Microsoft has officially began the public testing of Android apps on Windows 11, but of course, this early release has a series of limitations, together with a small number of apps currently up for download from the Microsoft Store (through the Amazon Appstore).

Even though the organization hasn't shared any specifics as to when Android apps could launch for production devices already running Windows 11, it did disclose the way it plans the whole thing to operate once available.

And unsurprisingly, Android apps will feel much like home on Windows 11, with Microsoft trying to make them act just like a native piece of software.

Android apps will even show up in the Alt + Tab app switcher on Windows 11, and Microsoft says their notifications will also display in the Action Center.

Native feel

And in case you're wondering, native Windows features, such as the clipboard, will be obtainable in Android apps, so in theory, you'll be able to repeat content between Windows and Android apps as straightforward as you expect the whole process to be.

"Running Android apps and games on Windows 11 will feel familiar, effortless, and integrated - just like you realized. You can easily run these apps side-by-side with the aid of the new Snap Layouts feature, pin them to your Start menu or Taskbar, and interact with them via mouse, touch, or pen input," Microsoft explains.

"Android apps will also be built-into Alt + Tab and Task view that will help you quickly move back-and-forth between your apps that matter most to you. You can observe notifications from Android apps notifications in the Action Center or share your clipboard between a Windows app as well as an Android app. We've built the knowledge with accessibility in mind; many Windows accessibility settings apply to Android apps and we are dealing with Amazon to provide more improvements."

Windows 11 is now live with lots of improvements, but on the other hand, it also needs further polishing, specifically for the features that Microsoft has introduced new in this operating-system.

The taskbar, for example, features a new approach which has all of the icons centered, with the Start menu also realigned based on a concept originally implemented in Windows 10X.

Only one feature that's missing from the taskbar is support for ungrouping app icons and show labels, something that users really don't seem to be in a position to do without.

Combining the app icons around the taskbar

Inside a post around the Feedback Hub, which has already received over 11,000 upvotes, users explain Windows 11 shouldn't always combine app icons, because this significantly affects their productivity.

"I would like to submit my disappointment that Windows 11 has killed Taskbar Button ungrouping, an important multitasking feature many people use - very limiting that there is no built in choice to disable grouping and examine multiple windows from the same app in the Taskbar. For this reason I will NOT recommend upgrading anyone in my organization," someone says in a comment.

"Really hope this comes back. Windows 11 is way less productive because of the quantity of apps and windows of the same apps I stumble upon multiple displays," another user adds.

At this time, there's not really an answer from Microsoft, so clearly, if such a feature ever makes its way back to Windows, the whole thing is not likely to occur overnight.

The rollout of Windows 11 takes place in stages, with Microsoft using this release model to make sure bugs don't affect a substantial quantity of devices. However, the company expects the rollout of Windows 11 to be performed by summer time of 2022, so the event will probably be accelerated once most bugs are ironed out.

Microsoft has updated the system requirements for Windows 11, which is responsible for a significant confusion in the own userbase, with some users expressing their frustration online for not being able to run the brand new operating system even on fully capable hardware.

One of the main requirements is TPM 2.0, which made it tougher for virtualization software to operate Windows 11 as well.

The latest form of Parallels finally adds full support for Windows 11, therefore allowing Apple users to set up the brand new operating-system on their own devices in an exceedingly straightforward manner.

At the same time, Parallels 17.1 also adds macOS Monterey support for Apple M1 devices. M1 is Apple's first-generation silicon with different custom ARM architecture.

"Final changes somewhere requirements for Windows 11 need a computer, both physical and virtual, with a TPM chip installed. Given that virtual machines "will continue to act as long as the hardware requirements are met", Parallels Desktop 17 (starting version 17.1.0) will let the virtual TPM chip automatically for all virtual machines that must have it," Parallels explains.

Windows 11 currently rolling out

Windows 11 can therefore be placed on both new and existing Intel-based Macs but additionally on M1-powered devices.

"On Apple M1-based Mac computers, for all Windows 10 and Windows 11 virtual machines, both new and existing. As Windows 10 Insider Preview Builds do expire eventually, we advise upgrading a Windows 10 Insider Preview VM to some Windows 11 Insider Preview VM at the earliest convenience. This will also reportedly improve compatibility with "regular" (Intel-based) Windows applications," the company explains when discussing where Parallels Desktop can be used to install Windows 11 and let the virtual TPM chip by default.

Windows 11 happens to be in the process of rolling to production devices available, with Microsoft planning to complete the discharge through the summer of 2022.

Microsoft presented the very first Windows 11 cumulative update the 2009 week, and given it was area of the Patch Tuesday rollout, it obviously included several critical fixes for devices available.

As numerous people know already, Windows 11 comes with updated system requirements, meaning some devices are prohibited to set up the new operating-system unless they pass certain CPU verifications and TPM 2.0 validation.

Of course, some people available found ways to bypass these checks, so Windows 11 wound up running on unsupported hardware as well.

And as it turns out, this initial Windows 11 cumulative update installs all right on devices that shouldn't be running the new operating-system to begin with, and today everyone is thinking they could just stay on Windows 11 forever without worrying of not getting any updates.

The first feedback from reddit users who installed Windows 11 on unsupported hardware indicates the cumulative update was deployed on their own computers as with every other update.

Microsoft recommends against installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs

Microsoft, however, says users who install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware could end up experiencing all kinds of problems, including app crashes as well as BSODs.

"From Windows Insider machines, the ones that didn't satisfy the minimum system requirements had 52% more kernel mode crashes (blue screens) compared to those that did meet the requirements. Machines that met what's needed provided a 99.8% crash-free experience that's effectively managed by OEMs and IHVs through modern driver update management. Additionally, on unsupported hardware app hangs are 17% more likely and for first-party apps we see 43% more crashes," Microsoft said.

At this time, however, it's known what's the proportion of unsupported Windows 11 devices running the new operating system.

Microsoft has released a new set of cumulative updates for Windows 10 devices, this time included in the October 2021 Patch Tuesday rollout.

Needless to say, the main focus of these updates may be the operating system security, which is the reason they go live on an area Tuesday.

Because it typically occurs when Microsoft ships new cumulative updates, all versions are getting patched, obviously except for those people who are no more receiving support from Microsoft.

This is the first Patch Tuesday following the discharge of Windows 11, so with people migrating to the new operating-system, the number of devices still running Windows 10 gets smaller and smaller.

But of course, Windows 10 still remains the number 1 Microsoft operating-system currently being used, though because of the software giant accelerates the rollout of Windows 11, and even plans to complete it by the summer of 2022, more and more people could be switching.

Check for updates right now

Getting back to the latest cumulative updates, in case your product is fully up-to-date, then you should receive Windows 10 cumulative update KB5006670, which one boosts the OS build number on version 2004, 20H2, and 21H1 to 19041.1288, 19042.1288, and 19043.1288, respectively.

Here's the entire listing of cumulative updates going live this week as part of the October rollout:

Windows 10 version 1507 - KB5006675 (OS Build 10240.19086)
Windows 10 version 1607 - KB5006669 (OS Build 14393.4704)
Windows 10 version 1703 - EOS
Windows 10 version 1709 - EOS
Windows 10 version 1803 - EOS
Windows 10 version 1809 - KB5006672 (OS Build 17763.2237)
Windows 10 version 1903 - EOS
Windows 10 version 1909 - (OS Build 18363.1854)
Windows 10 version 2004, 20H2 and 21H1 - KB5006670 (OS Builds 19041.1288, 19042.1288, and 19043.1288)

You are able to download these updates from Windows Update when the automatic mode is enabled in your device.

Windows 11 includes updated system requirements, and also the announcement has caused so much frustration in the community, especially as numerous users available think their devices should be permitted to obtain the new operating system too.

Microsoft, however, claims otherwise, explaining that new-generation hardware is required not only to provide the absolute best experience on Windows 11 but also to run all of the security arsenal the new operating-system includes and for that reason cope with any potential attack.

And in a video published a week ago online, Microsoft puts its own hacker-in-chief at work, proving precisely how important it's to operate Windows 11 on new-generation hardware, especially from a security perspective.

Once more, the organization shows that while older computers could be able to run Windows 11, they'd lack not only each one of these security features but also the performance boost on new-generation hardware.

Microsoft: Increased likelihood of issues on old hardware

Microsoft says it has specifically conducted a number of tests on old hardware to find out if more PCs can run Windows 11 as well.

The answer was as easy as it may be: while some computers could indeed be able to run Windows 11, they'd experience a noticeable drop in performance, whilst coming by having an increased likelihood of app errors and crashes.

"From Windows Insider machines, the ones that did not meet the minimum system requirements had 52% more kernel mode crashes (blue screens) than those that did meet the requirements. Machines that met the requirements provided a 99.8% crash-free experience that's effectively managed by OEMs and IHVs through modern driver update management. Additionally, on unsupported hardware app hangs are 17% much more likely as well as for first-party apps we have seen 43% more crashes," Microsoft explained.

Back in the days when Windows 10 was still a brand new operating-system, the integrated data collection system, which Microsoft insisted was designed to help the company get crash information and improve Windows in the long term, caused a lot of criticism from users around the globe.

Many wanted to block Microsoft from getting any data using their devices, which is how applications like O&O ShutUp10 reached see the daylight.

What O&O ShutUp10 does is as simple as it could be: it provides full access to any or all privacy-related settings in Windows, therefore putting users in full control of their data around the operating system, even if this means blocking Microsoft from access crash data and other bug-related information.

Now, O&O ShutUp10 was officially updated with support for Windows 11, Microsoft's new operating system whose rollout has begun recently, while also getting a new name, so the app has become known as O&O ShutUp10++.

Simultaneously, the brand new version, which is 1.9.1424, includes several new features, including support for disabling app access to music libraries, the downloads folder, as well as to bar desktop apps to take screenshots for that current user.

The Windows 11 launch

Microsoft says Windows 11 is an operating-system designed for everyone out there, explaining that it focused specifically on putting the consumer in the center from the entire experience.

"We're pumped to be launching Windows 11; the entire user experience brings you nearer to what you love, empowers you to produce and inspires you to definitely create. Windows 11 supplies a sense of calm and openness. It offers a superior a location that feels like home. It's secure and everything is made to be focused on you," the company said now if this announced Windows 11.

The rollout of the new OS is currently under way, with Microsoft likely to complete it by mid-2022.

Microsoft launched Windows 11 with much fanfare the 2009 week, and now device manufacturers around the clock can finally go ahead and take wraps business new devices constructed with this operating-system in your mind.

Unsurprisingly given Windows 11 comes with several improvements for gamers, Razer is among the biggest names to bet big about this new operating-system, therefore the company today announced new Razer Book and Razer Blade 15 Advanced models coming pre-loaded with Microsoft's latest product.

Razer Book features welcome upgrades, with power coming from the 11th Gen Intel Core processors paired with Intel Iris Xe graphics. The unit also features 4K resolutions with touch input, because what's a modern device running Windows 11 without touch, right?

The Razer Book is available from $999 in the usa, according to the official release (embedded below).

The all-new Razer Blade 15 Advanced, however, mixes impressive hardware specs, like a display with 240Hz refresh rates, 100% DCI-P3 color space and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus and G-Sync, with the power Windows 11, obviously so that they can result in the gaming experience much more, well, advanced.

All-in on Windows 11

And also to these new devices coming with Windows 11 pre-loaded, Razer can also be announcing that its software and peripherals already are ready for the operating-system, so they are fully compatible and everything ought to be running flawlessly.

Furthermore, people who just love a Razer laptop eligible for the proceed to Windows 11, like the Razer Blade, is going to be permitted to upgrade after which be provided with fully compatible drivers for any seamless experience on the new operating system.

Bear in mind, however, that the Windows 11 rollout takes place in phases, so not everybody receives the brand new operating system on the first day, with Microsoft promising to ship it to any or all eligible devices by the summer of 2022.

Windows 11 is finally here, but for many users available, this isn't this type of big deal due to the fact they're tied to Windows 10.

Microsoft has updated the machine requirements in Windows 11, so if you don't meet the new TPM 2.0 and CPU prerequisites, you won't be able to install the operating system.

A minimum of, that's the state version, because there still are ways to install Windows 11 on a device that's not supported. By the looks of products, Microsoft itself has shared the guidance on how you can perform the event, explaining in a tech support document detailing the ways to install Windows 11 that users can bypass the checks for TPM 2.0 and processors with a quick trick.

"Microsoft recommends against installing Windows 11 on a device that doesn't satisfy the Windows 11 minimum system requirements. If you opt to install Windows 11 on the device that does not meet these requirements, and also you acknowledge and understand the risks, you can create the next registry key values and bypass the look for TPM 2.0 (a minimum of TPM 1.2 is needed) and also the CPU family and model," Microsoft says.

How you can perform the whole thing

Everything comes down to just adding a new type in the Windows Registry, yet Microsoft claims that whoever performs this is on their own and any changes are performed at their own risk.

"Serious problems might occur if you customize the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by utilizing another method. These problems may need that you simply reinstall the operating-system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems could be solved. Modify the registry at the own risk," it says.

It remains seen the number of individuals will wind up installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices, until then, Microsoft reminds everybody that Windows 10 would continue being supported until 2025.

Windows 11 has become readily available for download for production devices, but as said, the rollout takes place in stages because Microsoft really wants to detect potential issues early and stop them from hitting devices out there.

At this time, there are three known issues in Windows 11, these listed as compatibility problems between your operating system and various software.

For instance, Microsoft says it's conscious of compatibility problems between Windows 11 and VirtualBox, the Intel Killer networking software, and Coc Coc browser.

In the case of Oracle's VirtualBox, Microsoft states that one possible workaround is to just remove Hyper-V temporarily. Oracle has promised an update to land as soon as this month.

"To mitigate the safeguard, you will need to remove Hyper-V or Windows Hypervisor until this issue is resolved by having an update Oracle plans to release in October 2021. You can check Oracle's progress by monitoring their ticket #20536. If you're no longer using VirtualBox, uninstalling it should also mitigate the safeguard. Please note, should there be not one other safeguards that affect your device, it can take as much as 48 hours prior to the upgrade to Windows 11 is offered," Microsoft says.

Don't update to Windows 11 if a block is in place

The Intel Killer networking software has also caused an upgrade block if you are designed to get Windows 11, Microsoft says.

"Devices using the affected software might drop User Datagram Protocol (UDP) packets under certain conditions. This creates performance along with other problems for protocols based on UDP. For instance, some websites might load slower than others in affected devices, with videos streaming slower in a few resolutions. VPN solutions based on UDP could also be slower," it says.

The company recommends against installing Windows 11 using other methods so long as an upgrade block is in place, because this could lead to various issues in your device.

Microsoft has officially announced the pricing details of the brand new Microsoft Office 2021 that allows users to use the productivity suite without a subscription.

In addition, the company has additionally provided additional information regarding the feature lineup, explaining that many of the Microsoft 365 features are also found in the brand new version.

"The past year and a half have proven it's more essential than ever before our tools provide the flexibility to connect and create together virtually. This is why in both Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 we're including Microsoft Teams for personal use so that you can build relationships anyone at any time, whether it's chat, calls, or video. We're also incorporating most of the collaboration features already open to Microsoft 365 subscribers into Office 2021," the company explains.

Microsoft Office 2021 will obviously come in several versions, and also the cheapest one will be Office Home and Student 2021, which is readily available for $149.99. This specific version includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Onenote, and Microsoft Teams (on both Windows and Mac).

Launching in a few days

Then, there's Office Home and Business 2021, which this time around will be readily available for $249.99 as well as includes Outlook for PC and Mac.

Office 2021 is projected to launch on October 5, the same day as Windows 11, and it'll be fully optimized for that new operating-system.

"App themes will remain synchronized together with your Windows light or dark mode automatically. Updated apps include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Onenote, Outlook, Access, Project, Publisher, and Visio. We've also intentionally aligned this visual update with the availability of Windows 11 to supply a coherent and seamless experience on the new Windows 11 PC. Company, this update is also open to people using Windows 10," Microsoft says.

Obviously, the software giant recommends everybody who desires a fully up-to-date experience to obtain a Microsoft 365 subscription.