Microsoft is getting ready to announce the biggest update to
Windows since Windows 10’s debut in 2015. Even though the company hasn’t
officially revealed much about this update, all signs -- including a major leak
of an early Windows 11 build -- point to it offering a significantly different
experience.
A build of Microsoft's upcoming next version of Windows, now
confirmed to be Windows 11, has leaked onto the web just days before the
company is expected to unveil the OS at a dedicated event. The leak has
confirmed that the "Windows 11" branding is accurate and has revealed
Microsoft's brand new desktop UI along with other changes and enhancements to
the OS.
The build in question is 21996 from the co_release branch
and is a near-final build of the OS. Additionally, Windows Central can confirm
that the release is legitimate. The OS features a Windows 10X-style centered UI
with a new Start menu design and animated Start button.
It also featured rounded app windows, a modern design for
context menus, new sounds, and a new setup experience. The build also includes
new default wallpapers, and a new "widgets" panel for the calendar,
news, weather, and more.
Microsoft is expected to unveil Windows 11 on June 24th at
11 AM ET. The event is going to be streamed on the web and is open to all to
watch.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and CPO Panos Panay have both
referred to the next version of Windows as the "next generation" of
the platform, with Nadella calling it the "most significant update to
Windows of the past decade," suggesting that significant changes are on
the cards for Windows.
Windows 11 should be a routine update due later in October
this year as a free upgrade to all current Windows 10 devices. However, users
are likely to have an option to put off the update until a later time. In
addition, a secondary branch of Windows 10, possible for enterprise use, is
anticipated to coexist for a while to let companies adapt to the new UX at
their own time.
Microsoft and its OEM PC partners are apt to launch new
hardware later this fall with the latest Windows 11 branding and hardware that
embraces the new design and features.
