WINDOWS 11 How to Master its Superb New Tools
It’s now four months since Windows 11 launched, which means you’re probably familiar with the main changes in the new operating system. The ‘modern’ design with its round corners and flat icons; the controversial new Start menu; the stringent system requirements – they’re all now common knowledge.
But whether you’ve already upgraded from Windows 10 or you’re wondering whether you should, it’s useful to know what makes the new operating system different and better than its predecessor. Apart from the cosmetic refinements, you’d be forgiven for thinking ‘not a lot’ – a notion borne out by many tech websites lazily updating their old Windows 10 content so that it refers to Windows 11 instead. Even Microsoft has focused more on promoting how Windows 11 looks rather than what it can do.
Dig deeper, however, and you’ll find plenty of genuine improvements in Windows 11 that enhance your PC experience. In this feature, we reveal 11 things the new operating system does better than Windows 10 – plus another one it will soon be able to do (see page 57). The fact that Windows 11 isn’t radically different actually works in its favour, because it means there’s a gentler learning curve to mastering its new features. And because it’s still free to upgrade, there’s no good reason not to try them.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
• Download apps rather than programs to avoid bundled junk
• Capture screenshots more easily using the new Snipping Tool
• Boost your screen space by setting up virtual desktops
• Insert full stops automatically when you’re dictating text
• Find the perfect emoji and GIFs to use in online chats
• Improve the sound quality of your PC’s speakers and microphone
• Beat Microsoft’s restriction to run Android apps in Windows
GET MORE FROM WINDOWS TOOLS
Install more apps from the Microsoft Store
One of the biggest improvements in Windows 11 is the redesigned Microsoft Store, which was very slow to load and browse in Windows 10. Microsoft claims that the Store is now “35 per cent faster” (www.snipca.com/40589) and its more accurate search tool and prominent Library feature (see 1 in our screenshot right) make it much easier to find, install, update and manage apps.
Even better news is that Microsoft has
