With Microsoft hard at work on the next iteration of Windows, it can be hard keeping up to date on everything that is happening in the world of Windows 11. That’s why we’re collating the top stories over the past month, so that you can stay abreast of the most important Windows 11 developments, without having to spend hours looking.
Microsoft will be redesigning the Windows 11 volume sliders
Volume sliders have been a contentious issue in several operating systems, from Apple’s iOS through to Microsoft’s Windows 8, 10, and now 11. But for Microsoft’s part, the company has now confirmed that it is working on a redesigned volume slider in Windows 11.
Windows 11 volume slider redesign confirmed!#Windows11 pic.twitter.com/Ul0bWQxBnZ
— FireCube (@FireCubeStudios) September 29, 2021
Microsoft briefly shows new media player app for Windows 11
A new media player app is being worked on for Windows 11, bringing a modern design with more features over the pre-existing Movies & TV app, including Shuffle and Replay buttons.
Discord and Opera are coming to the Windows 11 Microsoft Store, with Epic Games Store to follow
Windows 11 might not be released yet, but the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 apps is already picking up pace with some big names. In September, it was confirmed that both Discord and Opera will be coming to the store, whilst the Epic Games Store plans to follow suit shortly after.
Commercial customers will get to choose between Windows 10 and Windows 11 on new Surface devices
New Surface devices bought by commercial customers will provide an option to have either Windows 10 or Windows 11 by default, providing more flexibility for commercial customers who may have specific needs.
Microsoft’s updated PC Health Check app is now available for all Windows 11 enthusiasts
An updated PC Health Check was released, resolving complaints of it not providing enough information when it reports that a PC is not compatible with Windows 11. Now, the tool will provide more information to help a user understand what the issue is.
Android apps on the way as Amazon Appstore appears in Windows 11 Microsoft Store
A placeholder for the Amazon Appstore has made an appearance in the Microsoft Store, leading to belief that Android apps will shortly be on the way for Windows 11, as it’s a sign that preparations are being made.
PowerToys lands in the Windows 11 Microsoft Store
Speaking of launches in the Microsoft Store, PowerToys has also made its way there. This provides an easier way of downloading and installing PowerToys, compared to the original method of having to download it via GitHub.
Shifting getting PowerToys from GitHub to the Microsoft Store on Windows 11.https://t.co/97zkPaGjrT pic.twitter.com/4933cLX1s6
— Richard Hay (@WinObs) September 17, 2021
Windows 11 on ARM on Apple M1 Macs isn’t officially supported, says Microsoft
It has been said by Microsoft that running Windows 11 on an Apple M1 Mac is not supported, at least officially, despite Parallels Desktop 17 bringing the ability to do just that.
Microsoft has a new blockbuster ad for Windows 11
A new ad for Windows 11 has been launched. It’s 60 seconds in length, and has the quality usually attached to Surface promotional videos.
Asus plans motherboard BIOS updates to allow Windows 11 support for 6th, 7th gen processors
Asus is aiming to extend support for some older CPUs, namely 6th and 7th gen processors, for Windows 11 via a BIOS update, owing to Microsoft’s stricter requirements for upgrading to Windows 11.
Panos Panay’s latest Windows 11 tease is a “beautiful redesigned” Photos app
A glimpse at a redesigned Photos app in Windows 11 was teased by Panos Panay, showing a more refined and modern Photos experience.
Pumped to share another #Windows11 first look with you – the beautifully redesigned #PhotosApp is coming soon to #WindowsInsiders pic.twitter.com/hraNJAo9iF
— Panos Panay (@panos_panay) September 7, 2021
Want to read more about Windows 11? Keep up to date on our Windows 11 page which covers all of the most recent announcements and changes.