Windows 11 arrived last month to somewhat mixed reviews. But according to Microsoft, the rollout is going smoothly and the company addressed the rate of the rollout alongside the discharge of the November 2021 update to Windows 10.

Around the Windows blog, Microsoft announced that with the November 2021 Update to Windows 10 the release pace for Windows 10 and Windows 11 feature updates is going to be moving to once each year, as opposed to the previous pattern of twice-annual updates (via Windows Central).

Microsoft only specified that the update will come in the 2nd half of the year, which means you can't set your calendar for October or November for your major update. For people who haven't updated to Windows 11 yet, you are able to ponder that upgrade for almost four more years as major updates will cease on October 14, 2025.

If you haven't updated to Windows 11 yet, that can be done at any time by using our handy guide on how to download Windows 11, but Microsoft can also be accelerating the rollout so more users is going to be prompted to update without having to download anything manually.

Naturally, in either case you will need to satisfy the Windows 11 system requirements, check those out first. In our Windows 11 review, we felt that the update isn't worth rushing to download as at the moment it largely comes down to "a new coat of paint" around the old operating system. With that in mind, our reviewer was prepared to get on the bandwagon regardless as that new look is really a welcome vary from the fairly dated Windows 10 visuals.

If you are considering either the November 2021 Windows 10 update or even the full jump to Windows 11 you should check the Windows release health page for details on any known issues to ensure it's not going to affect your workflow.

How you can manually download Windows 11

Go to the Windows 11 download page.
Download the Installation Assistant by pressing "Download now."
Select Run because the admin.
Once the body is determined to be compatible, press "Accept and Install" once you have browse the license terms.
Select Restart Now.

One of the greatest additional features within the latest preview build of Windows 11 is called search highlights, and it's essentially a way to make the search UI provide more useful information towards the user without any input on their side.

In other words, looking highlights are meant to make content discovery more straightforward by bringing information like holidays, top searches, and images throughout the net right to the search UI.

"The taskbar search box and check home will periodically update with content, including fun illustrations, that really help you discover more, be connected, and stay productive. Search highlights will present notable and fascinating moments of what's special about each day-like holidays, anniversaries, along with other educational moments in time both globally and in your region," Microsoft explains.

How you can disable looking highlights

For a lot of users, however, this feature only makes the search UI more cluttered, therefore it goes without saying that disabling it is something that makes sense for them.

The good news is that Microsoft is indeed providing users with options to switch off this new experience, and they're obviously located in the Settings app.

Just right-click the taskbar and go Search. Next, you should see a choice called Show search highlights, so change its settings based on your preferences.

Microsoft, however, hopes you wouldn't do that because the search experience overall isn't by any means impacted by the new highlights.

"Search is appropriate there on your taskbar-your window to find out what's trending online, on the planet, and in your business. Of course, you can still type to begin searching for your apps, files, settings, and quick answers on the internet," the company explains.

At this point, the feature is just available for Windows 10 and Windows 11 insiders, but it will probably launch for everyone sooner rather than later.

Microsoft has released a brand new Windows 11 preview build for users within the Dev channel, and naturally, there's a brand new listing of known issues coming too.

First of all, Microsoft says still it hasn't fixed the bug that's resulting in the direct upgrade to the latest builds to fail. The organization offers to fix it sooner rather than later, but an ETA isn't yet available.

Then, File Explorer has a couple of glitches too, as Microsoft says it's working on resolving bugs concerning icon sizing, text clipping, and visual problems in the flyout showing OneDrive storage. There's additionally a problem preventing the outlet of suggested results while entering text in the File Explorer search box.

Bugs impacting widgets

The widget experience includes two known issues, and also the to begin them affects the feed.

"Sometimes when pinning from the Feed, the pinned widget is placed at the top rather than below other pinned widgets. Should this happen this can autocorrect within Half an hour, moving the recently pinned widget towards the expected default location. Or you can sign out of your Widgets board and immediately signing in should correct the problem," Microsoft says.

The second problem causes rendering problems when attempting to rearrange widgets.

"After rearranging widgets within the widgets board, some users experience issues with widgets in the pinned section rendering incorrectly. Should this happen, signing from your widgets board and immediately signing in should correct the issue," Microsoft notes.

And last but not least, the firm has additionally confirmed that some tooltips neglect to properly display the preferred visual setting when Task Manager uses the dark mode.

All these known issues could be resolved in the coming Windows 11 preview builds, as Microsoft has already been conscious of them and working on fixes as we speak.

Windows 11, earning mixed critical-reception scores among tech pundits, didn't receive the glowing reviews Microsoft was expecting. Our recent Windows 11 review (in addition to our why I personally don't like Windows 11 feature) reveals our stance on the brand spankin' new OS: it does not live up to our expectations.

Inside a recent Reddit post (spotted because when to Geek), Microsoft revealed that it'll be focusing its efforts on improving the OS' performance. The Redmond-based tech giant states that it plans to boost how good the OS launches throughout the startup process, however, we will need more than that for all of us to be fully pleased with Windows 11.

Microsoft intends to boost Windows' startup and launch performance in 2022

On Reddit, Microsoft recently opened the ground for feedback. One commenter claimed that Windows 10's performance issues spilled over into Windows 11. "Are you looking to fix this in the near future? Because right now WinUI is an app killer for me personally," Thotaz said.

"Performance will be a place of focus for us in 2022. Lots of that focus will go into startup and launch," a Microsoft rep said. "Most of the UI elements render pretty quickly already, but it would be good to understand should there be specific UI element scaling/slowness issues you're experiencing and we might take a glance into that exact scenario."

Personally, I haven't experienced any significant performance issues on Windows 11, and my colleagues haven't either, however, everyone's experience is different depending on an array of factors. However, there is a consensus that Microsoft should be redirecting its focus to other faulty aspects of the OS which have absolutely nothing to do with performance. For instance, a common grievance is how labrythine it is to change one's default browser. However, it seems like Microsoft is double-downing on this. The Redmond-based tech giant recently blocked EdgeDeflector and other processes that thwart its mission of imposing Microsoft Edge on its users.

With Microsoft's open discussion on Reddit along with other platforms, the organization seems open to hearing users' feedback and determing how you can increase customer satisfaction. If not, macOS will begin to look mighty alluring and attractive to Windows loyalists.

Still, we've faith Microsoft could alter the tides and increase Windows 11's popularity among the masses.

The Windows 11 rollout continues to be underway, so it is sensible because of its adoption to enhance. New data shared by AdDuplex reveals the operating system has reached 19.3 percent market share, though, simultaneously, Windows 10 version 21H1 remains the king from the castle.

Approximately 27.5 percent from the Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices available are currently running Windows 10 May 2021 Update, while 21 percent of them are still on version 21H2.

What's promising for everyone, including Microsoft itself, is the fact that only 2.4 % of the computers continue to run Windows 10 October 2018 Update and older. More people are moving to newer versions of Windows 10 or update to Windows 11, therefore the market share of unsupported versions is dropping these days.

The Windows 11 rollout

Microsoft intends to complete the rollout of Windows 11 to eligible devices by the summer of the year.

Two months ago, the company confirmed the rollout entered its latest phase.

"The upgrade offer to Windows 11 is entering its final phase of availability and is designated for broad deployment for eligible devices. Because the launch of Windows 11 in October, we have seen strong demand and preference for Windows 11 with people upgrading their eligible PCs at twice the speed we had for Windows 10. Based on this trend, we are advancing the interest rate from the rollout faster than we originally announced and entering the final phase of availability for Windows 11 ahead of our initial plan of mid-2022," the company said on January 26.

As a reminder, not all devices could be updated to Windows 11, as Microsoft has also updated the machine requirements to make sure processors and TPM 2.0 mandatory for any computer running its latest operating-system.

First created by Microsoft on Windows 10, the Action Center has changed how we use our computers. Because of its easy-to-access notifications, tools, and settings, it is no wonder we see it return in Windows 11.

But before we obtain started, let's take a look at the new things Windows 11's Action Center has to offer. Probably the most notable changes is the fact that quick settings and Notifications are actually grouped into two separate panels. Using the separation of these two groups, the experience Center is cleaner and more user-friendly.

Another new addition would be the slicker look of the Quick Settings. "Toggleable" features, for example Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Airplane Mode now have simpler designs, that are pleasing towards the eyes. Read below to learn how you can customize your notifications and quick settings.

Altering your Notification Settings

1. Right-click on the time and date at the right side of the Taskbar. Doing this will open a dropdown box with two settings, namely "Adjust date and time," and "Notification Settings."

2. Click on "Notification Settings." Windows 11 opens a new Settings window, and from here, you are able to navigate for your Notifications Settings.

In the Notification settings, you are able to adjust various things such as turning notifications on or off, selecting which apps can show you notifications, and customizing when and how to exhibit your notifications.

Customizing Your Quick Settings

1. Open Quick Settings by clicking on the section of your Taskbar using the Wi-Fi, sounds, and battery icons.

2. Right-click on any part of the Quick Setting menu.

3. Select "Edit quick Settings" to allow its customization mode.

4. In order to remove the Quick Settings icons, click the unpin button adjacent to it.

5. To add other icons, click the Add+ button at the end of the Quick Settings menu. Some of the available options include WiFi, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, Battery Saver, Focus Assist, Accessibility, Cast, Keyboard layout, Mobile Hotspot, Nearby Sharing, Night Light, and Project.

6. You may also arrange the fast Settings icons by clicking and dragging these to your chosen position.

7. Once you have finished your customization, click the Done button at the end from the menu.

Every browser has its advantages and disadvantages. Nowadays, it's mostly right down to personal preference because there isn't a mainstream browser around that's truly bad. Whether you're keen on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or alternatives like Vivaldi, Brave, or Opera, good choices are everywhere you look.

Exactly like you always could, Windows 11 assists you to select a default option to ensure that all links open inside your preferred browser. Unfortunately, it's less easy as it had been in past versions. In Windows 10 and earlier versions, you just clicked a control button within the preferences menu to select the default browser. You now have to set your default browser for every file type and protocol, which makes it more time consuming, but simple nonetheless.

Complications aside, it's worth setting a default browser unless you're an uber fan of Microsoft Edge, the default option.

Setting Your Default Browser in Windows 11

1. To change your default browser, first, open Windows 11's Settings App. Then, right-click the beginning button in your taskbar and select Settings. This should open the Settings app on the new window.

2. On the left navigation pane of Settings, click on Apps. This will show you all of the options and preferences that you could looking for your Apps.

3. Click Default apps.

4. Around the search field underneath the "Set defaults for applications" section, type the name of your chosen default browser.

5. When the search results are loaded, click your preferred browser. This can demonstrate all the file types or link types you can keep company with your preferred browser.

6. For each file or link type that you would like to set your chosen browser because the default, click the "+ Choose default" or the current default browser. This will open a summary of all apps that can read that file/link type.

7. Select your preferred browser.

8. Click OK. Congratulations, you have updated your default browser.

Windows 11, the following version of Microsoft's desktop OS, is here! Redesigned in the ground up, Windows 11 brings modern aesthetics and new features for an aging platform. If your PC meets the minimum requirements then you'll have the option to manually update to Windows 11 today, or you could wait for a update to arrive in your system (that could take until 2022).

Without further ado, this is how to download Windows 11 on your system free of charge.

How to download Windows 11

Below are steps on how to download the state Windows 11 release if this rolls to the body. However, we have to review some small print: its not all system will be upgradable to Windows 11. You will need to check the Windows 11 system requirements before proceeding.

If your PC passes the test, jump towards the steps below to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

When Windows 11 becomes available on your computer, you can get it in the same way you download any new Windows version. First, visit Settings by selecting the Start Menu and also the gear icon.
Press "Update & Security" and make sure you're on the "Windows Update" tab (look on the left panel).
Click "Check for Updates" on the top of the screen.
If it has presented to your PC, you should see something similar to "Windows 11 feature update."
Click "Download and install."
Your PC will download the update and restart afterward. This method could take a while so leave yourself a couple of hours just in case.

How you can manually download Windows 11

Microsoft recommends waiting for Windows 11 to reach in your system, but when you won't want to wait, you can download it manually. This is how to do so...

Go to the Windows 11 download page.
Download cellular phone Assistant by pressing "Download now."
Select Run as the admin.
Once the body is determined to be compatible, press "Accept and Install" once you have browse the license terms.
Select Restart Now.