14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 11 is now available for download, so Microsoft has also released the official ISO images for users who want to do a clean install of the operating system on their devices.
At the same time, the ISO images also allow for easy testing in a virtual machine, which comes in handy especially for enterprises who are trying to determine if the operating system is fully compatible with the machines in their fleet and whether any compatibility issues are encountered.
As far as enterprises are concerned, Microsoft has also announced that Windows 11 is now available through WSUS, coming with 36 months of support for Enterprise and Education versions.
“Windows 11 is available through familiar channels and processes including Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Windows Update for Business, and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) for phased deployment using Microsoft Endpoint Manager or other endpoint management solutions. Oct. 4, 2021 marks the start of the 36 months of servicing support lifecycle for Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11. As it is being released in the second half of the year, the version number for this original release of Windows 11 is 21H2,” Microsoft says.
What’s new in Windows 11
Windows 11 comes with plenty of improvements, and without a doubt, the first thing you’ll notice after booting to the desktop for the very first time is the new taskbar with centered icons.
The Start menu has also been moved from the left lower corner to the center, and it no longer uses live tiles, all based on an approach that Microsoft initially used in Windows 10X.
The desktop also provides instant access to widgets, which are essentially an evolved version of the News and interests experience in Windows 10, though it remains to be seen how many people will actually find this feature useful when Windows 11 lands on their devices.