Microsoft Windows 11 download from this source could be dangerous - here is why you should not do it

There’s a leaked Windows 11 ISO detailing UI improvements and changes to the new operating system floating around on the Internet. However, a Windows 11 download and install command will not be in your interest, in fact, it could be very risky.

Microsoft Windows 11 launch (Pixabay)

Ahead of the Windows 11 launch event, Microsoft has been hit by a leak and it has taken the Net by storm. A version of the OS has been put out there and there is a big rush to download and install it. Microsoft is actually expected to showcase Windows 11 today at its Windows 2021 event. The company has teased the announcement to be about “what's next for Windows”. Microsoft chief Satya Nadella had also said at the Microsoft Build developer conference that the company plans to announce the next version of Windows. This is also said to be “one of the most significant updates of Windows of the past decade.” The Windows 11 ISO leak revealed some changes that we could see on the new operating system.

However, Microsoft doesn't want this update to be downloaded by anyone due to the inherent risk involved. Microsoft Japan filed a DMCA complaint against tech news site Beebom for distributing the unreleased Windows 11 ISO which is actually copyrighted to Microsoft, according to a report by Fossbytes. It also asked Google to remove Beebom's article from search as “it contains a leaked copy of the unreleased Windows 11.” However, this also was a sort of confirmation by Microsoft that the leaked ISO is Windows 11.

As for the changes that were confirmed, it was mostly UI improvements. Seeing how it isn't exactly an upgrade over Windows 10, there's really no point downloading it. Based on the leaked ISO, Windows 11 will come with a revamped UI, a new start menu, and taskbar design as well. The new UI and Start Menu are also similar to Windows 10X whose development has been officially discontinued. The taskbar menu has gone through a big change with the Start Menu and apps now placed at the centre. The search option is also placed next to the Start Menu.

Microsoft has also made small changes to the Windows logo as it is now square and different from the trapezoidal logo. The new Windows logo also features rounded corners instead of the previous sharp edges. The file explorer has also received a redesigned icon in Windows 11. More changes include a new setup experience similar to Windows 10X, and a new Windows startup sound as well.

Windows 11 launch date

Microsoft reportedly plans to launch Windows 11 during the second half of the year, and it could be available to the public by the end of the year. As for the pricing of Windows 11, there is no confirmation on that either. Microsoft could offer Windows 11 as a free upgrade to Windows 10 users, and it could be an optional upgrade too. But Microsoft has confirmed that it will end support for Windows 10 in 2025.