Introduction
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s newest operating system, announced in June 2021 and released in October 2021. As developers get their hands on the early previews and final release versions, they are sharing their initial impressions and insights. In this article, I will highlight what developers are saying about the key changes and new features in Windows 11.
Visual Redesign
Windows 11 comes with a fresh visual redesign. Microsoft has overhauled the user interface with a more modern, simplified, and visually appealing look.
Centered Taskbar and Start Menu
One of the most noticeable changes is the centered taskbar and Start menu. Here’s what some developers are saying:
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I was pleasantly surprised by the centered taskbar and Start menu. It looks much cleaner and really takes advantage of widescreen displays. The centered alignment just makes sense to my eyes.
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Shifting the taskbar to the center feels a bit odd at first since I’m so used to it being left-aligned. But after using Windows 11 for a few days, I’ve grown to really like the centered taskbar. It has a calming symmetry to it and makes the entire desktop layout feel more balanced.
Rounded Corners and Soft Visuals
Windows 11 introduces more rounded corners and soft, subtle visual effects. Developers seem to appreciate this change:
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The rounded corners and softened UI creates a more modern, yet familiar look. Microsoft found a good balance – it feels new without being too radically different.
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I like the rounded aesthetic. It feels more refined while still being recognizable as Windows. The visuals just seem calmer and warmer somehow.
Revamped Icons
Icons across the system have been updated with a new design language. Here’s some early feedback:
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The new icons look great. They are simpler and more modern. Microsoft did a really good job bringing a fresh consistent icon design to Windows 11.
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I’m impressed by how many icons were updated – from built-in apps to system icons, lots of refinements across the board. The simpler, flatter iconography looks fantastic and gives Windows 11 a more up-to-date look.
Multitasking Improvements
Windows 11 introduces some useful upgrades for multitasking and window management.
Snap Layouts
The new Snap Layouts feature lets you quickly snap windows into various preset layouts and arrangements.
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Snap Layouts make arranging your windows so much easier. I love being able to quickly set up side-by-side or stacked layouts with just a couple clicks. It’s a very well done feature.
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Being able to snap windows into predefined layouts speeds up my workflow. I no longer have to meticulously resize and position windows manually. Snap Layouts is a big productivity booster.
Snap Groups
You can now create Snap Groups to manage and quickly switch between sets of apps.
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Snap Groups are a game changer for my multitasking workflow. Being able to easily switch between groups of apps is super useful.
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I love that I can organize related apps into a Snap Group. It reduces clutter and makes my projects feel more cohesive and focused when working between apps.
Performance Optimizations
Early testing shows Windows 11 offers performance improvements over Windows 10.
Faster Load Times
Many developers are reporting noticeably quicker boot times and faster loading of apps and files on Windows 11.
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I was surprised by how much faster Windows 11 feels compared to Windows 10. Boot time is quicker and apps open snappier. The performance improvements are tangible on my hardware.
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Some people may overlook boot time, but faster startup really improves the experience every single time you turn on your device. The performance gains add up over time to make Windows 11 feel smoother.
Efficient Memory Usage
Developers are impressed by Windows 11’s lighter and more efficient memory utilization.
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Windows 11 seems to manage memory more efficiently in my testing. It leaves more memory free for apps while still providing smooth system performance.
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The memory usage improvements will really help provide a better experience on lower-end hardware. Microsoft slimmed down Windows 11 in ways that are not easy to notice up front but add up to a nicer overall experience.
Conclusion
Early developer feedback on Windows 11 highlights visual improvements, enhanced multitasking capabilities, and performance optimizations. There is a lot for developers to like in Microsoft’s new OS. As more testers get hands-on time with Windows 11, additional insights and perspectives will continue emerging. But so far, reactions from the developer community seem largely positive about the future of Windows.
