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Windows 11 is a major release of the Windows NT operating system and is the successor to Windows 10. It introduces new features such as a redesigned interface, new productivity and social features, and updates to security and accessibility, along with improvements to performance.[1][2][3]
Main article: Windows shell |
See also: Project Astoria and Windows Subsystem for Linux |
Windows 11 allows users to install and run Android apps on their devices using the new Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) and the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This runs with Intel Bridge Technology, a runtime post-compiler that enables apps written for other architectures to run on x86.[13][14] These apps can be obtained from the Microsoft Store via the Amazon Appstore,[15][16][17][18] or through other sources.[19]
On March 5, 2024, Microsoft announced the termination of this feature in the updated support document of WSA: "As a result, the Amazon Appstore on Windows and all applications and games dependent on WSA will no longer be supported beginning March 5, 2025. Until then, technical support will remain available to customers".[20]
In Windows 11 on Arm CHPE is replaced by ARM64EC (Emulation Compatible), a superset of ARM64 which combining ARM64 and x86 code (32-bit and 64-bit), allowing apps to be incrementally transition from emulated to native.[21][22] Arm64X binaries were also introduced to support classic Arm64 code and Arm64EC code together.[23] Windows 11 added support for OpenCL 1.2 via CLon12 and OpenGL 3.3 via GLon12, open source OpenCL and OpenGL implementations on top DirectX 12 via Mesa Gallium.[24][25][26] Version 22H2 updated the .NET Framework adding native ARM64 support.[27] Version 23H2 added support for Support for vTPM in Hyper-V.[28]
Microsoft promoted performance improvements such as smaller update sizes, faster web browsing in "any browser", faster wake time from sleep mode, and faster Windows Hello authentication.[2][38]
As part of the minimum system requirements, Windows 11 only officially supports devices with a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 security coprocessor.[39][40] According to Microsoft, TPM 2.0 is a "critical building block" for protection against firmware and hardware attacks. In addition, Microsoft now requires devices with Windows 11 to include Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI), and Secure Boot built-in and enabled by default.[41] The operating system also features hardware-enforced stack protection for supported Intel and AMD processors for protection against zero-day exploits. Windows 11 Home SKUs require an Internet connection and a Microsoft account for first-time setup.[10]