Windows 11: New design, controversial changes

In 2015, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 would be “the last version of Windows.”

Apparently that was a false prophecy.

Earlier this year, we heard rumblings that something was happening to Windows. What was it? No one knew for sure, but a new graphic that Microsoft released to advertise the upcoming event looked very suspicious. It showed light streaming through a four-pane window.

Except that the image the light cast on the floor was not four panes, but two long panes.

Then a leaked, super-buggy ISO file appeared on the internet, claiming to be Windows 11. It looked very much like the Windows 10X project that Microsoft had ultimately abandoned. Not too long after it began circulating, Microsoft put in a request to have it removed from search results, claiming that it was a copyright infringement.

Now things began to get suspicious.

Our predictions came true on June 24 when Microsoft announced Windows 11 -- one of the most dramatic visual redesigns since Windows 8 -- during a live streamed event featuring top Microsoft executives. Since then beta users have been refining it before its release to the world on October 5.

Windows 11’s biggest change is that the Start icon and any apps pinned to the taskbar are now centered at the bottom of the screen. A redesigned Start menu dropped the Live Tile feature with supported apps. Each window now has rounded corners to complement the new design. Microsoft Teams is now integrated into the taskbar for quick chatting with friends and family. Widgets are also available so you can look at the news, your calendar, and more.

There are some controversial changes to the design due to how different it is from previous versions. PCMag observes that it is much like Chrome OS. Some of the dramatic taskbar changes have irked users. In addition, there’s no option to have the taskbar on the side or on the top. It’s chained to the bottom permanently.

But by far the most problematic update is probably in setup. Engadget feels that Microsoft is abandoning their commitment to accessibility by now requiring not only a Microsoft account but also an internet connection during setup. Many people still use their PCs without this account, and upgrading could become a problem.

However, this does not mean that you should not get the new OS. Right now, Windows 10 is still supported, but if current trends continue it won’t continue to be for long. This means that Windows 10 PCs will soon be vulnerable to security issues -- not something you want to mess with.

I’m excited to find out how the 1.5 billion Windows users worldwide will adapt to the new OS. Will they love it? Or will they switch to something else?

By Charles Metz