Testing Windows 11: little to praise, little to criticise
Windows 11 released today. Time to find out what the new operating system has to offer and whether switching is worth it.
No matter if its Windows 95, Vista or Windows 8: I’ll always be there on day one. Throughout the years, Microsoft has definitely released some adventurous versions of Windows that definitely needed some more time in the oven. Fortunately, Windows 11 joins the ranks of Windows 7 and Windows 10. Many innovations are primarily cosmetic, and the handling hasn’t changed much at first glance. This makes it easy to get started, yet refreshing. By the way, upgrading to Windows 11 is free of charge. However, it wouldn’t be Windows if there weren’t a few questionable choices.
A modern design
Windows 11 is more rounded, elegant and somewhat reminiscent of a mobile operating system. Pretty unsurprising, Microsoft has been trying to make Windows more user-friendly for touch and pen users for quite some time – by making it more mobile. Aside from rounded window edges and a playful Windows Explorer, the changes in Settings are the most noticeable. They aren’t only consistent from a user’s point of view, but also visually. A clear menu structure combined with a comprehensible design make using the system a pleasure.
The screenshot in full resolution
More accessible, but somewhat less flexible
From the installation, which finally got rid of Cortana’s annoying audio inputs, up until you launch the first apps, Windows 11 doesn’t differ much from its predecessor. If you didn’t install Windows, but upgraded, your settings and programs will remain the same.
Naturally, there is the taskbar, which is now placed centrally instead of on the left edge as before. However, this can be easily reversed. I prefer it this way, as the icons and menu are faster to click. Users who need their taskbar at the edge of their screen will be disappointed. This is currently no longer possible. However, it usually doesn’t take long for the Windows community to provide a solution.
The Start menu, which opens when you click on the blue Windows logo, has been massively streamlined. Only pinned and recommended apps as well as the search bar are still displayed. The fact that recommended apps can’t be replaced or at least customised is disappointing. But since I never use that menu anyway, I’m not that bothered. I usually open apps that haven’t been pinned to the taskbar by pressing the Windows key and typing the name. This way is just easier and faster.
Weather, news, etc. are now a separate app or widget and no longer clutter up the Start menu. You open them via the corresponding icon in the taskbar. Currently, there are only a handful of widgets such as sports, stocks, or the to-do list to populate your feed with.
The taskbar corner and notification centre are also new. Icons for sound, Wi-Fi, battery level, etc. are now bundled into one element. Clicking on it opens a configurable menu that also contains Bluetooth, flight mode and other options aside from the mentioned settings. The menu is very clear, a disadvantage being that you can no longer edit your audio settings directly, but have to open the mixer first. You also have to activate the app icons hidden behind a small arrow pointing upwards one by one if you want them to be visible. In the past, you could easily control all of them at once.
Purging at the expense of functionality: something that characterises Windows 11 throughout.
Finally, further to the right, you’ll find the notification centre containing your new emails, appointments or messages. That’s handy. By clicking the three dots, you can easily disable app notifications or adjust your priorities.
Windows Explorer has been completely overhauled. Not only does it look less old-fashioned, menu navigation has also been revised. In the upper bit, fewer icons are now screaming for your attention, and their design is a bit more modern. Additional options haven’t completely disappeared, they’re simply hidden behind «View» or the three dots. The same goes for the right-click function. Right-clicking on a file, folder or the desktop opens a minimalistic context menu. In Windows 10, the same menu was easily twice as long depending on any installed apps.
You can find the missing interaction options by clicking on «Show more options». This can be cumbersome. An extra click is required just to share a file via OneDrive or unzip it with Winrar. However, developers should have the option to display these functions on the first menu level again.
Frankenstein’s monster still lives
Windows’ decluttering is also evident in the settings. To create more clarity, many options have been banished to the background. However, the traditional system control is still present. There you’ll find any additional settings, the file version history and the backup function preserved from Windows 7.
Windows is and remains Frankenstein’s monster in many respects. And as long as companies rely on long-forgotten options for their dedicated programs, this won’t change. However, the normal settings will easily be sufficient for the average user. Only once did I briefly think I needed the old control panel as my external microphone wasn’t working. But even the bit and sample rate can be changed in the regular settings.
Android apps are still missing
While the Windows Store has been visually refreshed, one of the most exciting new features is missing: Android apps. According to Microsoft, we’ll have to wait until 2022 before we can install Android apps on Windows machines thanks to Amazon Store integration. Selected Samsung users can at least use Android apps via the «Your Phone» app. «Your Phone» is also available on Windows 10, forming a practical bridge between Android smartphones and Windows. Not only does it sync your notifications, you can often reply to them directly, download your pictures, or make phone calls.
The finally functioning multi-monitor setup was probably implemented in response to increased home office demands. If you connect multiple monitors to your laptop, Windows even remembers your window arrangement when you unplug and plug the device back in. Sounds unspectacular, but such features have sadly been lacking in the past.
The new Snap function benefits a similar purpose. When you hover over the maximise icon of an open window, the Snap menu opens. There you can choose how to arrange your windows. My preferred alignment of two narrow outer windows and one large one in the middle can now finally be realised without an additional app. Just a pity that there’s no keyboard shortcut to place a window in the centre.
Unnecessary coercion
The only thing that really bothers me about Windows 11 is Microsoft’s efforts to force their products onto you. Starting with installing Windows itself. Besides an Office 365 subscription, you’ll have to reject location sharing, personalised ads, etc. for the umpteenth time. Especially when upgrading from Windows 10, this really doesn’t have to be the case.
Even with OneDrive, Microsoft keeps bugging you until you give in or stop the app from starting automatically. The company is also trying to push the Teams chat app. It now comes preinstalled, but can only be used with private accounts. For the business version, a desktop app must still be downloaded.
In the battle for browser market share, Microsoft is falling back into old patterns. You can’t get rid of the Edge browser as easily as before. Instead of simply selecting a different browser as the default app, you now have to manually replace it for each format (HTTP, FTP, .xht, etc.). The cheek.
Stability and performance
Windows 11 didn’t crash once during my entire testing period of about a month. The same goes for driver or compatibility problems – I never encountered either. Not even on my main PC, which has also been equipped with the new Windows for a week. All apps run flawlessly, and I didn’t notice any performance changes while gaming.
As expected, I was able to install Windows 11 on my Surface Laptop 3 without any problems. On my PC with a one-year-old motherboard, I first had to enable TPM in the BIOS. My colleague Martin Jud will soon inform you about this topic and whether Windows 11 can be installed on older devices.
Verdict: the crowd goes mild
Windows 11 is totally fine. It doesn’t turn anything on its head, but it won’t push anyone over the edge either.
Visually, it has spruced up nicely and now looks contemporary again. Operation has become more accessible with menus being less cluttered.
On the other hand, some customisation options such as the taskbar have been removed, and you have to open an additional menu for certain options. Some other settings have also disappeared into the background. Fortunately, there’s still the good old control panel.
Windows is something very personal. Things that leave me completely cold may be a capital offence to you. Everyone will perceive the upgrade to Windows 11 slightly differently. There’s no good reason to change over now. Unless you’re the same kind of person as me, always looking to have the latest thing. And anyway, it’s neat.
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Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
