Quick Summary
Below is a quick "changes" table, further screenshots of some of the key changes follow further down the page.
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Area
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Windows 10
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Windows 11
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Start Menu and Taskbar Location
Guide
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Always on the far bottom-left of the screen.
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Centered on the Taskbar by default. It can be changed back to the left - Guide.
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Start Menu Appearance
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Features "Live Tiles," which are colorful, dynamic squares showing real-time information.
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Replaced Live Tiles with a cleaner, grid-based layout of pinned and recommended apps.
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Start Menu App List
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The list of all apps is visible in a pane next to the pinned tiles.
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The app list is hidden behind an extra click on an "All Apps" button.
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Taskbar Location
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Allows for resizing and movement to the top, left, or right sides of the screen.
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Customization is more limited; no resizing or movement of the taskbar from the bottom is possible.
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Taskbar Features
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Includes a Cortana search box and the Task View button for virtual desktops.
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Replaced Cortana with a new AI assistant, Copilot, and adds a "Widgets" button for a personalized news feed.
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Window Snapping
Guide
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Window snapping is performed by dragging windows or using keyboard shortcuts.
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Introduced Snap Layouts, which are preset window arrangements accessible by hovering over the maximize button.
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Virtual Desktops
Guide
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Offers basic virtual desktop features.
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Features improved virtual desktops with the ability to set separate wallpapers and save layouts.
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Overall Visual Design
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Has sharper corners and a more angular, "boxy" look.
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Features rounded corners on windows, softer colors and animations, and a more modern aesthetic.
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File Explorer Command Bar
Guide for new File Explorer
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Features the classic Ribbon menu, a complex toolbar with multiple tabs.
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Replaces the Ribbon with a simplified, single command bar with essential icons. A three-dot menu (...) contains more options.
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File Explorer Context Menu
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Can be long and cluttered with options from various apps.
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Simplified to show only the most common actions by default. "Show more options" must be clicked to reveal the full, classic menu.
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File Explorer Home View
Guide for new File Explorer
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Defaults to the "Quick access" view showing recent files and frequent folders.
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Defaults to the "Home" view, which shows Quick access, Favorites, and a new "Recent" section.
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File Explorer Tabs
Guide
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Does not support tabs within a single window.
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Adds tabbed browsing to File Explorer, allowing for the management of multiple folders in one window.
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File Explorer Gallery
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Lacks a built-in gallery view.
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A new Gallery view provides a richer, more visual way to browse photos.
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Settings App
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A somewhat cluttered layout with many options visible.
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Redesigned with a cleaner left-hand navigation menu for easier access to options.
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Volume
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Separate volume, device selection and advanced sound options. |
Volume adjustment is immediately available on the pop up action center . Advanced sound options under a settings button to the right of the volume knob. |
Screenshot Overview
The Start Menu is now in the middle of the screen
Recent applications will show on the Start Menu, the rest of the applications are shown when you click the "All Apps" button.
Use search to quickly find applications and settings
File Explorer has been updated to be more compact, using icons for rename, copy, cut, and paste
Volume controls have been updated
Further Questions?
Please contact the Technology Service Center if you have any further questions or would like additional training!