Windows 11: Key Updates, Improvements, and Installation Process You Should Know

Microsoft continues to roll out updates to enhance Windows 11, addressing user feedback and improving the overall experience. Recent developments focus on the Start menu, taskbar behavior, file system support, and design changes.

More Control Over the Start Menu

The Start menu is getting new customization options:

• Users can now remove the “Recommended” section.
• A wider layout is being introduced to allow more pinned apps.
• These changes help users personalize their workspace and reduce unnecessary clutter.

Smarter Taskbar with Icon Scaling

A new taskbar feature automatically adjusts the size of app icons when the taskbar becomes too full. This ensures that more applications remain visible without opening an overflow menu, improving multitasking efficiency. The setting can be adjusted manually through system preferences.

Testing ReFS as a New File System Option

Microsoft is experimenting with offering ReFS (Resilient File System) during clean Windows 11 installations.

Why it matters:

• ReFS is designed for data integrity and fault tolerance.
• It offers better performance on large volumes compared to NTFS.
• Currently in testing, it may be useful for professionals dealing with sensitive or high-volume data.

A Visual Refresh for the BSOD

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), long a symbol of system crashes, is also changing. Microsoft is:

• Switching the background color from blue to black.
• Removing the frowning face icon.
• Simplify error messages for a cleaner look.

These adjustments are mostly visual but align with the system’s modern design language.

Pro Version Now at Discounted Prices

To encourage more upgrades, Windows 11 Pro licenses are being offered at significantly reduced prices:

• In some instances, lifetime licenses are available for under $20.
• This offers access to Pro features like BitLocker, Group Policy, and Remote Desktop at a much lower cost than the standard retail price.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11 (Simple Steps)

1. Check Compatibility

Your PC must have:

• 4 GB RAM or more
• TPM 2.0
• UEFI & Secure Boot
• Supported processor

Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool to confirm.

2. Back Up Your Files

Save your important data to a USB drive or the cloud (like Google Drive or OneDrive).

3. Upgrade Using Windows Update

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update

If Windows 11 is available, click Download and install

4. Or Use the Installation Assistant

Visit microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

Download the Installation Assistant and follow the steps

5. After Upgrade

Your files and apps stay as they are

Check for any new updates in Settings

Final Thoughts

Together, these updates show Microsoft’s ongoing effort to refine Windows 11 without making drastic overhauls. Improvements to interface control, background processes, and pricing indicate a gradual but steady focus on usability and user satisfaction. More changes are expected in future builds as part of the Windows Insider testing program.