oASqYsf2">eighth-generation Intel Core</a> or newer processor, a <a href="/facts/Zen%252B/1bJfQtRR">second-generation AMD Ryzen</a> or newer processor, or a <a href="/facts/List_of_Qualcomm_Snapdragon_systems_on_chips/YIpmqPP9">Qualcomm Snapdragon 850</a> or later system-on-chip. These restrictions exclude a substantial number of otherwise capable systems, prompting criticism from users and media. While installation on unsupported hardware is technically possible, Microsoft does not guarantee access to updates or support. Windows 11 also ends support for all <a href="/facts/32-bit_computing/TDMVce8s">32-bit</a> processors, running only on <a href="/facts/X86-64/cyWvUFlP">x86-64</a> and <a href="/facts/ARM64/bauXRos7">ARM64</a> architectures.
Windows 11 received mixed reviews upon its release. Pre-launch discussion focused on its increased hardware requirements, with debate over whether these changes were primarily motivated by security improvements or to encourage users to purchase newer devices. The operating system was generally praised for its updated visual design, improved window management, and enhanced security features. However, critics pointed to changes in the user interface, such as limitations on taskbar customization and difficulties in changing default applications, as steps back from Windows 10. As of May 2025, Windows 11 held approximately 43.23% of the desktop Windows market share, with Windows 10 still leading at 53.2%.

Windows 11 open-in-new

Windows 11