Windows 11 review: We like it but you shouldn't be upgrading today | PC Gamer - jonessuccart

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Windows 11 review: We like IT simply you shouldn't be upgrading today

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Windows 11 is officially out, meaning millions of PC owners are free to upgrade nowadays (Eastern Samoa extended American Samoa their computers meet Microsoft's ludicrously stern system requirements). I've been testing a near-final pre-release version of Windows 11 awhile, and I'm here to spread the complete news that my electronic computer hasn't blown up once. Windows 11 is then far a completely not-lethal operative system, which is unquestionably a good gestural, only maybe not enough justification to put in it. To make the outcry on whether other PC gamers should actually install Windows 11 today, I've been spending just about choice time with its new Pop menu and rounded corners.

Windows 11 looks nice, simply that's not adequate ground to ascent on twenty-four hour period one, either. After more than a week victimization Windows 11 day-to-day, I wouldn't recommend anyone install it now. Almost none of Windows 11's promised big features are actually included right-wing right away, and regardless how promising a young version of Windows is, some launch daytime issues are inevitable.

Right now Windows 11 is good, and information technology'll be even better when its best meaty update arrives in a couple of months. But on sidereal day one, this makeover isn't worth the potential chevy.

The UI changes are squeamish, merely ultimately minor

(Ikon credit: Microsoft)

Taste sure is cyclical, huh? In the mid-2000s, transparency and 'glassy' user interfaces were the unused hotness, and Windows Vista and Windows 7 were all some their rounded edges. Microsoft ditched that flair for a decennary of sharp edges and satisfying colours before going back to a softer style in Windows 11, and I've liked each stair along the way.

Subsequently a couple weeks of using Windows 11 (primarily with a light up motif kinda than dark mode), I miss few of Windows 10's vibrant colors and tremendous tiles, but generally prefer this brighter cosmetic, which is echoed in Microsoft's new icon pattern.

Microsoft has done a better job than with Windows 10 qualification themes feel cohesive

The taskbar and olive-like edges and colors evoke the same airy lightness as that classic Windows XP wallpaper; I tone a bit like I'm unfixed connected clouds as I pop open the Part with menu and the file in IE, which is a nice feeling. Pretty soon I'll get used to the new philosophy and then IT'll just embody patronage as usual, or I'll apply a different colour scheme.

Regardless, I think Microsoft has cooked a amended job than with Windows 10 qualification themes feel cohesive, and the electric switch from clean mode to dark musical mode is really fast.

Smooth is a good word for a lot of Windows 11—it reflects almost everything I enjoy well-nig it, like the new, far less cacophonous notification pop-ups. Windows 11 has new secure personal effects, too, and I think they're way more good-natured in general. It's as if for years computer sound effects have been designed with unadulterated functional utility in mind, and then unmatchable twenty-four hour period someone said "Remember when we had Brian Eno compose the Windows 95 inauguration jingle, and it sounded discriminating? What if we tried to make things sound nice once again?"

Here's a comparison: the notification righteous in Windows 10 vs. the telling sound in Windows 11.

Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. But I definitely find Windows 11's soundscape very much more pleasant.

There are other little things I really like here. The window snap lineament now lets you hover over the maximize push to select from different ratios and arrangements, like a 70/30 split, which I chance really handy. If you use two monitors and turn your second one on while Windows 10 is jetting, the OS spends a few seconds basically having a seizure before computation out what to display where. In Windows 11, the desktop on your primary monitor zooms out for a couple seconds to signify a display change is natural event, so it pops right rear into place as the second monitor comes online. Smooth. (Well, usually smooth. Sometimes the screen quiet blinks Black a duo multiplication ahead its animation kicks in.)

The primary Settings menu has been nicely polished up and improves on the gobs of wasted white quad in Windows 10 to display more grand information without the need for diving into advanced menus. I don't hump why the heck the ancient Control board is still included in Windows 11, but Microsoft really needs to control all its functionality is replicated in Settings and kill it bump off once and for totally.

The Get down card also looks Nice and clean compared to the mess of tiles IT was in Windows 10, though as a consequence it does ending upfield feeing less functional. I don't understand wherefore the button you click to see more of your apps is so small, or wherefore Microsoft didn't make it more customizable altogether. The unspoken answer may be that the Start bill of fare is nearly worthless when you can more quickly launch applications by pressing the Windows key and typing a partner off letters, but as it is now it feels like a half-thought-out redesign.

And the taskbar/Set out redevelopment has come at the expense of approximately options that hardcore users love, like the power to stick the taskbar to the side of the screen or mighty-clack it to access the Task Manager.

These feel like features Microsoft will inescapably ADHD back in over the coming months, which does highlight how meager an upgrade Windows 11 feels on launch solar day. And we're potential to see just about other problems pop up as more masses start using Windows 11, look-alike the file explorer memory board leak. Aside from the new aesthetic, the few big features Microsoft talked about in its presentment this summertime—especially the ones to answer with gaming—just aren't here eventually.

There aren't really any must-take up features right field now

There are only a few big changes Microsoft hyped up when information technology revealed Windows 11:

• DirectStorage Xbox tech that uses fast SSDs to speed upwardly courageous performance
• A totally revamped Microsoft Store
• Auto HDR Xbox tech that tonemaps games without built-in HDR support for HDR monitors

DirectStorage and Auto HDR could be a big trade for your PC, just I'm putting a heavy emphasis on could, there. If you don't have an HDR monitoring device—still an expensive rarity in the PC existence—Auto HDR won't fare anything for you, unless you hook your PC up to a TV.

• Black Friday gaming monitor deals

DirectStorage was initially going to be a Windows 11 exclusive before Microsoft backtracked, adding support for Windows 10, too. Game developers deman to implement the DirectStorage API for it to work, though, which way along launch Day this feature is going to do utterly nothing for your gaming know, even if you have the necessary speedy NVMe SSD.

So… how's that spick-and-span Microsoft Store? It's a bit nicer to browse than the superannuated incomparable, simply is still mostly filled with apps you'll never want. I don't see some PC gamers turning to this store instead of a Google look for to find the programs they want, but when Android apps arrive next twelvemonth, perhaps that will change.

What we ultimately care about with the store is Microsoft's handling of games—trying to set u one just redirects you to the Xbox app, which is still just a glorified front-end for the storehouse itself. When I started installing a game from the Xbox app, I could see it appear in my Microsoft Store subroutine library and lear its download move on there too. Just browse or so the Xbox app for a while, it does tone a tur more responsive to me than it does in Windows 10 where it's real chunky, but the design is unrevised. There's definitely nothing here that would obligate you to upgrade.

Microsoft has reworked some core Windows programs, like Key and the Snipping tool, but strangely neither are available at launch, either; they'atomic number 75 currently in testing in the Windows Insider dev build. I approximate Paint was never going to equal a killer app, but regular those modest updates still organism in testing highlights how arbitrary this Oct 5th 'launch' date feels.

The smaller changes to Windows 11 are very the only attracter right now. The new aesthetical, the reworked Start menu, tweaks to various settings menus and long programs look-alike Paint. There are some nice surprises scattered just about. For example, the emoji fare (Windows key + .) at once includes Tenor for inserting gifs and also bundles in your clipboard history (Windows central + V) for pasting. It's a smarting, handy pairing, only unless you have a crippling gif addiction, I wouldn't call it a must-take over.

It's mostly stable, in our testing

(Image credit entry: Microsoft)

After using the in vogue build of Windows 11 for a full week leading up to release, I harbour't experienced any crashes or hangs or famous blips in performance. It just feels corresponding Windows 10 with a new skin. It's certainly less buggy than some of Microsoft's infamous past launches.

There are a ton of variables Here, course—your PC hardware, your accessories, whether you did a clean install or an upgrade. If anything causes compatibility issues, it's belik going to personify drivers. Windows 11 is introducing a new driver model, though for now all your old ironware and their old drivers will probably work as-is, assuming they worked in Windows 10.

In the most recent Windows 11 build, Jorge bump off a green screen of death merely by plugging in his Logitech G305 mouse dongle, and later a reboot set up that his wireless keyboard and headset dongles obstructed working, too. He had to reinstall the drivers to get them working again. Other testers on our team up have seen some small bugs, like disappearing buttons, and the Chain mail app's face panel unlimited vanishing at combined full point. Not bad all in all—we've get a time-consuming way from the crack crashy days of Windows 95.

Gaming functioning is the same operating theater meliorate

(Image credit: Microsoft, Direct Enix)

The good news program is that, unless you have that ol' VBS chestnut enabled, upgrading to Windows 11 now shouldn't affect your gaming performance. We've played roughly of our favorite games along other machines, running different builds of Windows 11 and have had surprisingly hardly a issues. And any we deliver encountered only seemed to appear happening their first charge, and a quick reboot unchangeable them.

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PCG Test Rig

Central processing unit: Intel Core i7 10700K
Motherboard: MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi
Graphics card: Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti Founders Edition
Memory: 32GB Corsair Vengeance RGB Favoring DDR4-3200|
SSD: 1TB SK Hynix Gold P31
Tank: Corsair H100i RGB Pro XT
Shape: DimasTech Miniskirt V2
Atomic number 76: Windows 11 Build 22000.194

We've also been punishing the of import PC Gamer test manipulate with diverse games from our regular examination suite, and performance has, for the most part, only landscaped. The only real outlier is the Civilization VI Artificial intelligence examination, where the Windows 11 test was half a second slower.

Elsewhere, it's generally quicker. Though only if slightly quicker. It has to be said that some performance differences have been within the margins of benchmarking error, so we can't necessarily reach Microsoft the thumbs up to its claims of this beingness the best Windows ever for gaming.

Simply, significantly, it's not bad for gaming either. At this early point in an operating system's lifetime relative frame rate stasis can definitely glucinium counted A a win.

You can still rising slope for free for the predictable future

Windows 11 is a free upgrade from Windows 10, though the machinelike rollout will be slow. Microsoft says "We expect all worthy devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022."

Unlike when information technology first introduced Windows 10, Microsoft hasn't said anything about a shortcut for free upgrades to Windows 11. As far as we screw, you'll be able to upgrade for exempt cardinal OR five years from now. And you will lack to eventually—security updates for Windows 10 run intercept in Oct 2025.

THE LATEST STATEMENTS ON SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ARE A CONCERN

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Windows 11 system requirements:

• Central processing unit: 1 GHz Oregon quicker with 2 or Thomas More cores on a compatible 64-bit C.P.U. or System on a Chip (SoC)
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Storage: 64 GB operating room larger memory device
• Scheme firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM: Trusted Platform Faculty (TPM) adaptation 2.0
• Graphics notice: DirectX 12 mixable graphics / WDDM 2.x
• Display: >9-inch with HD Resolution (720p)
• Internet connection: Microsoft history and net connectivity needed for setup for Windows 11 Home

Microsoft has decided to allow PC users who preceptor't touch the minimum system requirements to put in Windows 11, but warned in August that those PCs would not be entitled to updates. This doesn't piddle sense, which I wrote virtually in detail Here—if some people do go ahead and install Windows 11, isn't denying them security updates sole going to make the entire Windows 11 ecosystem more vulnerable?

To that extent Microsoft has stuck to this position. The PC Health Assure app that analyzes whether your computer meets the scheme requirements will right away give this warning to PCs that don't pass muster up:

"If you proceed with installation Windows 11, your PC testament no longer embody supported and won't be titled to experience updates. Indemnification to your PC ascribable lack of compatibility aren't wrapped under the manufacturing business warranty."

• Don't pay much this for a Melanize Friday gaming PC

If your PC doesn't currently meet the system requirements, you should definitely control dispatch along upgrading until we see whether Microsoft changes this ridiculous policy.

Microsoft has too said "in partnership with our OEM and silicon partners, we will be enabling VBS and HVCI on most new PCs over this next yr. And we leave continue to search opportunities to expand VBS crossways more systems all over time."

And what's VBS? Virtualization-Based Security is a safety feature that the Department of Defense loves, but it does look to armoured combat vehicle gaming carrying out. It's not acquiring enabled away default option if you upgrade your Windows 10 machine to Windows 11, but information technology looks the likes of a whole lot of new Windows 11 systems are going to go with a bod pace hobbling feature As standard.

We're still waiting to hear from Microsoft whether that's going to include gaming-focused systems besides as the kind of systems businesses like to kit out their secure offices with.

How unsound should you wait, then?

(Image credit: Microsoft)

I know waiting is hornlike. It's much more fun to jump on board the shiny new boat the second it leaves the dock. I've been testing Windows 11 awhile now, so it feels a bit like I'm teasing you by saying make as I say, not as I do. Only candidly, using Windows 11 is like jumping on board the shiny new boat, taking a finisher look at the cite on the hull, and realizing someone fair-minded painted over the old name to sell you along an exciting cruise. In essence, information technology still feels a whole lot like Windows 10.

Sanction, so when should the average person install Windows 11? I think there are deuce milestones to wait for:

1. Microsoft clarifies (operating room walks back) its draconian system requirements so that all Windows 11 user receives the same updates. If you have a identical new PC this won't count for you, but you should still hold out for…
2. The get-go big Windows 11 update. If Microsoft follows a similar cadence as it did with Windows 10, Windows 11's first off big update will likely come next spring.

Windows 11's launch has seemed unnecessarily rushed

Wait for the initial big update will give the developers time to implement hundreds of bug fixes. Many importantly, by then Microsoft will hopefully reinstate typical Windows features that seem to embody missing for atomic number 102 realistic reason out here. I mean, how are we theoretical to live without Cortana slapped on the taskbar by default?

Okay, but in earnest, in that location are more or less beloved features missing here, like the power to move the taskbar to the left hand Beaver State letter-perfect root of the screen, and there are missing shortcuts that stinging, like not being fit to flop-clink the taskbar anymore to plunge the task manager. The new Start menu steady seems like it should be more customizable.

Windows 11's launch has seemed unnecessarily rushed, given the continuing muddiness concluded its system requirements, so a few more months of development on its first big update wish likely deliver the OS as it should hold launched.

If you do decide to install Windows 11 anyway…

Okay okay okay, so you got through whol the warnings and reasons you should wait and you want to go ahead and install Windows 11 anyhow. I accept your decision—you are a bold, unfrightened PC gamer and I North Korean won't restrain you back.

Instead of just being gung-ho and overwriting your Windows 10 installation today, check proscribed our guide on how to install Windows 11.

Suffice I need a Windows 11 key?

Non if you're upgrading from Windows 10—that's discharge.

If you're installing new, you can also choose to install Windows 11 without a key and later register it to your Microsoft account, which will automatically pull in your Windows 10 credentials. Tardily.

OR you could even sample Windows 11 without activating it for a while, if you Don't mind the watermark and not being able-bodied to personalize the look and flavor. If you do go ahead and install, enjoy being on the forefront—we'll have a lot more to say approximately Windows 11 as we dig deeper into the operating system.

Wes has been covering games and computer hardware for more than 10 years, first off at tech sites like The Wirecutter and Tested before joining the PC Gamer team in 2014. Wes plays a little number of everything, but he'll always jumping at the chance to track emulation and Asian nation games. When he's not obsessively optimizing and re-optimizing a tangle of conveyor belts in Satisfactory (it's genuinely becoming a job), atomic number 2's probably playing a 20-year-archaic RPG or close to opaque ASCII roguelike. With a focus on writing and editing features, he seeks out personal stories and in-depth histories from the corners of PC play and its niche communities. 50% pizza by volume (deep dishful, to be specific).

Source: https://www.pcgamer.com/windows-11-review/

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