Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing

Windows 11 had a big four months. Here’s what’s coming next

Arif Bacchus
By

It’s been about four months since Windows 11 first launched, and Microsoft is now talking about what’s next for its new operating system.

As many rumors suggested, arriving this year are features like Android Apps, taskbar improvements, and redesigned core applications. Yet in detailing those new features for Windows 11, Microsoft also talked about some trends in the Windows space regarding hybrid work and learning, entertainment, and other consumer habits for everyday tasks.

Recommended Videos

At the top of that list is an interesting tidbit on Windows users upgrading to Windows 11. People are apparently accepting the upgrade offer to Windows 11 at twice the rate of Windows 10. The company also claims that there has been a sixfold increase in communication apps on Windows and that people are spending 40% more time on their Windows 11 PC versus Windows 10.

Related

Other Windows tidbits include 70% more people streaming content across Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube on Windows. Even monthly gaming minutes on Windows grew over 35%, according to Microsoft. And overall time spent on Windows is up 10% over prepandemic levels.

A man works on a Windows tablet.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As far as the details on the new features, Microsoft is hoping to launch a public preview of Android apps on Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store. Windows 11 will also soon get new call mute and unmute features in the taskbar, and easier window sharing features. Microsoft is even planning on bringing back the weather to the taskbar and will launch a new media player and redesigned Notepad app, both of which were previously in testing.

“Windows will continue to be the backbone for innovation, a destination for gaming, creativity, and exploration, and a gateway to the Metaverse,” said Panos Panay, chief product officer for Windows and Devices.

Today marks one of the first times that we’ve officially seen numbers from Microsoft about Windows 11’s popularity. Previously, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella only indicated he was “delighted” with the popularity, indicating that the OS had more “usage intensity.”

Some other details from today’s Microsoft post indicate that the PC is still quite popular, even with issues in the supply chain industry. Microsoft noted that two times as many people are using their PC to shop, spending 40% more time shopping. It also detailed that global PC shipments surpassed 340 million in 2021, with Windows now powering 1.4 billion monthly active devices.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus
Computing Writer
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
I hope Microsoft adds this rumored AI feature to Windows 11
A Windows 11 device sits on a table.

From smart speakers to ChatGPT and Bing Chat, AI has slowly crept into our lives, but not all instances of AI are as prominent as those three examples. Sometimes, the effect is subtle, but still pretty nice. It appears that Microsoft is working on one such instance of AI-enhanced tech that could make using Windows 11 just a little more pleasant. We're talking about AI-powered live wallpapers, and they might be coming soon.

First spotted by Windows Latest, Microsoft is readying an AI-powered desktop that could make the whole user experience feel a lot more interactive. The idea is to adjust depth perception and make some backgrounds appear more "alive" when moving your cursor or the entire device. The wallpaper might move or shift, depending on what you're doing on the desktop.

Read more
I review PCs for a living — here are the apps I install on every device
A bird's eye view of a person working on a laptop.

Since I started reviewing laptops here at Digital Trends, I've worked on over 240 devices. That means I always have a device or two to use, but the machines themselves aren't so important. It's what I can do with them that counts. That's why I install a core group of applications on every laptop I set up.

Going through the process of setting up a new laptop several times a month means I have a list of applications I reach for. If you're setting up a new PC for the first time, here's what you should download.
The basics

Read more
I’m a Windows power user — here are the shortcuts I use the most
Keyboard on the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i.

Windows 11 is chock-full of shortcuts that can help you work more efficiently and effectively. Some of them are unique to Windows, and some are common to most operating systems. But if you're a Windows user, then you'll want to keep each of these in mind.

There are too many shortcuts to cover, so I'm focusing on the ones that I use the most. I'm a writer who uses a variety of systems to get my work done, so my favorite shortcuts are specific to what I do the most. You may come across some other shortcuts that are more relevant to your workflow, but these are the ones I reach for constantly.
The basics

Read more