Microsoft had promised that there would never be a version of Windows after 10, the current one, and today it launched Windows 11, which will soon be available for free download as a system update. Already from the first leaks it was evident that the company was working on a much more modern, fresh and simple user interface. What was unclear to date was why Microsoft thought the update provided was worthy of a number change and was not rather a variant of Windows 10. But what changes is the overall approach offered by Windows. 11, ranging from enhancements to the Microsoft Store to integrating services and apps, for a much more streamlined final experience that consumers and business users will be able to appreciate.
As a very enthusiastic user of current Windows, I think the biggest challenge for Windows 11 is to keep the promise of Microsoft’s current operating system: to be modern and agile, able to support users without problems on all devices and on all platforms through the cloud.
The pandemic has taken Windows 10X off course when it comes to dual screens and support for foldable devices. User needs have changed, so the development of these form factors has been overshadowed. But some of the components that Microsoft had planned to roll out into Windows 10X were built into Windows 10. I like to think that the pandemic has prompted Microsoft to redefine its priorities, as the PC has become a window to the world for so many of us. but presenting a completely revamped version may not be the right choice. The key to success is, of course, delivering something new but familiar and, most importantly, that doesn’t require heavy effort from IT managers. Windows 11 appears to be successful in all of these areas. For PCs that meet the technical requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 won’t be any more complicated than a Windows 10 upgrade.
During the pandemic, Microsoft has focused on tools of fundamental importance such as Teams and Viva, and now it seems to me that the company is much more willing to accompany people towards the solution of their needs, meeting them wherever they are. This is quite a different attitude than how Microsoft has supported OS updates and features to avoid upsetting business balances. Perhaps the best example of this new attitude, outside of purely professional applications, is the Surface Duo, which combines Android and PC in one pocket device. With Windows 11, Microsoft is further focusing on connecting mobile devices and PCs by offering experiences built into the operating system and leveraging applications such as Microsoft Teams to enhance collaboration and communication between devices and operating systems.
The reason I think Windows 11 is Microsoft’s most holistic approach to an operating system ever is that, at launch, we haven’t only heard about new Windows PCs hitting the holiday market or app compatibility and system updates. These are all absolutely critical, sure, but they are no longer separate components to consider when evaluating the impact of an operating system.
Microsoft has also addressed the issue of app availability, and has created a more welcoming environment for developers, who can now use Win32, Progressive Web App (PWA) or Universal Windows App (UWP) or any other framework. Developers will then have the option to use Microsoft commerce with an 85/15 revenue split or go it alone and keep 100% of the revenue for them. Before the end of the year, the Microsoft Store will also start showing Android apps that users will be able to download from the Amazon Appstore and then run on their PCs thanks to Intel Bridge technology. It will be interesting to see how developers respond to these changes and how rich the experience Android apps will offer consumers. On paper, this sounds like a great idea. Create a rich ecosystem on Windows with the apps millions of consumers use every day on their Android smartphones. For developers, the opportunity to also deliver Windows apps using their own payment systems so that they don’t share revenue should be pretty cool at a time when consumer interest in the PC is at its peak. And, of course, developers won’t be the only ones noticing the change in store revenue – competitors will, as will politicians and regulators.
In the past six months, there has been a lot of talk about two topics that dominated a lot of my conversations with the press and customers: the future demand for PCs and the growth of Apple’s M1 Macs. After seeing Windows 11, there is no doubt that it will have a significant role to play in impacting both. The richness and simplicity of experience that Windows 11 promises to deliver will help keep PC interest high which grew during the pandemic. By returning to move without limitations, the time spent on smartphones will also increase, but the attachment to the PC can remain strong. Tighter integration between Android and Windows and deeper integration of cloud-based and proprietary apps will also bring the PC OEM closer to how Apple differentiates its Mac M1s beyond silicon.
Finally, it is impossible to look at Windows 11 and not see the influence that Panos Panay has had on this version both in the graphic aspect and in the setting: to help those who use it to do things without creating unnecessary obstacles. More important, however, is to put users first, not IT managers, so that Windows 11 makes what we love easier, and maybe even easier to love Microsoft.
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