Windows 11 announced: release date, features and everything you need to know

Windows 11 is finally, definitely official after being announced at Microsoft's big event on June 24.

While a very early build of Windows 11 had leaked, showcasing a refreshed look and a new name, we finally see the new user interface and the new features officially.

While Microsoft had previously mentioned that Windows 10 was going to be the only version for years to come, that's now lasted six years, with this new update bringing significant features to help justify the new number.

With this in mind, read on to find out everything we know so far about the successor to Windows 10.

This story is developing so check back as we update Microsoft's announcements.

Cut to the chase

What is it? Windows 11 is the successor to Windows 10
When is it out? End of 2021
How much does it cost? Free

Windows 11 release date

TBA - but in the meantime, you can download a tool to see if your PC is eligable for Windows 11.

Download Windows PC Health Check to see if your PC meets the requirement of Windows 11 https://t.co/hJ7fYBlb51June 24, 2021

How much is Windows 11?

Windows 11 will be a free update for previous Windows users.

Windows 11 features

There are refined features across the board in Windows 11, with updates now 40% smaller, alongside them touting Windows 11 to be 'the most secure release yet'.

The taskbar is optimised for touch as well as mouse peripherals, now renamed the Dock.

New multitasking features are also here, with multiple windows able to be snapped across the screen, not just side by side, called Snap Layouts. By highlighting a window, you can have multiple windows in columns, sections and more, able to look at your content equally with no compromise.

Another feature is Snap Groups, where you can go back to previously snapped windows from the dock, so you can go to your email app, Edge browser windows or anything else without looking for this workflow again.

There's improved multi-monitor support, so when you reconnect an external monitor, Windows 11 remembers the previous positions with the windows that were on this monitor.

Teams is also integrated to the dock, so you can easily join in with meetings and family. This looks like the first inkling of Skype disappearing, especially with the Skype sounds being heard in the demo when a call was incoming.

The Microsoft Store is finally seeing a redesign, with much better curated content, and a better way of managing your purchased shows, such as mirroring them to your television.

A new look for 11

At the event, the start menu has been moved to the center, which is 'cloud powered', so it dynamically changes depending on the time of day and your content that you manage each day.

Light Mode and Dark Mode are official, with rounded corners and a unified design across the operating system.

There are some windows that look Aero-esque from Windows Vista, showing you byte sized information.

Windows Widgets are back in Windows 11, accessible in the dock, where Microsoft tout AI in showcasing different widgets, where adaptability is key. On the touch screen, you can slide from the left on the desktop to have them appear as well.

There's plenty to choose from, such as the weather, Bing maps, news, and more.

Gaming on Windows 11

Gaming is now a big push for Windows 11, not just as an Xbox app. Lighting is a big thing, with HDR coming to devices on the new Windows.

Direct Storage is also here, with the main assets able to be downloaded and installed, so you can play your games even faster than before.

Xbox Game Pass is built right into the Xbox app at last, making it much easier for you to access and download even more games, from Doom Eternal to soon Halo Infinite.

Touch improvements

Tablet mode has been one of Windows' weaker points ever since Windows 8.

These tablet features could be a showcase for Windows 11, especially with future Surface products in the pipeline from Microsoft. To have a new, numbered operating system for its upcoming tablets could be a big selling point for new users in due time.

At the event, Microsoft touted bigger touch targets and easier ways to move windows around, and better rotate optimisations, such as window management.

Gestures on the trackpad of the Surface models are also coming to the touch-screen, bringing in some familiarity here.

Haptics is also coming to Windows 11 when using a pen, making it much easier for you to tell how a line or a drawing is.

The touch keyboard has also been redesigned, with a smaller keyboard just for your thumb also here, with emoji's ready to be used.

Dictation is also much improved, alongside voice commands, with 'delete that' and more in Windows 11.