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Windows 11 Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need to Know

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Microsoft made its newest operating system, Windows 11, publicly available on October 5, 2021 — a little over six years after Windows 10 debuted. Windows 11 offers several updates and new features, including a simpler design intended to increase productivity, ease of use and creativity, ways to connect to people faster, better PC gaming experiences, faster ways to get information you need, an all-new Microsoft Store, and a more open ecosystem that unlocks new opportunities for developers and other creators.

This Microsoft Windows 11 cheat sheet details the operating system’s main features, lists system requirements, explains how and when to get it, and more. We’ll update this Windows 11 guide as new information is released.

What is Windows 11?

Windows 11 is Microsoft’s newest major release of its operating system and the successor to Windows 10. The OS features an all-new simplified, yet modernized, interface designed to inspire productivity and creativity.

Windows 11 released

Microsoft Windows 11 is available as a general release to the public. Assuming your personal computer meets the prerequisite requirements including installation of Windows 10 1909 or later , you can upgrade to Windows 11 by navigating to the Update & Security settings screen.

Users may also take advantage of the Windows 11 Installation Assistant to bypass the Windows 10 Update & Security screen and upgrade to Windows 11 directly.

While the  March 2022 Windows 11 Patch is not classified as a “feature update” to the operating system by Microsoft, the patch did contain a few unannounced features. For example, if you run Windows 11 with Widgets turned on, you will notice a new icon in the lower left corner of the desktop that provides a summary of your local weather conditions. Microsoft has also updated Notepad and rebranded the Groove media player.

In September 2023, Microsoft began rolling out a new Windows 11 update to eligible computers. Known as Windows 11 23H2 , this latest major update adds new features, applications and security protocols to the operating system, including Windows Copilot, File Explorer enhancements, Windows backup app, taskbar improvements, new volume mixer, 7-Zip and RAR support and RGB peripheral customization.

SEE: Discover everything you need to know about Microsoft Copilot in this TechRepublic cheat sheet.

In September 2020, Microsoft began rolling out a new Windows 11 update to eligible computers. Known as Windows 11 22H2 , this first major update added new features, applications and security protocols to the operating system, including hypervisor-protected code integrity security , sync status of OneDrive displayed in File Explorer, Windows Studio Effects, and streamlining changes for future Windows 11 updates and patches.

Pre-release updates of Windows 11

On July 29, 2021, a preview version of Windows 11 was available for review to members of the Windows Insider Beta Channel; before that date, preview versions of Windows 11 were only available to members of the Dev Channel. So to install Windows 11 Version 22000.100 or better on a valid Windows 10 PC, users needed to activate the Windows Insider Beta Channel on the Update & Security Settings screen in Windows 10 and then click the Check For Updates button.

SEE: Learn how to install Windows 11 on a virtual machine .

On August 23, 2021, Microsoft has released an ISO file for the Windows 11 Insiders Preview. Previously, users needed to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 through Microsoft’s Windows Insider program. To download the Windows 11 ISO file, navigate to the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page, and sign in with your account.

SEE: Learn how to install Windows 11 from Microsoft’s ISO file .

What is the Windows 11 version timeline?

Version 21h2.

The original version of Windows 11 was released to the public in October 2021. This version, also referred to as version 21H2 and codenamed “Sun Valley,” was made available as a preview build to Windows Insiders in the development channel in June 2021. During its approximately one year of existence, Windows 11 version 21H2 was updated and patched over two dozen times.

Version 22H2

The Windows 11 2022 Update , often referred to as 22H2 and codenamed “Sun Valley 2,” was the first major update to Windows 11. The first preview of version of Windows 11 22H2 was released to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel on September 2, 2021. The update began rolling out to the public on September 20, 2022.

The Windows 11 2022 Update included several feature updates, improvements and enhancements. Since its release, Windows 11 22H2 has been patched and updated numerous times. The Windows 11 2022 Update is the most current version of the Microsoft operating system.

SEE: Check out these Windows 11 22H2 enterprise features you need to know.

Version 23H2

The Windows 11 2023 Update , often referred to as 23H2, was released to the public on September 26, 2023. The 23H2 update will arrive to Microsoft Windows customers via the standard Windows update process. However, once the 23H2 update is released, you can force the update’s installation by downloading and running the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.

The Windows 11 2023 Update includes several feature updates, improvements and enhancements. When necessary, Windows 11 23H2 will be patched and updated for improvements and security. The Windows 11 2023 Update is the most current version of the Microsoft operating system.

What new features come with Windows 11?

New start layout.

In Windows 11, the newly centered Start button uses the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show recent files, no matter what platform or device they were being viewed on previously, including an Android or iOS device.

Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops

A new set of features to Microsoft Windows 11 will be the introduction of Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops. These offer a “powerful way to multitask and stay on top of what you need to get done,” according to the Microsoft’s press release. With these Windows 11 features, users can organize windows and optimize screen real estate for a cleaner visual layout ( Figure A ). Users can create and customize separate Desktops for each part of their life — like one for work and one for personal use.

Chat from Microsoft Teams

In Windows 11, Microsoft is integrating Chat from Microsoft Teams into the taskbar, so users can instantly connect via text, chat, voice or video with personal contacts regardless of which platform or device is being used across Microsoft Windows, Android or iOS. Through Microsoft Teams, users can now instantly mute and unmute or start a presentation directly from the taskbar in the new OS.

SEE: Explore the change brought by Windows 11 and what that means for the future of Windows 10 .

DirectX 12, DirectStorage and Auto HDR

For gamers, Windows 11 “unlocks the full potential of your system’s hardware, putting some of the latest gaming technology to work for you,” according to Microsoft. Windows 11 will offer DirectX 12 Ultimate to enable immersive graphics at high frame rates; DirectStorage for faster load times and more detailed game worlds; and Auto HDR for a wider, more vivid range of colors. Microsoft Windows 11 will still support users’ favorite PC gaming accessories and peripherals.

Windows 11’s new Widgets are a personalized feed powered by artificial intelligence and Microsoft Edge . Instead of using a phone to check news, weather or notifications, now users can open their Windows 11 desktop to see a similarly curated view ( Figure B ). Widgets offers new opportunities within Windows 11 to deliver personalized content for creators and publishers.

Microsoft Store overhaul

The Microsoft Store is getting a major overhaul; users will have one safe location for apps and content to watch, create, play, work and learn. According to Microsoft, the Store “has been rebuilt for speed and with an all-new design that is beautiful and simple to use. Not only will we bring you more apps than ever before, we’re also making all content — apps, games, shows, movies — easier to search for and discover with curated stories and collections.”

Soon, leading first- and third-party apps such as Microsoft Teams, Visual Studio, Disney+, Adobe Creative Cloud, Zoom and Canva will be available in the Microsoft Store.

Android apps

Through its partnership with Amazon and Intel, the Microsoft Store allows users to discover Android apps, which can be downloaded via the Amazon Appstore. Microsoft is enabling developers and independent software vendors to bring apps to the Microsoft Store, no matter what app framework is used to create them.

SEE: Learn how to get the preview version of Windows 11 .

What new features come with Windows 11 22H2?

The first major content patch, known as Windows 11 22H2, added several new features and applications to the operating system.

For enterprise users, Windows 11 22H2 improved File Explore functionality to integrate OneDrive status, which improves team collaboration and cooperation. The update also added a new feature called Windows Studio Effects, which will improve virtual meetings with AI-powered processing efficiency.

At the user level, Windows 11 22H2 added new quality-of-life features like voice activated navigation , Start Menu feature improvements , additional personalization themes and the Clipchamp app . Further, Windows 11 22H2 added new live captioning features for automatically transcribing virtual meetings.

What new features come with Windows 11 23H2?

The latest major content patch known as Windows 11 23H2 adds several new features and applications to the operating system.

The highlight of Windows 11 23H2 Update is the addition of Windows Copilot, which integrates an on-demand generative AI feature directly into the operating system. Windows Copilot will be accessible to users as they work with Mail, Paint, Notepad and any other Windows app.

Windows 11 23H2 includes an often asked for ability to control RGB peripherals natively through Windows settings instead of relying on third-party software and utilities. The update also supports several common open-sourced archiving protocols, including 7-Zip and RAR. The 23H2 update includes quality-of-life improvements for Windows File Explorer and the taskbar.

What do developers need to know about Windows 11?

Pwabuilder3.

Windows 11 features the new PWABuilder3 , so developers can build a PWA from their web app in minutes ( Figure C ). WebView2 runtime is included with Windows 11, which makes it easier to take advantage of its web platform as a secure way to build hybrid web apps. Offerings like Windows Terminal and the new Microsoft Edge DevTools can still be used, as they are now included in Windows 11.

Windows App SDK

Released March 29, 2021, the Windows App SDK (previously known as Project Reunion) will make it easier to integrate Windows 11 features into apps, but it still allows developers to reach more than a billion users on Windows 10.

Windows on ARM

Developers can build apps that run natively on Windows on ARM with the new ARM64 Emulation Compatible ABI. Using the ARM64EC, native ARM and emulated x64 code can be mixed in the same process or module. This interoperability means developers can optimize apps to run on Windows on ARM — even if the app has x64 dependencies or loads x64 plugins they don’t control.

SEE: Developers: The Windows 11 platform is back .

To rejuvenate app designs, developers can use WinUI3 in Windows 11, which offers built-in UI updates such as rounded geometry, refreshed iconography, new typography, fun micro-interactions like Lottie animation and refreshed color palette. The Snap layouts feature will helps with maximum productivity in Windows 11.

Reunion Windowing

Reunion Windowing allows developers to easily manage and create app windows. The feature works with existing app codes, simplifies common operations and brings new functionality to desktop apps like Light-Dismiss Behavior, Picture-In-Picture mode and easier titlebar customization.

Microsoft Store commerce availability

Along with the major changes to the Microsoft Store, Microsoft is taking steps to unlock greater economic opportunity for creators and developers. Microsoft plans to enable developers and independent software vendors to bring their apps regardless of whether they’re built as a Win32, Progressive Web App, Universal Windows App or any other app framework. This will allow developers to reach and engage a larger audience.

The revenue share policies will be changing, too, according to Microsoft. App developers can now bring their own commerce into the Microsoft Store and keep 100% of the revenue — Microsoft takes nothing. Developers can still use Microsoft’s commerce with competitive revenue share of 85/15.

What are the system requirements for Windows 11?

• Processor: 1GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip.
• Storage: 64GB or larger storage device.
• System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
• 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.
• Internet connection: Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account to complete device setup on first use. Switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S mode requires internet connectivity.

SEE: Here’s how to tell if your PC can run Windows 11 .

What are feature-specific requirements for Windows 11?

Some features in Windows 11 have increased requirements beyond those listed above. Here are additional details regarding requirements for key features per Microsoft.

• 5G support: Requires a 5G-capable modem.
• Auto HDR: Requires an HDR monitor.
• BitLocker to Go: Requires a USB flash drive (available in Windows Pro and above editions).
• Client Hyper-V: Requires a processor with second level address translation capabilities (available in Windows Pro and above editions).
• Cortana: Requires a microphone and speaker and is currently available on Windows 11 for Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S.
• DirectStorage: Requires an NVMe SSD to store and run games that use the Standard NVM Express Controller driver and a DirectX12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support.
• DirectX 12 Ultimate: Available with supported games and graphics chips.
• Presence: Requires a sensor that can detect human distance from device or intent to interact with device.
• Intelligent Video Conferencing: Requires video camera, microphone and speaker for audio output.
• Multiple Voice Assistant (MVA): Requires a microphone and speaker.
• Snap: Three-column layouts require a screen that is 1920 effective pixels or greater in width.
• Mute and Unmute from Taskbar: Requires video camera, microphone and speaker for audio output. App must be compatible with feature to enable global mute and unmute.
• Spatial Sound: Requires supporting hardware and software.
• Teams: Requires video camera, microphone and speaker for audio output.
• Touch: Requires a screen or monitor that supports multi-touch.
• Two-factor authentication: Requires use of PIN, biometric (fingerprint reader or illuminated infrared camera), or a phone with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities.
• Voice Typing: Requires a PC with a microphone.
• Wake on Voice: Requires Modern Standby power model and microphone.
• Wi-Fi 6E: Requires new WLAN IHV hardware and driver and a Wi-Fi 6E capable AP or router.
• Windows Hello: Requires a camera configured for near infrared imaging or fingerprint reader for biometric authentication. Devices without biometric sensors can use Windows Hello with a PIN or portable Microsoft compatible security key.
• Windows Projection: Requires a display adapter that supports Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0 and a Wi-Fi adapter that supports Wi-Fi Direct.

SEE: Explore the system requirements and the security benefits of Windows 11 .

Is Windows 11 free?

Windows 11 is available through a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs as of October 5, 2021 . To see if your Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11, download the PC Health Check app . Microsoft said it is working with its retail partners to “make sure [the] Windows 10 PCs you buy today are ready for the upgrade to Windows 11.”

Train your team and become a Windows 11 power user with The Essential Windows 11 Course and The Ultimate Windows 11 Training Video Course from TechRepublic Academy.

Is Windows 11 worth it?

According to Microsoft’s current support plan , Windows 10 will lose support for future feature and security updates on October 14, 2025. After that date, any business, regardless of size, will incur a significant risk of liability for using Windows 10. With that in mind, upgrading to Windows 11 is obviously necessary and entirely worth the time and effort.

Windows 11 is designed to take advantage of the latest in both hardware and software security protocols, something Windows 10 is not able to do. These security measures help the operating system fend off various cyberattacks and malware including software viruses and ransomware. Because Windows 11 is a free upgrade to Windows 10, for most businesses and individuals there is little reason not to upgrade.

SEE: Here’s  how to find and install the new Windows 11 22H2 update .

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• Windows 11 prep: How to convert MBR hard drive partitions to GPT
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Introducing Windows 11

• On-demand global livestream
• Windows 11: The operating system for hybrid work
• Windows 11 – The best Windows ever for gaming
• Building a bigger, better Microsoft Store
• Windows 11 creates partner opportunity

Introducing Windows  11  

Windows has always existed to be a stage for the world’s innovation. It’s been the backbone of global businesses and where scrappy startups became household names. The web was born and grew up on Windows. It’s the place where many of us wrote our first email, played our first PC game and wrote our first line of code. Windows is the place people go to create, to connect, to learn and to achieve – a platform over a billion people today rely on.  

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 life to trying to fit our whole life into the PC. Our devices weren’t just where we went for meetings, classes, and to get things done, but where we came to play games with friends, binge watch our favorite shows and, perhaps most meaningfully, connect with one another. In the process we found ourselves recreating the office banter, the hallway chatter, workouts, happy hours, and holiday celebrations – digitally.   

What was so powerful was the shift in the PC we saw and felt – from something practical and functional to something personal and emotional. This is what inspired us as we were building the next generation of Windows. To build you a place that feels familiar, where you can create, learn, play, and most importantly connect in all new ways.  

Today, I am humbled and excited to introduce you to Windows 11, the Windows that brings you closer to what you love.

Read more from Panos Panay

Windows 11 Brand Images

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Windows 11 Product Images

Microsoft Store Images

Event Photography

Video Gallery

Additional videos.

• Windows 11 Bloom
• Windows 11 Logo + Start Sound
• Windows 11 Start

For broadcast quality b-roll, please contact  [email protected]

Additional Resources

• Announcing the first Insider Preview for Windows 11
• Update on Windows 11 minimum system requirements
• Download press pack
• Partner Quote Sheet (PDF)
• Spokesperson and Partner Quote Sheet (PDF)
• Surface and the future with Windows 11
• Windows 11 enables security by design from the chip to the cloud
• Learning with the new Windows 11—a Windows for what’s next
• What Windows 11 means for developers
• Preparing for Insider Preview Builds of Windows 11
• Check us out on RSS

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Windows 11 overview

• 7 contributors
• Applies to: ✅ Windows 11

Windows 11 is a client operating system and includes features that organizations should know about. Windows 11 is built on the same foundation as Windows 10. If you use Windows 10, then Windows 11 is a natural transition. It's an update to what you know, and what you're familiar with.

Windows 11 offers innovations focused on enhancing end-user productivity, and is designed to support today's hybrid work environment.

Your investments in updates and device management are carried forward. For example, many of the same apps and tools can be used in Windows 11. Many of the same security settings and policies can be applied to Windows 11 devices, including PCs. You can use Windows Autopilot with a zero touch deployment to enroll your Windows devices in Microsoft Intune. You can also use newer features, such as Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 on your Windows 11 devices.

This article lists what's new, and some of the features & improvements. For more information on what's new for OEMs, see What's new in manufacturing, customization, and design .

Security and scanning

The security and privacy features in Windows 11 are similar to Windows 10. Security for your devices starts with the hardware, and includes OS security, application security, and user & identity security. There are features available in the Windows OS to help in these areas. This section describes some of these features. For a more comprehensive view, including zero trust, see Windows security .

The Windows Security app is built into the OS. This app is an easy-to-use interface, and combines commonly used security features. For example, your get access to virus & threat protection, firewall & network protection, account protection, and more.

For more information, see the Windows Security app .

Security baselines includes security settings that already configured, and ready to be deployed to your devices. If you don't know where to start, or it's too time consuming to go through all the settings, then you should look at Security Baselines.

For more information, see Windows security baselines .

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into Windows, and helps protect devices using next-generation security. When used with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, your organization gets strong endpoint protection, and advanced endpoint protection & response. If you use Intune to manage devices, then you can create policies based on threat levels in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

For more information, see:

• Microsoft Defender Antivirus
• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
• Enforce compliance for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

The application security features help prevent unwanted or malicious code from running, isolate untrusted websites & untrusted Office files, protect against phishing or malware websites, and more.

For more information, see Windows application security .

Windows Hello for Business helps protect users and identities. It replaces passwords, and uses a PIN or biometric that stays locally on the device. Device manufacturers are including more secure hardware features, such as IR cameras and TPM chips. These features are used with Windows Hello for Business to help protect user identities on your organization devices.

As an admin, going passwordless help secures user identities. The Windows OS, Microsoft Entra ID, and Intune work together to remove passwords, create more secure policies, and help enforce compliance.

• Windows Hello for Business Overview
• Trusted Platform Module Technology Overview
• Integrate Windows Hello for Business with Intune

For more information on the security features you can configure, manage, and enforce using Intune, see Protect data and devices with Microsoft Intune .

Easier access to new services, and services you already use

Windows 365 is a desktop operating system that's also a cloud service. From another internet-connected device, including Android and macOS devices, you can run Windows 365, just like a virtual machine.

For more information, see What is Windows 365 Enterprise? .

Microsoft 365 Apps can be installed on Windows 11 clients using the device management tools you're already familiar with:

• What is Intune?
• Add Microsoft 365 apps to Windows 10 devices with Microsoft Intune
• What is Microsoft Configuration Manager?
• Deploy Microsoft 365 Apps with Microsoft Configuration Manager

Power Automate for desktop allows your users to create flows in a low-code app to help them with everyday tasks. For example, users can create flows that save a message to OneNote, notify a team when there's a new Forms response, get notified when a file is added to SharePoint, and more.

For more information, see Getting started with Power Automate in Windows 11 .

Customize the desktop experience

Snap Layouts, Snap Groups : When you open an app, hover your mouse over the minimize or maximize option. When you do, you can select a different layout for the app:

This feature allows users to customize the sizes of apps on their desktop. And, when you add other apps to the layout, the snapped layout stays in place.

When you add your apps in a Snap Layout, that layout is saved in a Snap Group. In the taskbar, when you hover over an app in an existing snap layout, it shows all the apps in that layout. This feature is the Snap Group. You can select the group, and the apps are opened in the same layout. As you add more Snap Groups, you can switch between them just by selecting the Snap Group.

Users can manage some snap features using the Settings app > System > Multitasking . For more information on the end-user experience, see Snap your windows .

You can also add Snap Layouts to apps your organization creates. For more information, see Support snap layouts for desktop apps on Windows 11 .

Starting in Windows 11, version 22H2, you can also activate snap layouts by dragging a window to the top of the screen. The feature is available for both mouse and touch.

For more information on the end-user experience, see Snap your windows .

Start menu : The Start menu includes some apps that are pinned by default. You can customize the Start menu layout by pinning (and unpinning) the apps you want. For example, you can pin commonly used apps in your organization, such as Outlook, Microsoft Teams, apps your organization creates, and more.

Using policy, you can deploy your customized Start menu layout to devices in your organization. For more information, see Customize the Start menu layout on Windows 11 .

Users can manage some Start menu features using the Settings app > Personalization . For more information on the end-user experience, see See what's on the Start menu .

Taskbar : You can also pin (and unpin) apps on the Taskbar. For example, you can pin commonly used apps in your organization, such as Outlook, Microsoft Teams, apps your organization creates, and more.

Using policy, you can deploy your customized Taskbar to devices in your organization. For more information, see Customize the Taskbar on Windows 11 .

Users can manage some Taskbar features using the Settings app > Personalization . For more information on the end-user experience, see:

• Customize the taskbar notification area
• Pin apps and folders to the desktop or taskbar

Widgets : Widgets are available on the Taskbar. It includes a personalized feed that could be weather, calendar, stock prices, news, and more:

You can enable or disable this feature using the following policy:

• Group Policy : Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\widgets
• MDM : ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/NewsAndInterests/ AllowNewsAndInterests

For information on the end-user experience, see Stay up to date with widgets .

Virtual desktops : On the Taskbar, you can select the Desktops icon to create a new desktop:

Use the desktop to open different apps depending on what you're doing. For example, you can create a Travel desktop that includes web sites and apps that are focused on travel.

Using policy, you can deploy a customized Taskbar to devices in your organization. For more information, see Customize the Taskbar on Windows 11 .

Users can manage some desktop features using Settings app > System > Multitasking . For more information on the end-user experience, see Multiple desktops in Windows .

Use your same apps, and new apps, improved

Starting with Windows 11, users in the Windows Insider program can download and install Android™️ apps from the Microsoft Store. This feature is called the Windows Subsystem for Android , and allows users to use Android apps on their Windows devices, similar to other apps installed from the Microsoft Store.

Users open the Microsoft Store, install the Amazon Appstore app, and sign in with their Amazon account. When they sign in, they can search, download, and install Android apps.

• Windows Subsystem for Android
• Windows Subsystem for Android developer information

Your Windows 10 apps also work on Windows 11. App Assure is also available if there are some issues.

You can continue to use MSIX packages for your UWP, Win32, WPF, and WinForm desktop application files. Continue to use Windows Package Manager to install Windows apps. You can create Azure virtual desktops that run Windows 11. Use Azure Virtual desktop with MSIX app attach to virtualize desktops and apps. For more information on these features, see Overview of apps on Windows client devices .

In the Settings app > Apps , users can manage some of the app settings. For example, they can get apps anywhere, but let the user know if there's a comparable app in the Microsoft Store. They can also choose which apps start when they sign in.

Using an MDM provider, like Intune, you can create policies that also manage some app settings. For a list of settings, see App Store in Intune .

If you manage devices using Intune, then you might be familiar with the Company Portal app . Starting with Windows 11, the Company Portal is your private app repository for your organization apps. For more information, see Private app repository in Windows 11 .

For public and retail apps, continue using the Microsoft Store.

Windows Terminal app : This app is included with the OS. On previous Windows versions, it's a separate download in the Microsoft Store. For more information, see What is Windows Terminal? .

This app combines Windows PowerShell, a command prompt, and Azure Cloud Shell all within the same terminal window. You don't need to open separate apps to use these command-line applications. It has tabs. When you open a new tab, you can choose your command-line application:

If users or groups in your organization do a lot with Windows PowerShell or the command prompt, then use policy to add the Windows Terminal app to the Start menu layout or the Taskbar .

Users can also search for the Terminal app, right-select the app, and pin the app to the Start menu and taskbar.

The Microsoft Store has a new look, and includes more public and retail apps. For more information on the end-user experience, see:

• Get updates for apps and games in Microsoft Store
• How to open Microsoft Store on Windows

The Microsoft Edge browser is included with the OS. Internet Explorer (IE) isn't available in Windows 11. In Microsoft Edge, you can use IE Mode if a website needs Internet Explorer. Open Microsoft Edge, and enter edge://settings/defaultBrowser in the URL.

To save system resources, Microsoft Edge uses sleeping tabs. Users can configure these settings, and more, in edge://settings/system .

Using Group Policy or an MDM provider, such as Intune, you can configure some Microsoft Edge settings. For more information, see Microsoft Edge - Policies and Configure Microsoft Edge policy settings .

Deployment and servicing

Install Windows 11 : The same methods you use to install Windows 10 can also be used to install Windows 11. For example, you can deploy Windows to your devices using Windows Autopilot, Configuration Manager, and other methods. Windows 11 is delivered as an upgrade to eligible devices running Windows 10.

For more information on getting started, see Windows client deployment resources and documentation and Plan for Windows 11 .

For more information on the end-user experience, see Ways to install Windows 11 .

Windows Autopilot : If you're purchasing new devices, you can use Windows Autopilot to set up and preconfigure the devices. When users get the device, they sign in with their organization account ( [email protected] ). In the background, Autopilot gets them ready for use, and deploys any apps or policies you set. You can also use Windows Autopilot to reset, repurpose, and recover devices. Autopilot offers zero touch deployment for admins.

If you have a global or remote workforce, then Autopilot might be the right option to install the OS, and get it ready for use. For more information, see Overview of Windows Autopilot .

Microsoft Intune is a mobile application management (MAM) and mobile device management (MDM) provider. It helps manage devices, and manage apps on devices in your organization. You configure policies, and then deploy these policies to users and groups. You can create and deploy policies that install apps, configure device features, enforce PIN requirements, block compromised devices, and more.

If you use Group Policy to manage your Windows 10 devices, then you can also use Group Policy to manage Windows 11 devices. In Intune, there are administrative templates and the settings catalog that include many of the same policies. Group Policy analytics analyze your on-premises group policy objects.

Windows Updates and Delivery optimization helps manage updates, and manage features on your devices. Starting with Windows 11, the OS feature updates are installed annually. For more information on servicing channels, and what they are, see Servicing channels .

Like Windows 10, Windows 11 receives monthly quality updates.

You have options to install updates on your Windows devices, including Intune, Group Policy, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), and more. For more information, see Assign devices to servicing channels .

Some updates are large, and use bandwidth. Delivery optimization helps reduce bandwidth consumption. It shares the work of downloading the update packages with multiple devices in your deployment. Windows 11 updates are smaller, as they only pull down source files that are different. You can create policies that configure delivery optimization settings. For example, set the maximum upload and download bandwidth, set caching sizes, and more.

For more information, see Delivery Optimization for Windows updates .

For more information on the end-user experience, see:

• Installation & updates
• Manage updates in Windows

Education and apps

Windows 11 SE is a new edition of Windows designed for education. It runs on low-cost devices, and runs essential apps, including Microsoft 365. For more information, see Windows 11 SE for Education .

• Windows 11 requirements
• Plan for Windows 11
• Prepare for Windows 11
• Windows release health

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7 Ways to Set Up Image Slideshows in Windows 11 Without Installing Extra Software

There are lots of ways to make a slideshow on Windows 11, but here's how to do it without any additional apps.

Setting up a slideshow is a great way to show off a collection of your favorite photos. There are a plethora of third-party software packages with which you can set up picture presentations.

However, you don’t need to install any of those additional apps, as Windows 11 already includes built-in features and apps to set up basic slideshows with. Here are six ways you can set up photo slideshows in Windows 11 without additional desktop software.

1. How to Set Up a Desktop Slideshow

Windows 11 includes a feature that enables you to set up slideshows on its desktop. When enabled, the desktop displays images in a selected folder for a specified time. It’s a relatively basic slideshow feature, but you can still show off all your favorite photos on your PC’s desktop with it. This is how to set up a desktop image slideshow in Windows 11:

• Select Background in Settings.
• Double-click Personalize your background to expand its settings.
• Click Browse to select a folder that includes your photos for the slideshow.
• Select the Choose this folder option.
• Then choose an image display period on the Change picture every drop-down menu.

2. How to Set Up a Screensaver Slideshow

If you prefer to view your favorite images without overlapping desktop icons, set up a screensaver photo presentation instead. Yes, Windows 11 does still include screensavers, even if some people argue that screensavers are no longer relevant .

his is how you can set up a screensaver slideshow in Windows 11:

• Type screensaver in the Start menu's search text box.
• Click Change screensaver in your search results.
• Adjust the Wait option to configure how long it takes to for the screensaver to appear.
• Click the Browse button for selecting pictures.
• Choose a folder that includes the photos you want to show in the slideshow, and click OK to confirm.
• Select an option on the Slide show speed drop-down menu.
• Click the Save and Apply options.

3. How to Set Up a Slideshow With the Photos App

Photos is Windows 11’s default image viewer and photo-editing app. That app includes a Slideshow option you can select to view a compilation of images. You can view slideshows in Photos with that option as follows:

• Click the pinned Photos app that’s on Windows 11’s Start menu.
• Click New album to select images within Photos to include in your slideshow. You can click the Import > From folder options to select images you can’t find within the Photos app.
• Select the album you just set up in Photos.

4. How to Set Up a Slideshow With Video Editor

Video Editor is an app that’s like an expansion to Photos. That app enables its users to set up photo video slideshows with different themes and background music. Here are the steps for creating a slideshow clip for your favorite snapshots in Video Editor:

• Click within the search box on Windows 11’s Start menu.
• Enter Video Editor in the search utility.
• Select Video Editor to open that tab in Photos.
• Enter a title for your clip, and click the OK option.
• Click + Add > From this PC to select some images for the slideshow. Then select Open to add them.
• To add some sound, click the Background music option. Then choose an audio scheme, and press the Done button.
• Press the Finish video button.
• Select an option on the Video quality drop-down menu, and click the Export option.

5. How to Set Up a Slideshow With Google Photos

Google Photos is a cloud storage web app for storing images you can utilize within Windows 11’s Edge browser. Anybody with a Google Account can save snapshots there. If you don’t already have such an account, set one up as outlined on this Google Account Help page . Then follow these steps to set up a slideshow in Google Photos:

• Open Google Photos in Edge or another browser.
• If you don’t already have images saved there, click Upload > Computer in Google Photos. Press the Ctrl key to choose some photos, and click the Open option.
• Select Albums on the left of Google Photos.
• Enter an album title, and press the Add photos button.
• Choose some photographs, and click the Done button.
• Select your new album in Google Photos.
• Your album slideshow will now play in full-screen mode. Click the left and right arrows to flick through your images.

6. How to Set Up a Slideshow With Google Slides

Slides is a presentation web app of the G Suite you can also utilize with a Google Account. That app includes much more extensive options for setting up photo slideshows with different layouts, transition effects, animations, and captions than Google Photos. These are the steps for setting up a basic image slideshow with Slides:

• Open the Google Slides homepage.
• Click the Go to Slides button.
• Then select the Blank presentation option.
• Enter a title in the Untitled presentation box.
• Select Blank to add an empty slide.
• Repeat steps five and six to add as many slides as you need for your photo slideshow.
• Then select a blank slide to add an image to and click Insert .
• Choose a photo you want to add to the slide and select the Open option.
• Repeat steps six to nine to add photos to all blank slides within your slideshow.
• Click the Slideshow button to view the presentation.
• Your presentation gets automatically saved within Slides. However, you can save it to a hard drive by clicking File > Download and choosing Microsoft PowerPoint (or alternative) file format.

Slides has many more audio, formatting, text, shape, and theme options available. You can also include multiple images in single slides by selecting different layout options. Our how to create a presentation in Google Slides guide provides more in-depth guidelines for utilizing that web app.

7. How to Set Up a Slideshow With Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player is old software with which you can play music and video and view images. That software still comes included with Windows 11, and you can set up basic image slideshows with WMP as it catalogs pictures in your user folder. This is how you can create image slideshows with Windows Media Player:

• First, make sure your user Pictures folder includes the photos you want in a slideshow. You can move photos into the user Pictures folder by dragging and dropping them from one directory to the other in File Explorer.
• Type Windows Media Player inside the Start menu’s search box.
• Select Windows Media Player to bring up that software’s window.
• Click the Create playlist button.
• Type Image Slideshow in the playlist text box.
• Then click the small arrow beside Playlist to extend that category.
• Hold the Ctrl key and select photos to include within the slideshow.
• Then hold the left mouse button to drag your image selection onto your playlist’s title in the Windows Media Player sidebar.
• Release the left mouse button when you see the Add to + tooltip.

Now select your Image Slideshow playlist in Windows Media Player, which will include the photo files you’ve added to it. Click the Play button to start the slideshow. Windows Media Player will then display play a basic slideshow that flicks through the images in it at about five-second intervals. If WMP doesn’t automatically show the slideshow, click the Switch to Now Playing option.

Who Needs Third-Party Photo Slideshow Software?

So, it’s hardly essential to install third-party slideshow software in Windows 11 when you can show off your favorite pics with the methods above. Windows 11’s built-in desktop and screensaver slideshow features and Google Photos are ok for showcasing basic image collections. You can set up more advanced photography slideshows that incorporate variable transition effects, background music, audio narrative, and text captions with Video Editor and Google Sheets.

• Web Development

How to Use Presenter View in Microsoft PowerPoint on Windows 11

Posted on 20th june 2023.

3-5 times in the article

In PowerPoint, Presenter View is a display option that allows the presenter to view the current slide, next slide, speaker notes, and a timer on their screen while the audience sees only the slide. It’s a great way to keep track of your place and time while delivering a presentation.

To use Presenter View, you’ll need two monitors: one for the presenter and one for the audience. The presenter’s monitor will show Presenter View, and the audience’s monitor will show the slides.

Here’s how to set up Presenter View:

1. Connect the second monitor to your computer.

2. Open PowerPoint and go to the Slide Show tab.

3. In the Set Up group, click Set Up Slide Show.

4. Under Display options, select the check box next to Use Presenter View.

5. Click OK.

Now, when you start your slide show, Presenter View will appear on the presenter’s monitor and the slides will appear on the audience’s monitor.

To navigate through your presentation in Presenter View:

1. Use the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard to move between slides.

2. Use the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the notes for each slide.

3. To end the presentation, press Esc.

When you’re giving a presentation, Presenter View is a great way to keep track of your place and time. It’s also a great way to view your speaker notes while the audience sees only the slides.

If you’re giving a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint, you can use Presenter View to view your presentation with your speaker notes on your computer, while your audience views the slides on a separate display or projector.

To use Presenter View:

1. Connect your computer to the projector or second display.

2. Open your PowerPoint presentation.

3. Click the “Slide Show” tab.

4. Click “Set Up Show.”

5. Check the “Use Presenter View” option.

6. Click “OK.”

7. Click “From Beginning” or “From Current Slide” to start your presentation.

When you start your presentation, Presenter View will appear on your computer. Presenter View includes the following elements:

Slide preview: This area shows a preview of the next slide in your presentation.

Presentation timer: This timer keeps track of how long you’ve been presenting.

Speaker notes: This area displays your speaker notes for the current slide. You can also use the pen, highlighter, and eraser tools to annotate your notes.

Thumbnails: These small images show all of the slides in your presentation. You can click a thumbnail to jump to that slide.

Current slide: This area shows the slide that’s currently being displayed on the projector or second display.

Next slide: This area shows a preview of the next slide in your presentation.

When you’re ready to advance to the next slide, click the “Next” button in the Current Slide area or press the right arrow key on your keyboard.

To end your presentation, click the “End Show” button in the Current Slide area.

In PowerPoint, presenter view is a feature that lets you see your presentation with speaker notes on one computer (your laptop, for example), while your audience views the notes-free presentation on a different screen (like a projector connected to your laptop).

To use presenter view:

1. Connect your laptop to the projector.

5. Check the “Use Presenter View” box.

Now, when you start your slide show, your laptop will show the speaker notes while the projector shows the slide without the notes.

To advance the slides, you can use the mouse, the keyboard, or a remote control.

To advance the slides using the mouse, click on the slide you want to show.

To advance the slides using the keyboard, press the right arrow key.

To advance the slides using a remote control, click the “Forward” button.

To go back to a previous slide, you can use the mouse, the keyboard, or a remote control.

To go back to a previous slide using the mouse, click on the slide you want to show.

To go back to a previous slide using the keyboard, press the left arrow key.

To go back to a previous slide using a remote control, click the “Back” button.

If you want to use Presenter View but don’t have a second monitor, you can use PowerPoint’s built-in Presenter View on your Windows 11 computer.

1. Connect your computer to a projector or second monitor.

4. Under Show type, select Browsed by an individual (window).

5. Under Advance slides, select Use Presenter View.

6. Click OK.

When you start the slide show, PowerPoint will open two windows. One window will display the slide show on the projector or second monitor. The other window, Presenter View, will display on your computer.

Presenter View includes the current slide, the next slide, a timer, and your speaker notes. You can also use Presenter View to advance the slides, go back to previous slides, and end the slide show.

To advance the slides in Presenter View:

1. Click the Next button.

2. Press the spacebar on your keyboard.

3. Press the right arrow key on your keyboard.

4. Swipe forward on your touchpad.

To go back to a previous slide:

1. Click the Previous button.

2. Press the left arrow key on your keyboard.

3. Swipe backward on your touchpad.

To end the slide show:

1. Click the End Slide Show button.

2. Press the Esc key on your keyboard.

When you’re ready to present, click the Slide Show tab, then click From Beginning or From Current Slide.

To advance your slides, do one of the following:

On the Slide Show tab, click the Advance Slide arrow.

On the keyboard, press N for next or P for previous.

To end your slide show, do one of the following:

On the Slide Show tab, click End Show.

On the keyboard, press Esc.

If you have never used Presenter View in PowerPoint, or if you have never even heard of it, don’t worry. It’s actually very simple to use and can be a great way to make your presentations more engaging and professional.

To use Presenter View, you will need to have two monitors connected to your computer. One monitor will be for your PowerPoint presentation, and the other monitor will be for your Presenter View.

When you are ready to start your presentation, click the “Slide Show” tab at the top of the PowerPoint window. Then, click “Set Up Show.”

In the Set Up Show dialog box, select “Use Presenter View.” Then, click “OK.”

Now, when you start your presentation, your PowerPoint presentation will appear on one monitor, and your Presenter View will appear on the other monitor.

Your Presenter View will show your current slide, the next slide, your speaker notes, and a timer. It also has a few other features that can be helpful, such as the ability to jump to a specific slide, black out your screen, and more.

To learn more about using Presenter View, be sure to check out the PowerPoint help documentation.

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PowerPoint Forum Top Contributors: Steve Rindsberg  -  John Korchok  -  Bob Jones AKA: CyberTaz   ✅

May 10, 2024

PowerPoint Forum Top Contributors:

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Presenter View (Powerpoint in Windows 11) is not working

Hi I am using new laptop on Windows 11, with Office 365 Apps Enterprise.

I try to change the display setting Win + P and choose to "Extend Display", but every time I check the setting, by default the option "PC screen display" is selected.

When I tried to show the display, I cannot get the presenter view. This is what I have done (all are not working):

1. Use Apps & Features repair (online)

2. Install Reinstall Office

3. Alt +F5 / Show Presenter View on the displayed screen - but this option is not convenience as I cannot toggle between online apps and office powerpoint.

4. Run powerpoint in safe mode, the same problem still occur

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Replies (4) 

• Microsoft Agent |

Dear TCO2_,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

As per your description, please let us cooperate and please don’t worry, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation.

Based on my test result, I seem that the Presenter View display work fine from my end. Here is my test screenshot for your reference.

Per you description, b ased on my experience I think the problem is related with your display setting. However, please make sure “Use Presenter View" is selected under Slide Show tab.

As you mentioned, " When I tried to show the display, I cannot get the presenter view." if possible, could you please upload a screenshot for our reference , so we can understand your exact scenario and provide our suggestion in a productive manner, perhaps some related screenshots will be helpful.

In the meantime, I can’t reproduce the same problem and to confirm whether this is a bug in a specific version, please provide us the version information. To check version: Open PowerPoint>File>Account>Product Information and capture a full screenshot and share here and we will be tested on that version and verify the result with you.

Your understanding and patience will be highly appreciated. I hope that you are keeping safe and well!

Sincerely, 

Waqas Muhammad

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Thanks for your feedback.

Hi Waqas Thank you for your reply.

I have checked just now, and still not able to display the presenter view though I have checked all the options. Here is the screenshot:

(2) Before presenting, I chose display setting "Extend" . As you can see, I have already check the "Use Presenter View" . But when I click the Slide Show , the slide does not show the presenter view mode, but the normal slide.

I did not experience this issue while using Windows 10. But this issue disrupting the works specifically if needed to do a lot of presentations. I have also updated the graphic driver from the manufacturer website as well, but still having the same issues.

1 person found this reply helpful

Today, I tried to uninstall/refresh the display adapter driver again, restart the laptop but the problem remain the same.

After that, I went to intel website and scanned update. Found some updates and run the update, restart the laptop. The issues still remain the same

Lastly, I tried to install other slide presentation software, unfortunately, the problem still unresolved.

I am not sure whether it is because of the Office software or Windows 11 Home setting.

Start Slide Show. Right Click anywhere on the slide you are on. Click Presenter View

10 people found this reply helpful

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Releasing Windows 11, version 24H2 to the Release Preview Channel

• Windows Insider Program Team

UPDATE 5/29: We’re aware that some Windows Insiders in Release Preview are not seeing Windows 11, version 24H2 offered yet. We’ve just begun the rollout and will gradually increase the rollout over time so not everyone will see it right away. If you are not seeing it yet and want to update to Windows 11, version 24H2 right away, you can do so by using the ISO which are available for download here . The ISO is Build 26100.560 but once you update using the ISO and join Release Preview, you’ll get Build 26100.712.

Hello Windows Insiders!

Today, we are making this year’s annual feature update Windows 11, version 24H2 (Build 26100.712) available in the Release Preview Channel for customers to preview ahead of general availability later this calendar year.

Windows 11, version 24H2* includes a range of new features such as the HDR background support, energy saver, Sudo for Windows , Rust in the Windows kernel, support for Wi-Fi 7, voice clarity and more. It also includes many improvements across Windows. For example, we are introducing a scrollable view of the quick settings flyout from the taskbar, the ability to create 7-zip and TAR archives in File Explorer (in addition to ZIP), and improvements for connecting Bluetooth® Low Energy Audio devices. We will be sharing more details in the coming months on many of the new features and improvements included as part of Windows 11, version 24H2 leading up to general availability. Please note that the new AI features such as Recall announced earlier this week will not be available on your PC after installing this update today as they require a Copilot+ PC. For more information on those new AI features and Copilot+ PCs, see this blog post here .

As part of this update, we’re also evolving the Copilot** experience on Windows as an app that will be pinned to the taskbar. This enables users to get the benefits of a traditional app experience, including the ability to resize, move, and snap the window – feedback we’ve heard from users throughout the preview of Copilot in Windows. This model also allows Microsoft to more agilely develop and optimize the experience based on user feedback. This change will be making is way to Insiders in the Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels shortly.

Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can install Windows 11, version 24H2 via our “seeker” experience in Windows Update. This means if you are an Insider currently in the Release Preview Channel on a PC that meets the Windows 11  hardware requirements , you can go to Settings and Windows Update and choose to download and install Windows 11, version 24H2 if you want. Once you update your PC to Windows 11, version 24H2, you will continue to automatically receive new servicing updates through Windows Update (the typical monthly update process). For instructions on how to join the Windows Insider Program and join your PC to the Release Preview Channel,  click here .

PLEASE NOTE: Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels will not be able to switch to the Release Preview Channel as they are on builds already based on Windows 11, version 24H2 but are on higher build numbers. These Insiders don’t need to switch. 

Commercial*** customers enrolled in the  Windows Insider Program for Business  can begin validating Windows 11, version 24H2 on PCs in their organizations. For these customers, the Windows 11, version 24H2 feature update is available through Windows Update for Business (WUfB) and Windows Server Update Service (WSUS). Azure Marketplace will be coming soon. You can learn more about deploying pre-release feature updates using  these deployment methods here . Should any issues arise, IT admins in organizations deploying Release Preview updates can request Microsoft Support .

And finally – ISOs are now available for download for Windows 11, version 24H2 via the Windows Insider ISO download page .

Thanks, Windows Insider Program Team

*Please note that Cortana, Tips, and WordPad are removed after upgrading to Windows 11, version 24H2. These apps are deprecated .

**Copilot in Windows is being rolled out gradually to Windows Insiders across our global markets. Customers in the European Economic Area will be able to download the Copilot in Windows experience as an app from the Microsoft Store (coming soon).

***We consider a device a commercial device if it is not running the Windows 11 Home edition AND is being managed by an IT administrator (whether via Microsoft Endpoint Manager or other management solution) or has a volume license key or commercial ID or is joined to a domain.

Optimizations for windowed games in Windows 11

Optimizations for windowed games improves gaming on your PC by using a new presentation model for DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games that appear in a window or in a borderless window.

When these optimizations are used, games that originally use the legacy blt-model presentation can use the newer flip-model presentation instead (if the game is compatible). This results in lower frame latency and lets you use other newer gaming features; for example, Auto HDR, and variable refresh rate (for displays that support it).

To use optimizations for windowed games

Select the Start button, then select Settings .

In Settings , select System > Display > Graphics > Change default graphics settings .

Select the setting under Optimizations for windowed games to turn it On .

Restart your game.

Note:  If you turn on Auto HDR , Optimizations for windowed games will be turned on automatically. If you want to turn off Optimizations for windowed games , you’ll need to turn off Auto HDR first.

To turn optimizations off for a specific app or game

In Settings , select System > Display > Graphics .

Under Custom options for apps , select the app or game you want to change the graphics settings for, then select Options .

In Graphics preference , do one or more of the following:

If your PC has more than one graphics processor (GPU), select the graphics performance setting you want to use for the app or game— Let Windows decide (Power saving) , Power saving , or High performance .

To turn off optimizations for windowed games, select the Don’t use optimizations for windowed games checkbox.

To turn off Auto HDR for the selected app or game, select the Don’t use Auto HDR checkbox.

Select Save .

Restart your game or app.

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Introducing Copilot+ PCs

May 20, 2024 | Yusuf Mehdi - Executive Vice President, Consumer Chief Marketing Officer

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An on-demand recording of our May 20 event is available .

Today, at a special event on our new Microsoft campus, we introduced the world to a new category of Windows PCs designed for AI, Copilot+ PCs.    

Copilot+ PCs are the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever built. With powerful new silicon capable of an incredible 40+ TOPS (trillion operations per second), all – day battery life and access to the most advanced AI models, Copilot+ PCs will enable you to do things you can’t on any other PC. Easily find and remember what you have seen in your PC with Recall, generate and refine AI images in near real-time directly on the device using Cocreator, and bridge language barriers with Live Captions, translating audio from 40+ languages into English .  

These experiences come to life on a set of thin, light and beautiful devices from Microsoft Surface and our OEM partners Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung, with pre-orders beginning today and availability starting on June 18. Starting at $999, Copilot+ PCs offer incredible value.  

This first wave of Copilot+ PCs is just the beginning. Over the past year, we have seen an incredible pace of innovation of AI in the cloud with Copilot allowing us to do things that we never dreamed possible. Now, we begin a new chapter with AI innovation on the device. We have completely reimagined the entirety of the PC – from silicon to the operating system, the application layer to the cloud – with AI at the center, marking the most significant change to the Windows platform in decades.  

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The fastest, most secure Windows PCs ever built  

We introduced an all-new system architecture to bring the power of the CPU, GPU, and now a new high performance Neural Processing Unit (NPU) together. Connected to and enhanced by the large language models (LLMs) running in our Azure Cloud in concert with small language models (SLMs), Copilot+ PCs can now achieve a level of performance never seen before. They are up to 20x more powerful [1] and up to 100x as efficient [2] for running AI workloads and deliver industry-leading AI acceleration. They outperform Apple’s MacBook Air 15” by up to 58% in sustained multithreaded performance [3] , all while delivering all-day battery life.  With incredible efficiency, Copilot+ PCs can deliver up to 22 hours of local video playback or 15 hours of web browsing on a single charge. [4] That is up to 20% more battery in local video playback than the MacBook Air 15”. [5]

Windows now has the best implementation of apps on the fastest chip, starting with Qualcomm. We now offer more native Arm64 experiences than ever before, including our fastest implementation of Microsoft 365 apps like Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, Excel, OneDrive and OneNote. Chrome, Spotify, Zoom, WhatsApp, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Blender, Affinity Suite, DaVinci Resolve and many more now run​ natively on Arm to give you great performance with additional apps, like Slack, releasing later this year. In fact, 87% of the total app minutes people spend in apps today have native Arm versions. [6] With a powerful new emulator, Prism, your apps run great, whether native or emulated.

Every Copilot+ PC comes secured out of the box. The Microsoft Pluton Security processor will be enabled by default on all Copilot+ PCs and we have introduced a number of new features, updates and defaults to Windows 11 that make it easy for users to stay secure. And, we’ve built in personalized privacy controls to help you protect what’s important to you. You can read more about how we are making Windows more secure here .

Entirely new, powerful AI experiences   

Copilot+ PCs leverage powerful processors and multiple state-of-the-art AI models, including several of Microsoft’s world-class SLMs, to unlock a new set of experiences you can run locally, directly on the device. This removes previous limitations on things like latency, cost and even privacy to help you be more productive, creative and communicate more effectively.  

Recall instantly  

We set out to solve one of the most frustrating problems we encounter daily – finding something we know we have seen before on our PC. Today, we must remember what file folder it was stored in, what website it was on, or scroll through hundreds of emails trying to find it.   

Now with Recall, you can access virtually what you have seen or done on your PC in a way that feels like having photographic memory. Copilot+ PCs organize information like we do – based on relationships and associations unique to each of our individual experiences. This helps you remember things you may have forgotten so you can find what you’re looking for quickly and intuitively by simply using the cues you remember. [7]

You can scroll across time to find the content you need in your timeline across any application, website, document, or more. Interact intuitively using snapshots with screenray to help you take the next step using suggested actions based on object recognition. And get back to where you were, whether to a specific email in Outlook or the right chat in Teams.

Recall leverages your personal semantic index, built and stored entirely on your device. Your snapshots are yours; they stay locally on your PC. You can delete individual snapshots, adjust and delete ranges of time in Settings, or pause at any point right from the icon in the System Tray on your Taskbar. You can also filter apps and websites from ever being saved. You are always in control with privacy you can trust.

Cocreate with AI-powered image creation and editing, built into Windows

Since the launch of Image Creator, almost 10 billion images have been generated, helping more people bring their ideas to life easily by using natural language to describe what they want to create. Yet, today’s cloud offerings may limit the number of images you can create, keep you waiting while the artwork processes or even present privacy concerns. By using the Neural Processing Units (NPUs) and powerful local small language models, we are bringing innovative new experiences to your favorite creative applications like Paint and Photos.

Combine your ink strokes with text prompts to generate new images in nearly real time with Cocreator. As you iterate, so does the artwork, helping you more easily refine, edit and evolve your ideas. Powerful diffusion-based algorithms optimize for the highest quality output over minimum steps to make it feel like you are creating alongside AI. Use the creativity slider to choose from a range of artwork from more literal to more expressive. Once you select your artwork, you can continue iterating on top of it, helping you express your ideas, regardless of your creative skills.

Take photo editing and image creation to the next level. With Restyle Image, you can reimagine your personal photos with a new style combining image generation and photo editing in Photos. Use a pre-set style like Cyberpunk or Claymation to change the background, foreground or full picture to create an entirely new image. Or jumpstart your next creative project and get visual inspiration with Image Creator in Photos. On Copilot+ PCs you can generate endless images for free, fast, with the ability to fine tune images to your liking and to save your favorites to collections.

Innovative AI experiences from the creative apps you love

We are also partnering with some of the biggest and most-loved applications on the planet to leverage the power of the NPU to deliver new innovative AI experiences.

Together with Adobe, we are thrilled to announce Adobe’s flagship apps are coming to Copilot+ PCs, including Photoshop, Lightroom and Express – available today. Illustrator, Premiere Pro and more are coming this summer. And we’re continuing to partner to optimize AI in these apps for the NPU. For Adobe Creative Cloud customers, they will benefit from the full performance advantages of Copilot+ PCs to express their creativity faster than ever before.

DaVinci Resolve Studio    

Effortlessly apply visual effects to objects and people using NPU-accelerated Magic Mask in DaVinci Resolve Studio.  

Remove the background from any video clip in a snap using Auto Cutout running on the NPU in CapCut.  

Stay in your flow with faster, more responsive adaptive input controls, like head movement or facial expressions via the new NPU-powered camera pipeline in Cephable.  

LiquidText  

Make quicker and smarter annotations to documents, using AI features that run entirely on-device via NPU, so data stays private in LiquidText. 

Have fun breaking down and remixing any music track, with a new, higher-quality version of NeuralMix™ that’s exclusive to NPU in Algoriddim’s djay Pro.  

Connect and communicate effortlessly with live captions  

In an increasingly connected and global world, Windows wants to bring people closer together. Whether catching up on your favorite podcast from a different country, or watching your favorite international sports team, or even collaborating with friends and colleagues across the world, we want to make more content accessible to more people.   

Live Captions now has live translations and will turn any audio that passes through your PC into a single, English-language caption experience, in real time on your screen across all your apps consistently. You can translate any live or pre-recorded audio in any app or video platform from over 40 languages into English subtitles instantly, automatically and even while you’re offline. Powered by the NPU and available across all Copilot+ PCs, now you can have confidence your words are understood as intended.   

New and enhanced Windows Studio Effects  

Look and sound your best automatically with easily accessible controls at your fingertips in Quick Settings. Portrait light automatically adjusts the image to improve your perceived illumination in a dark environment or brighten the foreground pixels when in a low-light environment. Three new creative filters (illustrated, animated or watercolor) add an artistic flare. Eye contact teleprompter helps you maintain eye contact while reading your screen. New improvements to voice focus and portrait blur help ensure you’re always in focus.   

Copilot, your everyday AI companion

Every Copilot+ PC comes with your personal powerful AI agent that is just a single tap away on keyboards with the new Copilot key. [8] Copilot will now have the full application experience customers have been asking for in a streamlined, simple yet powerful and personal design. Copilot puts the most advanced AI models at your fingertips. In the coming weeks, get access to the latest models including GPT-4o from our partners at OpenAI, so you can have voice conversations that feel more natural.

Advancing AI responsibly

At Microsoft, we have a company-wide commitment to develop ethical, safe and secure AI. Our responsible AI principles guided the development of these new experiences, and all AI features are aligned with our standards. Learn more here .

New Copilot+ PCs from Microsoft Surface and our partners

We have worked with each of the top OEMs — Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung — and of course Surface, to bring exciting new Copilot+ PCs that will begin to launch on June 18. Starting at $999, these devices are up to $200 less than similar spec’d devices [9] .

Surface plays a key role in the Windows ecosystem, as we design software and hardware together to deliver innovative designs and meaningful experiences to our customers and fans. We are introducing the first-ever Copilot+ PCs from Surface: The all-new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop.

The new Surface Laptop is a powerhouse in an updated, modern laptop design with razor-thin bezels, a brilliant touchscreen display, AI-enhanced camera, premium audio, and now with a haptic touchpad.

Choose between a 13.8” and 15” display and four stunning colors. Enjoy up to 22 hours of local video playback on Surface Laptop 15” or up to 20 hours on Surface Laptop13.8” on top of incredible performance and all-new AI experiences.

The new Surface Pro is the most flexible 2-in-1 laptop, now reimagined with more speed and battery life to power all-new AI experiences. It introduces a new, optional OLED with HDR display, and ultrawide field of view camera perfect for Windows Studio Effects. The new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is the first 2-in-1 keyboard designed to be used both attached or detached. It delivers enhanced stability, with Surface Slim Pen storage and charging integrated seamlessly, as well as a quiet, haptic touchpad. Learn more here.

New Copilot+ PCs from the biggest brands available starting June 18:

• Acer : Acer’s Swift 14 AI 2.5K touchscreen enables you to draw and edit your vision with greater accuracy and with color-accurate imagery. Launch and discover AI-enhanced features, like Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 and Purified View, with a touch of the dedicated AcerSense button.
• ASUS : The ASUS Vivobook S 15 is a powerful device that brings AI experiences to life with its Snapdragon X Elite Platform and built-in Qualcomm® AI. It boasts 40+ NPU TOPS, a dual-fan cooling system, and up to 1 TB of storage. Next-gen AI enhancements include Windows Studio effects v2 and ASUS AiSense camera, with presence-detection capabilities for Adaptive Dimming and Lock. Built for portability, it has an ultra-slim and light all-metal design, a high-capacity battery, and premium styling with a single-zone RGB backlit keyboard.
• Dell : Dell is launching five new Copilot+ PCs, including the XPS 13, Inspiron 14 Plus, Inspiron 14, Latitude 7455, and Latitude 5455, offering a range of consumer and commercial options that deliver groundbreaking battery life and unique AI experiences. The XPS 13 is powered by Snapdragon X Elite processors and features a premium, futuristic design, while the Latitude 7455 boasts a stunning QHD+ display and quad speakers with AI noise reduction. The Inspiron14 and Inspiron 14 Plus feature a Snapdragon X Plus 1and are crafted with lightweight, low carbon aluminum and are energy efficient with EPEAT Gold rating.
• HP : HP’s OmniBook X AI PC and HP EliteBook Ultra G1q AI PC with Snapdragon X Elite are slim and sleek designs, delivering advanced performance and mobility for a more personalized computing experience. Features include long-lasting battery life and AI-powered productivity tools, such as real-time transcription and meeting summaries. A 5MP camera with automatic framing and eye focus is supported by Poly Studio’s crystal-clear audio for enhanced virtual interactions.
• Lenovo : Lenovo is launching two AI PCs: one built for consumers, Yoga Slim 7x, and one for commercial, ThinkPad T14s Gen 6. The Yoga Slim 7x brings efficiency for creatives, featuring a 14.5” touchscreen with 3K Dolby Vision and optimized power for 3D rendering and video editing. The T14s Gen 6 brings enterprise-level experiences and AI performance to your work tasks, with features including a webcam privacy shutter, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and up to 64GB RAM.
• Samsung : Samsung’s new Galaxy Book4 Edge is ultra-thin and light, with a 3K resolution 2x AMOLED display and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. It has a long-lasting battery that provides up to 22 hours of video playback, making it perfect for work or entertainment on the go.

Learn more about new Copilot+ PCs and pre-order today at Microsoft.com and from major PC manufacturers, as well as other leading global retailers.

Start testing for commercial deployment today

Copilot+ PCs offer businesses the most performant Windows 11 devices with unique AI capabilities to unlock productivity, improve collaboration and drive efficiency. As a Windows PC, businesses can deploy and manage a Copilot+ PC with the same tools and processes used today including IT controls for new features and AppAssure support. We recommend IT admins begin testing and readying for deployment to start empowering your workforce with access to powerful AI features on these high-performance devices. You can read more about our commercial experiences here .

AI innovation across the Windows ecosystem  

Like we’ve always done with Windows, we have built a platform for our ecosystem partners to build on.  

The first Copilot+ PCs will launch with both the Snapdragon® X Elite and Snapdragon® X Plus processors and feature leading performance per watt thanks to the custom Qualcomm Oryon™ CPU, which delivers unrivaled performance and battery efficiency. Snapdragon X Series delivers 45 NPU TOPS all-in-one system on a chip (SoC). The premium integrated Qualcomm® Adreno ™ GPU delivers stunning graphics for immersive entertainment. We look forward to expanding through deep partnerships with Intel and AMD, starting with Lunar Lake and Strix Point. We will bring new Copilot+ PC experiences at a later date. In the future we expect to see devices with this silicon paired with powerful graphics cards like NVIDIA GeForce RTX and AMD Radeon™, bringing Copilot+ PC experiences to reach even broader audiences like advanced gamers and creators.  

We are at an inflection point where the PC will accelerate AI innovation. We believe the richest AI experiences will only be possible when the cloud and device work together in concert. Together with our partners, we’re setting the frame for the next decade of Windows innovation.  

[1] Based on snapshot of aggregated, non-gaming app usage data as of April 2024 for iGPU-based laptops and 2-in-1 devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11 in US, UK, CA, FR, AU, DE, JP.

[2] Tested April 2024 using Phi SLM workload running 512-token prompt processing in a loop with default settings comparing pre-release Copilot+ PC builds with Snapdragon Elite X 12 Core and Snapdragon X Plus 10 core configurations (QNN build) to Windows 11 PC with NVIDIA 4080 GPU configuration (CUDA build).

[3] Tested May 2024 using Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core benchmark comparing Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X Elite 12 core and Snapdragon X Plus 10 core configurations to MacBook Air 15” with M3 8 core CPU / 10 Core GPU configuration. Performance will vary significantly between device configuration and usage.

[4] *Battery life varies significantly by device and with settings, usage and other factors. See aka.ms/cpclaims*

[5] *Battery life varies significantly based on device configuration, usage, network and feature configuration, signal strength, settings and other factors. Testing conducted May 2024 using the prelease Windows ADK full screen local video playback assessment under standard testing conditions, with the device connected to Wi-Fi and screen brightness set to 150 nits, comparing Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X Elite 12 core and Snapdragon X Plus 10 core configurations running Windows Version 26097.5003 (24H2) to MacBook Air 15” M3 8-Core CPU/ 10 Core GPU running macOS 14.4 with similar device configurations and testing scenario.

[6] Based on snapshot of aggregated, non-gaming app usage data as of April 2024 for iGPU-based laptops and 2-in-1 devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11 in US, UK, CA, FR, AU, DE, JP.

[7] Recall is optimized for select languages (English, Chinese (simplified), French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.) Content-based and storage limitations apply. Learn more here .

[8] Copilot key functionality may vary. See aka.ms/keysupport

[9] Based on MSRPs; actual savings may vary

Tags: AI , Copilot+ PC

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There are two versions of Windows 11. Here’s how to decide between them

I f you’re ready to take the plunge and purchase an upgraded version of Windows, then the biggest question you have is “which one?” Both Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home are powerful operating systems with robust feature sets at affordable prices.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ll walk you through a feature comparison along with the differences in security, power, and price.

Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Home?

Microsoft tries to introduce the intent behind the Windows 11 versions in the naming of the systems.

Windows 11 Pro is intended for more active (Pro) users, including businesses, enterprises, and teams that need added security and management features.

Windows 11 Home is intended for average (Home) users, students, and those who mainly email, play games, browse the web, and use everyday applications.

But as we all know, when deciding between two options, it’s not always the name that makes our decision for us. When it comes to an operating system, it starts with the features, moves onto security and power, and finishes with cost.

Feature comparison

For a good overview, especially if you’re interested in a specific tool, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the features of Windows 11 Pro versus Windows 11 Home in alphabetical order.

Business-geared features

You may notice that many of the features above that come with Windows 11 Pro and not Windows 11 Home are more geared toward businesses. Even though there may be a couple that you would like to see on Windows 11 Home, they do make sense for the Pro version.

Take Windows Information Protection (previously, Enterprise Data Protection) for example. This feature protects enterprise apps and data against accidental leaks on both company-owned and personal devices that employees use and bring to the office.

Additionally, things like Windows Sandbox, which is a controlled environment for running untrusted applications, and Windows Autopilot, which helps IT departments set up and configure devices, are features that the most common computer users wouldn’t need.

Consider each of these enterprise features when deciding between these two Windows versions .

Security tools

Both Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home come with some of the same security features including device encryption, firewall, network, and internet protection, Windows Defender, multifactor authentication, and Find My Device.

For added security, Windows 11 Pro offers the above-mentioned features like Windows Information Protection and Windows Sandbox, but also provides BitLocker Drive Encryption. This bonus tool allows you to lock down a device if it’s lost or stolen. While this sounds like a feature everyone could use these days, it’s more intended for businesses to protect company data should a device go missing.

The bottom line is that both versions of Windows have built-in security features for keeping you and your data safe. Windows 11 Pro goes beyond the basics to protect businesses in additional ways and for different reasons.

CPU and RAM support

Another consideration when making your decision is the CPU and RAM support offered by Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Home.

• Windows 11 Pro supports 2TB of RAM, a maximum of two CPUs, and a maximum of 128 CPU cores.
• Windows 11 Home supports 128GB of RAM, a maximum of one CPU, and a maximum of 64 CPU cores.

While there’s nothing wrong with 128GB of RAM, Windows 11 Pro supports 2TB so that it can accommodate things like creating virtual machines and assigning plenty of RAM to each.

As far as the CPU, dual-CPU systems like Windows 11 Pro can boost performance immensely. It increases the number of ports, shares memory resources, and can divide the workload. But for the average user, a single CPU machine can handle common everyday tasks, applications, and games just fine.

And for the CPU cores, the more cores a CPU has, the more efficient it is for handling tasks. With support for 128 CPU cores, Windows 11 Pro is a powerhouse for multitasking. However, typical computer users can do just about anything they need, from emailing to web browsing, with just two or four CPU cores.

Price difference

With the additional features, RAM and CPU support, and other system specifications, you can obviously expect to pay more for Windows 11 Pro. Currently, you can pick up Windows 11 Pro for $199 and Windows 11 Home for $139.

If you only grab Windows 11 Home for now, you do have the option to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro later. However, it’ll cost you $99 for the upgrade.

So, if you can afford the additional $60 upfront, it’s definitely more cost effective in the end for those features you need in Windows 11 Pro.

Which Windows 11 version should you pick?

As mentioned at the beginning of this piece, Windows 11 Pro is more for business users while Windows 11 Home is for the average individual. But there are exceptions to every “rule.”

Just because you’re a small-business owner doesn’t mean you need the advanced security features in Windows 11 Pro. On the other hand, you may be a power user outside of your day job and need more robust features than Windows 11 Home offers.

Review the features in relation to your needs. Think about the amount of security you require. Consider the upfront and upgrade costs.

Whichever you decide to buy — Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Home — you’ll still end up with a solid and dependable operating system.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 announced with Snapdragon X Elite — everything you need to know

This is a huge moment for Microsoft

In a rather secretive media-only event the day before Build 2024 , Microsoft has just announced the laptops we were waiting for — Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 with Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets.

It would be fair to say we were left a little disappointed in March to see these debut with Intel Core Ultra for business customers only. But as it turns out, Redmond has been sitting on something special with what the company is calling a range of "Copilot+ PCs."

Microsoft says that this new generation of Copilot + PCs is up to 58% faster than the MacBook Air M3 , and that GPT-4o capability is coming to Copilot within Windows 11. As you would expect, this new AI-focused initiative is being spearheaded by the new Surfaces — both starting at $999 and launching on June 18. Let's take a look at what these offer.

This is Microsoft's next big jump into making Arm-powered laptops a thing in the Windows space, and the performance speaks for itself. Microsoft claims it is "80% faster than our previous generation," and in terms of battery life, it can pack up to "22 hours of local video playback." That is mightily impressive when you put it next to the M3 MacBook Air's claim of "up to 18 hours Apple TV app movie playback."

On top of that, Microsoft has confirmed that the Surface Laptop will support three 4K monitors, as well as its own display — clearly a glancing blow at Apple's restrictive monitor support.

As for options, you've got a choice of four colors, and either a 13.8- or 15-inch screen in the Surface Laptop. Pricing starts at $999 and you can pre-order right now for its June 18 release.

Meanwhile, turning our attention to the Surface Pro, you've got one size in that 13-inch display, but this is the first Surface ever to feature a gorgeous new OLED display with HDR. 

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On top of that, the Flex Keyboard has received some big updates too — including a 14% larger touchpad with haptic feedback, and more carbon fiber to reduce flex and improve the keyboard's performance/durability. Plus, the slim pen is implemented into the keyboard cover itself, and you can use it while disconnected from the Surface Pro itself.

Up top, you've got a new QHD ultrawide webcam built into the bezel, which I'm definitely keen to try out and see whether the resolution lives up to the hype in that small sensor.

For the Pro, you've got a choice of four colors: Sapphire, Dune, Platinum or Black, and you can pre-order one now for $999 — ready to launch on June 18

What these unlock

Of course, Qualcomm's NPU inside these devices (capable of up to 45 trillion operations per second) is used to unlock some key functionality in the form of a vastly improved AI-centric experience in Copilot. Features like Recall give you an impressive device-wide and network-connected contextual search that you can give simple prompts too to gather information.

For example, if you lose a powerpoint presentation in your sea of files, you can ask for "the powerpoint with a purple chart" and it'll know which one you mean. 

Elsewhere, Cocreator is the AI image generation portion of this, where you can sketch and Microsoft will generate what you're trying to create with whatever level of detail you're looking for.

And there is even integration with Xbox too, so if you get to a point of a game where you're stuck, you can query Copilot to help walk you through a particularly difficult section!

Jason brings a decade of tech and gaming journalism experience to his role as a Managing Editor of Computing at Tom's Guide. He has previously written for Laptop Mag, Tom's Hardware, Kotaku, Stuff and BBC Science Focus. In his spare time, you'll find Jason looking for good dogs to pet or thinking about eating pizza if he isn't already.

Google unveils new Chromebook Plus laptops with integrated Gemini AI

I tested the new Chromebook Plus AI features — has Copilot met its match?

Gotta collect 'em all — Opera adds Gemini AI to its browser

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How to get the Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2) release before anyone else

Yes, you can download the next version of Windows 11 before it's officially available, and here's how.

Microsoft won't be rolling out Windows 11 version 24H2 for several months. Still, since the development is complete, you can download and install the official preview (with some, but not all, the features) before anyone else through the Windows Insider Program.

The program has been designed for developers, network admins, and tech-savvy users to test preview builds of Windows 11 through the Release Preview, Beta, Dev, and Canary Channels. However, as soon as the next version of the operating system is ready, it has to go through each channel, which means you can use the Release Preview Channel for an early upgrade.

In this how-to guide , I will outline the process to install the final version of Windows 11 for 2024 ahead of the official release.

How to install the Windows 11 version 24H2 from the Insider Program

Before proceeding, it's important to understand that while the new version of Windows 11 is available in the Release Preview Channel, it indicates the feature update is complete.

Important:  This is a friendly reminder that modifying a current setup can cause problems. Before proceeding, I recommend creating a  temporary backup of your computer .

Release Preview Channel install

To get the latest version of Windows 11 installed on your computer, use these steps:

• Open  Settings .
• Click on  Windows Update .
• Click the  Windows Insider Program  page on the right side.

• Click the  Get started  button. 

• Click the  "Link an account"  button.

• Select your  Microsoft account .
• Click the  Continue  button.
• Select the  "Release Preview Channel"  option.

• Click the  Continue  button again.
• Click the  Restart now  button.
• Open  Settings  again.
• Turn on the  "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available"  toggle switch.
• Click the  "Check for updates"  button.

• Click the  "Download & install"  button in the "Windows 11, version 24H2 is available" message (if applicable).

• Click the  Restart now  button.

Once you complete the steps, the computer will download and apply the newest feature update for Windows 11.

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Opt-out of Insider Program 

If you do not plan to test a future version of the operating system, you must gracefully opt out of the program. Here's how:

• Click the  "Stop getting preview builds"  setting.
• Turn off the  "Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases"  toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, your computer will be removed from the Windows Insider Program when the final version of the operating system is released. 

After the device is out of the program, it will continue to receive regular monthly updates for as long as the new version is supported.

Although it's possible to upgrade a system to Windows 11 version 24H2 early, it's important to note that even after the update becomes available, it usually takes time before it becomes fully available for everyone. The company checks the hardware and software configuration to ensure that only devices that have a good upgrade experience receive the new version first.

As a result, it's usually recommended to wait until the new version becomes available automatically rather than forcing it manually to avoid potential problems.

It's important to note that the first preview of the feature update only ships with some features, such as the new Copilot app, Sudo for Windows 11, Energy Saver, and more. You won't find features like Recall and many AI-powered features. Microsoft is expected to share more details on other features coming with the feature update in the coming months.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources: 

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.

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Download Windows 11

There are 3 options below for installing or creating Windows 11 media. Check out each one to determine the best option for you. If you are upgrading from Windows 10, we recommend that you wait until you are notified through Windows Update that the upgrade is ready for your PC. --> Before installing, please refer to the PC Health Check app to confirm your device meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 and check the Windows release information status for known issues that may affect your device.

Windows 11 Installation Assistant

• Upgrade a Windows 10 PC to Windows 11.
• You have a Windows 10 license.
• Your PC must have Windows 10, version 2004 or higher installed to run Installation Assistant.
• Your PC must have 9 GB of free disk space to download Windows 11.
• Select Run . You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
• Once the tool confirms the device hardware is compatible, you will be presented with the license terms. Select Accept and Install .
• Once the tool is ready, click the Restart Now button to complete installation on your computer.
• It might take some time to install Windows 11, and your PC will restart a few times.   Make sure you don’t turn off your PC .

This is the best option if you want to install Windows 11 on the device you’re currently using. click Install now .

Create Windows 11 Installation Media

• An internet connection (internet service provider fees may apply).
• Sufficient data storage available on the computer, USB, or external drive you are downloading the .iso file to.
• A blank DVD disc with at least 8GB (and DVD burner) to create a bootable disc. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD, because any content on it will be deleted during installation.
• If you receive a “disc image file is too large” message while attempting to burn a DVD bootable disc from an ISO file, consider using a higher capacity Dual Layer DVD.
• Windows 11 Media Creation Tool creates installation media only for x64 processors. For ARM-based PCs, you should wait until you are notified through Windows Update that the upgrade is ready for your PC.
• WARNING: Installing Windows 11 media on a PC that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11 on a PC that does not meet the requirements, that PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to the PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty.
• Matches your current language: You'll need to choose the same language when you install Windows 11. To see what language you're currently using, go to Time & language in PC settings or Region in the Control Panel.
• After downloading, run the media creation tool . You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
• If you agree to the license terms, select  Accept .
• On the  What do you want to do?  page, select Create installation media for another PC , and then select  Next .
• Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit) for Windows 11.
• USB flash drive:  Attach a blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space. Any content on the flash drive will be deleted.
• ISO file:  Save an ISO file to your PC. This can be used to create a bootable DVD. After the file is downloaded, you can go to location where the file is saved, or select  Open DVD burner , and follow the instructions to burn the file to a DVD.
• To check for updates now, select the Start button, and then go to Settings > Windows Update , and select Check for updates . You may also wish to visit your device manufacturer’s support site for any additional drivers that may be needed.
• Attach the USB flash drive or insert the DVD on the PC where you want to install Windows 11.
• If your PC does not automatically boot to the USB or DVD media, you might have to open a boot menu or change the boot order in your PC's BIOS or UEFI settings. 
• To open a boot menu or change the boot order, you'll typically need to press a key (such as F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) immediately after you turn on your PC. For instructions on accessing the boot menu or changing the boot order for your PC, check the documentation that came with your PC or go to the manufacturer's website.
• If you do not see the USB or DVD media device listed within the boot options, you may need to reach out to the PC manufacturer for instructions for temporarily disabling Secure Boot in your BIOS settings.
• If changing the boot menu or order doesn't work, and your PC immediately boots into the OS you want to replace, it is possible the PC had not fully shut down. To ensure the PC fully shuts down, select the power button on the sign-in screen or on the Start menu and select Shut down.
• On the  Install Windows  page, select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, and then select  Next .
• Select  Install Windows.

Use this option and download Media Creation Tool if you want to create bootable USB media to perform a clean install on new or existing hardware. To get started you first need a license to install Windows 11 or have a Windows 10 device that qualifies for an upgrade to Windows 11.

To get started, you will first need to have a license to install Windows 11. You can then download and run the media creation tool. For more information on how to use the tool, see the instructions below.

Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices

Select edition.

• Has a 64-bit CPU: Windows 11 can only run on 64-bit CPUs. To see if your PC has one, go to Settings > System > About , or search “System Information” in Windows and look under “System Type.” 
• The Windows 11 ISO is only available for devices with x64 processors. For ARM-based PCs, you should wait until you are notified through Windows Update that the upgrade is ready for your PC.
• Matches your current language: You'll need to choose the same language when you install Windows 11. To see what language you're currently using, go to Time and language in PC settings or Region in Control Panel.
• To use Windows Disk Image Burner to create the installation DVD, right-click on the ISO file and select Properties . Under the "General tab", click "Change..." where it says, "Opens with:" and select Windows Explorer. Select Apply . This will enable the Burn disc image to display when you right-click on the ISO file.
• To use a third-party DVD burning program, you can right-click on the ISO file and select Open with .
• If you want to install Windows 11 directly from the ISO file without using a DVD or USB flash drive, you can do so by mounting the ISO file. This will perform an upgrade of your current operating system to Windows 11.
• Go to the location where you downloaded the ISO file. Then, right-click the ISO file and select  Properties .
• On the "General" tab, click "Change…" where it says, “Opens with:" and select Windows Explorer for the program you would like to use to open ISO files and select  Apply .
• Right-click the ISO file and select  Mount .
• This will create a “virtual” bootable disc. Double-click on it to view the files within. Double-click  setup.exe  to start Windows 11 setup.
• More download options Sign in to the Volume Licensing Service Center to download Enterprise editions. Sign in to your subscription on the Visual Studio Subscriptions portal for available downloads. Visit the Windows Insider site to download Insider Preview builds Visit the Download Academic Products page for Education editions (product key required). -->

*Your use of the media creation tools on this site is governed by the Microsoft Terms of Use for this website.

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