Windows 11: Preview of the Leaked Development version!

When Windows 11 leaked earlier last week, I did what any self-respecting technology enthusiast would do: Researched all about the hysteria during the weekend and tested it on a secured isolated VM. 

At first, being a member both Windows Insider and Microsoft Tech Community I saw no confirmation of such a release however, there was a lot of chatter going around about the leak.  After screenshots were first published at Chinese site Baidu, the entire Windows 11 OS has appeared online exactly a week ago, complete with a new user interface, Start menu, and lots more. I was still skeptical till I found that Microsoft filed a DMCA takedown notice, which confirms that there is indeed a Windows 11.

Microsoft has been dropping hints about the “next generation of Windows” since the Ignite 2021 developer conference, with the latest teaser coming from the company’s YouTube and Twitter accounts. At the Microsoft Build developer conference, CEO Satya Nadella said the company will announce the next version of Windows.

That vacuum of official information has led many to form an opinion on an incomplete picture of Windows 11. One hot take I keep seeing, often from people who have not tried the leaked build, is that Windows 11 is "just a new Start menu". Here is what I know about Windows 11 (or whatever Microsoft would call it), its potential release date, new features, and leaks.

Windows 11 Features as seen on OS Build 21996.1 & Windows Feature Experience Pack 321.14700.0.3

•  New Start Menu, Taskbar, Search Bar and Widgets with info and articles based on your interests (Left side of the Header Image)
• New Animations are added while moving and dragging the windows. Even Opening a new window, closing, and minimize tap have different animation than earlier versions of Windows.
• If you have an ultrawide monitor, and used Powertoys Fancyzones on Windows 10, you see this inbuilt in Windows 11 & Multitasking features with windows like split-screen.
• New sounds are added in this version. After the release of Windows 10 in 2015, no significant changes were made in the sounds. But in Windows 11, you will see various new sound options.
• You will have access to dark mode also, which has significant improvements over windows 10.
• Rounded Corners: Pointy corners will not be available in Windows 11. Corners of various bars will be made round.
• New icons are added which will make it more attractive than the earlier versions.
• Various new Widgets are added in this version.

These are just the things I discovered. Who knows what is in the official changelog from Microsoft?

The updates to the operating system may however be more than skin-deep, going by the results of several benchmarks performed by YouTuber Ben Anonymous. He claims to have an official version of the leaked operating system running Windows 11 Pro, and his benchmarks, compared to Windows 10, shows consistent significant performance improvements.

Windows 11: Will It Be a Free Upgrade?

Windows 10 was released in 2015, meaning any Windows 8 PCs are at least six years old and Windows 7 systems will likely be even older. Although Microsoft has yet to unveil the minimum specifications for Windows 11, it is highly unlikely to run smoothly on such old hardware. Microsoft might wisely decide that encouraging owners of these old systems to take a free upgrade to Windows 11 will likely only lead to frustration or failure.

Windows licenses are still a big part of Microsoft’s revenue, although not the lion’s share of the revenue that they once were. The company has successfully converted its Office applications into a subscription offering for both consumers and businesses, and one suspects that Microsoft would love to do the same with Windows.

That, however, would probably require the company to deliver Windows via the cloud, where your Windows desktop was streamed from Microsoft’s servers. The company certainly has the capability to do that - it does so already for enterprise customers. Whether it is ready to offer Windows 11 via the cloud to consumers, we will find out on Thursday.

Windows 11: When is the official release date?

Everyone is expectant about the imminent presentation of Windows 11, which could happen this same June 24, where those from Redmond will show the operating system on which they will bet for the next few years, giving the relief to a Windows 10 that still has a lot left, Specifically, until 2025, as they have even announced a retirement date for Windows 10.

Why is it a very bad idea to install the leaked version of Windows 11?

The fact that you cannot install this leaked version of Windows 11 through Microsoft’s official channels either, implies that you must bet on downloading it in links of doubtful credibility, something that cybercriminals could take advantage of to introduce malware onto your computer. Although journalists, engineers and advanced users surely know what to do when installing this type of unfinished versions, the truth is that the normal user should not risk their computer with this type of unfinished products, and more considering that in just a few days Microsoft will present Windows 11 and surely many will be able to officially download a preliminary version in the beta channels.

It is also likely that the unfinished Windows 11 that is right now leaked does not represent the final quality and much less the new features that we see in this operating system, with which you will not only be exposing your computer, but also testing a version that is likely to look little like the final one that we will see in a few days.

Leaked? Really?

I too find it hard to believe this is an accidental leak. Microsoft is known to keep a tight lid on things. I may be wrong, but this surely looks like a classic marketing 101. I would not be surprised if this is leaked out intentionally to "boost search results" and "keep the rumor mill turning" among the tech sites, as well as for gauging early reactions. I will call it "free marketing".😉

Anxious for a Video Review and witnessing the OOBE experience?

The most enthusiastic video out there is from the Canadian Youtuber Linus Sebastian from Linus Tech Tips, Take a look!

Conclusion:

There are undoubtedly going to be fair criticisms of Windows 11 as all operating systems deserve – and I will certainly write a review again when I have a Microsoft Insider Preview version or my own licensed copy. Lets keep an open mind until Microsoft gives its full pitch on Windows 11. After that, there will be a lot more news and things we have not seen that could sway your opinion. But, if you are leering at screenshots and reaching a conclusion about Windows 11 without having tried it, well, maybe rethink that. It is OK to wait and see.

Join us to see what's next for Windows 06.24.21 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time | #MicrosoftEvent

“Longevity in this business is about being able to reinvent yourself or invent the future.” ~Satya Nadella

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Until next time, stay safe and keep learning!

Rahul Dev Rana