Windows 11 features matter whether you own a new PC, are thinking of upgrading, or just love tinkering. From a cleaner Start menu to Snap layouts that actually speed up real work, Windows 11 packs dozens of small changes that add up. In my experience, some updates feel cosmetic at first, then suddenly become productivity wins. This guide walks through the key Windows 11 features, practical tips, upgrade notes, and real-world examples so you can decide what matters to you.
What’s new in Windows 11
Windows 11 focuses on a refreshed design, improved multitasking, better Microsoft Store offerings, and tighter security. The main headline features include a centered Start menu, new Taskbar behavior, Snap layouts, Widgets, an updated Microsoft Store, gaming optimizations, and stronger security baselines.
Design and interface
Rounded corners, refreshed icons, and subtle animations make the OS feel modern. The Start menu is centered and simplified; it’s cleaner, but it also hides some of the quick access power users loved. I think Microsoft aimed for clarity over clutter.
Taskbar and Start menu
The centered Taskbar is the most visible change. Pinned apps sit in the middle. Right-click options are reduced, which can be annoying for long-time Windows users. Still, the Taskbar gains smoother touch and gesture support on 2-in-1 devices.
Snap layouts and productivity
Snap layouts let you arrange windows into predefined grids by hovering over the maximize button. It’s fast, predictable, and once you use it, you stop thinking about manually resizing windows. For anyone juggling multiple documents or research tabs, it’s a small time saver that compounds.
Widgets and personalized feed
Widgets provide a glanceable panel for news, weather, calendar, and to-do items. It pulls from Microsoft services and third-party widgets. I find it handy on a second monitor for headlines and calendar reminders, though it still feels like a work-in-progress.
Microsoft Store revamp
The Microsoft Store now supports more app types and improved developer revenue terms. Expect better desktop apps and a cleaner browsing experience. This is important if you rely on official app distribution instead of third-party installers.
Gaming features
Windows 11 ships with Auto HDR and DirectStorage support, both aimed at reducing load times and improving graphics for supported hardware. Gamers with NVMe SSDs and newer GPUs will see the biggest gains.
Security and TPM requirements
Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and secure boot for most setups, pushing a higher security baseline. Yes, that blocked some older PCs. From what I’ve seen, the tradeoff is better protection against firmware and credential attacks.
System requirements and upgrade tips
Minimum requirements include a compatible 64-bit CPU, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, UEFI with Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. Those specs are modest, but the TPM and CPU checks cause most upgrade frustration.
- Check PC Health Check app from Microsoft for compatibility
- Back up files before upgrading
- If TPM or CPU is unsupported, consider clean installs only after verifying drivers and software compatibility
Real-world example
I upgraded a 2-in-1 work laptop and noticed battery life improved slightly with newer drivers, while an older desktop blocked the install due to TPM. Lesson: check hardware early and plan backups.
Performance, battery, and app behavior
Windows 11 often feels snappier thanks to scheduling improvements and background task management. Battery life can improve on laptops with modern drivers. However, driver maturity still affects results; older peripherals sometimes need vendor updates.
What I’ve noticed
App windows restore more reliably after sleep. Browser performance is similar to Windows 10, but how you manage tabs impacts battery more than the OS itself.
Accessibility and touch improvements
Microsoft added better touch targets, gesture support, and voice typing. The accessibility team also refined focus highlights and contrast options. These small improvements help users who rely on assistive tech.
Compatibility and enterprise considerations
Enterprises should evaluate driver and software compatibility before mass deployment. Group Policy and Intune management features work similarly, but new security baselines may require policy updates.
Upgrade path
For IT, staged rollouts, testing with Windows Update for Business, and pilot groups reduce disruption. My advice: start with non-critical user groups and validate key line-of-business apps first.
Windows 10 vs Windows 11 at a glance
| Area | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Classic Start, left-aligned taskbar | Centered Start, rounded UI |
| Multitasking | Manual window snapping | Snap layouts and groups |
| Store | Limited app types | Expanded app support, better curation |
| Security | Optional TPM | TPM 2.0 required, secure boot |
| Gaming | Solid support | Auto HDR, DirectStorage |
Practical tips and tricks
- Use Snap layouts for multi-document workflows
- Pin frequently used apps to the Taskbar for quick access
- Enable Focus sessions in Clock for distraction-free work
- Keep drivers updated via Windows Update or vendor sites for best performance
Personal workflow tweak
I set up a two-window Snap layout for writing and research. It cut window juggling by half and felt surprisingly satisfying.
When to upgrade and when to wait
If you rely on legacy hardware or critical apps without vendor support, wait until compatibility is confirmed. If you want modern design, gaming improvements, or stronger defaults for security, upgrading makes sense. I usually wait a month or two after major updates to ensure driver maturity.
Final thoughts
Windows 11 is iterative but meaningful. Some features are polish, others are productivity wins that grow on you. Check compatibility, back up data, and try the features that promise to save time. If you ask me, Snap layouts and the Microsoft Store changes are the ones that deliver real day-to-day value.