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See what’s new in Windows 11 2 , compare it to Windows 10, and find the right version of Windows for you.
Feature
Windows 10 Windows 11

Windows 11 is easier on the eyes and easier to use. We took the best elements of Windows 10 and refined them to create a soothing place to work and play.

Windows 11 can automatically wake up when you approach and lock when you leave. 3

Exclusive to Windows 11 is Smart App Control. It provides a layer of security by only permitting apps with good reputations to be installed. Only available on the latest version of WWindows 11. 4

If you connect your PC to an external display, Windows 11 can remember where you had those windows when you leave, come back, and reconnect. 6 This feature is new and exclusive to Windows 11.

With live captions on Windows 11, speech in incoming audio (such as through a Microsoft Teams call) can be transcribed into captions. 7

To read, or to be read to? Natural Narrator can turn text into spoken words. 7

Background Blur, Eye Contact, Voice Focus, and Automatic Framing. Better video calling awaits. 14

Jump back into the game you last played or into a new game entirely with the Controller bar. 19 Only on Windows 11.

Auto HDR increases the range of colors both new and old games can produce. Available only on Windows 11, this new calibration app increases control of color. 15

Widgets are new for Windows 11. It’s best for staying up to date with all the things you need to keep tabs on: schedules, weather, stocks, sports—even celebrity gossip.

Feel at home instantly on your new PC. With Windows Backup, 28 29 30 you can set things up to your liking by easily transferring some of your favorite settings, files, and apps from your old PC.


Backup only


Backup and restore

Paint is a simple and powerful graphics editor that comes with Windows. You can use it to create and edit images, draw shapes, add text, and more. New to Windows 11, Paint now comes with AI-powered tools 31 to help you edit images like a pro and create art like a visionary.


Cocreator, 31 32 33 Background Removal, 31 and Layers

Make and take calls. Reply to texts. Check and dismiss notifications. Use Phone Link to do it all from your Windows PC without even taking your phone out of your pocket. This feature is available for Android™ and iPhone® devices in Windows 11, and is available for Android in Windows 10. 27


Android only


Android and iPhone

While Windows 10 worked well with touch inputs 1 , Windows 11 has been designed with them in mind for a true mouse-less or keyboard-less experience.

You can find the Search bar in the Start Menu of Windows 11, and it can find whatever you can’t. That’s files, apps, or anything you want online. On Windows 11 the Search bar is in a new, easy to find, central location.

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) technology is designed to provide hardware-based, security-related functions. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 for features that rely on the TPM for capabilities such as key generation, secure storage, encryption, boot integrity measurements, and attestation. These capabilities help organizations strengthen the protection of their identities and data. TPM 2.0 includes support for newer algorithms, which provides improvements like support for stronger cryptography.

Microsoft Edge is optimized for Windows 11. The browser and OS will work together to bring you the browsing speed and security you need.

OneDrive backup is available on both Windows 11 and 10, providing your photos, documents, and other files a second life if, for example, your PC is stolen.

The Windows Security app serves as the security dashboard and is available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Snap assist makes the most of your screen space by arranging your open windows into perfectly aligned grids. 5 And on Windows 11, it’s now easier to find and use.

With desktop groups, you can organize your open apps and windows into separate “desktops” to make it easier to switch between work and play modes. It was introduced on Windows 10, but vastly improved for Windows 11.

High contrast themes are available in both Windows 10 and 11 to help those with low vision see easier.

Windows 11 can interpret your voice into commands, like “Open [name of app]” or “Scroll Down.” This feature builds on Windows 10 and is greatly enhanced on 11. 9

The redesigned Microsoft Store makes finding apps, movies, and TV shows you love easy, and comes ready to do so on both Windows 10 and 11.

Snipping Tool is available on both Windows 10 and 11 to help users crop screenshots to share to others exactly what you’re seeing.

The Journal app on Windows 11 provides the intimacy of handwriting 11 with the convenience of a digital app.

With dynamic templates 12 and dazzling effects, Clipchamp makes it easy for anyone to edit videos like a pro. It comes built into Windows 11 but is available for Windows 10 via download from the Microsoft Store.

Digital Pen 13 input on Windows 11 builds on the progress made on Windows 10, providing an improved feel and incorporating haptic feedback.

Whenever words won't do, Emojis are just a couple clicks away. And only Windows 11 comes with the new emoji clipboard (win + v). 26

Games with larger worlds that load in less time. It’s possible with DirectStorage 16 and available on both Windows 10 and 11.

This is what harnesses your hardware to produce stunning graphics for your games and is available on both Windows 10 and 11. 17

This technology makes it possible for you to perceive the sources of sound in games. 3 It requires compatible headphones and is available on both Windows 10 and 11.

PC Game Pass grants you access to over a hundred games for one low monthly membership fee and is available for both Windows 10 and 11. 18

No need to Alt+tab to change songs, check graphics performance, or find friends. Just use the hotkey Win+G in Windows 11 and 10 to bring up the overlay made for better play.

The Get Started app is designed to help you get to know Windows 11 better.

A Microsoft account can be your one passport to all things Microsoft, from Office to Xbox and more.

When you upgrade your Windows device, you can use OneDrive file transfer to seamlessly roll over your files and settings. 25

Devices with thin and light designs and amazing battery life that run the apps you care about. 20

Feature
Windows 11 Pro Windows 11 Home

If your device is lost or stolen, BitLocker puts everything on lockdown, so no one else can access your systems or data. 21

If you turn on device encryption, only authorized individuals will be able to access your device and data. 22

Keep track of your devices—even your digital pen!

Your Windows device comes with built-in security features to help safeguard against viruses, malware, and ransomware.

App & browser control in Windows Security helps protect your device from potentially dangerous apps, files, websites, and downloads. 4 25

Manage screen time, limit access to mature content, and control online purchases when you connect your family's Microsoft accounts.

Helps prevent malicious software applications and unauthorized operating systems from loading during the system start-up process.

Uses facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN, for a fast, secure, and password-free way to unlock your compatible Windows devices. 23

View and manage the security and health of your device.

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Power your passions

Fast, intuitive, powerful. Windows 11 meets you exactly where you are, so you can take your productivity, gaming, creative pursuits, and more to the next level.
Illustration of many different open Windows
Several Windows 11 PCs

Find your next PC

Sleek, innovative, and exactly what you need. Find a PC that can run Windows 11 and is just for you.
  • Screens simulated. Features and app availability may vary by region.
  • [1] Requires a PC with touchscreen capability.
  • [2] Timing of feature delivery varies by device. Feature availability may vary by market.
  • [3] Hardware-dependent.
  • [4] Only available on the latest version of Windows 11. In order to keep you as safe as possible, you must start with a fresh system. PCs that have been running previous versions of Windows must do a full reset of the Windows 11 operating system for the feature to work.
  • [5] Some layouts only available based on display resolution and scale settings.
  • [6] Apps that are no longer open will not automatically be put back into place. Apps that come out of full screen mode when you undock will not be put back into full screen mode upon redocking, but placed back as best as possible.
  • [7] US English only for live captions, and voice access. Natural voices available worldwide in US English only. Narrator is available worldwide and supported in these languages.
  • [9] Hardware dependent. Requires Windows PC with microphone capability. US English only.
  • [11] Requires PC with touchscreen; digital pen accessory may be sold separately.
  • [12] Certain features, like premium filters, require a paid subscription in order to access. Templates are available in English only.
  • [13] Pen-capable tablet or PC required. Pen accessory may be sold separately.
  • [14] Background Blur and Eye Contact will only be available on devices that come with new Qualcomm 7c+ Gen 3, 8c Gen 1 & 3, 8cx Gen 1 & 2 & 3. Voice Focus will only be available on devices that come with new Qualcomm 8c Gen 1 & 3, 8cx Gen 1 & 2 & 3. Automatic Framing will be available on all supported Qualcomm NPU chips. Automatic Framing with Super Resolution is exclusive to Qualcomm 8cx Gen 3 in Windows 11 2022 update. Device Manufacturer must have enabled Windows Studio Effects available by default in the system.
  • [15] Auto HDR requires an HDR monitor and is supported on titles using the DirectX 11 or later API.
  • [16] DirectStorage requires API adoption by games. Requires an NVMe SSD to store and run games that use the Standard NVM Express Controller driver and a DirectX12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support.
  • [17] DirectX 12 Ultimate available with supported games and graphics chips.
  • [18] Terms and exclusions apply. Game catalog varies over time, by region, and by device. Requires Windows 10/11 (with updates); excludes S mode and ARM devices. See xbox.com/pcgamepass and https://www.ea.com/ea-play/terms and https://www.ea.com/ea-play for details.
  • [19] Compatible controllers are wired or Bluetooth Game Input compatible controllers, such as the Xbox Wireless Controller.
  • [20] Ability to run x64 applications on Windows on ARM is only available with Windows 11.
  • [21] Requires TPM 2.0 or greater for TPM-based key protection.
  • [22] Requires InstantGo/AOAC/HSTI-compliant. More details here.
  • [23] Requires specialized hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices.
  • [25] Files may be made available for offline use. Otherwise, internet access required. Fees may apply. Requires Microsoft account.
  • [26] GIF functionality is not available in China.
  • [27] Phone Link experience comes preinstalled on your PC with Windows 10 (running Windows 10, May 2019 Update at the least) or Windows 11. To experience the full functionality, Android phones must be running Android 7.0 or later. Phone Link for iOS requires iPhone with iOS 14 or higher, Windows 11 device, Bluetooth connection and the latest version of the Phone Link app. Not available for iPad (iPadOS) or MacOS. Device compatibility may vary. Regional restrictions may apply. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
  • [28] Windows can back up files, settings, and apps from PCs running Windows 10 and higher. Restore is available on Windows 11, version 22H2 and higher. Geographic restrictions may apply.
  • [29] Requires Microsoft account. Up to 5 GB of Microsoft Storage is included. Data transfers exceeding 5 GB require an active Microsoft subscription or trial.
  • [30] Using Windows Backup to restore to a Windows 11 PC requires you to sign in during initial device setup with the same Microsoft account you used for Windows 10 PC backup.
  • [31] Rolling out gradually in preview within the latest updates to Windows 10 and Windows 11 in select global markets. Timing of availability varies by device and market. For Copilot in Windows 10, see Windows 10 system requirements.
  • [32] 50 credits available for initial use of Paint Cocreator. One credit applied per use. Credit system subject to change once preview is complete.
  • [33] Available in preview for Windows Insiders and will be available publicly in coming weeks.

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