Microsoft Windows 11 event 2021: Big veil of secrecy, but here’s what company may launch today

Microsoft Windows 11 event 2021 is set to happen later today and it will likely announce the rollout of the biggest update for the Windows operating system by Microsoft in as many as six years. There is a big veil of secrecy on the subject as Microsoft has been quite silent on the issue.

Its time to say goodbye to Windows 10, the next version is just around the corner. 

Windows 11 event 2021: Microsoft is all set to take the wraps off its next generation of Windows today, nearly six years after the company released Windows 10 around the world. However, Microsoft has not uttered a word about the whole thing, keeping it quite secret. The only comment that came was when it asked the public not to download the Windows 11 Test build doing the rounds on Internet. Microsoft Windows 11 update is expected to bring notable changes to the operating system both visually and under the hood, and based on initial impressions from leaked Windows 11 builds that have surfaced online in the past few weeks, it looks like many changes are coming to the interface of the popular operating system.

Among some of the visual improvements that are expected to arrive on the upcoming version, Windows 11, is a revamped interface including the Start menu, centred taskbar icons, window management, redesigned icons, and much more. While the Windows 11 leaked builds have been rather promising, only Microsoft can confirm all of the features arriving on Windows 11, which is scheduled to take place later today.

Here's what readers can expect to see in terms of changes at the Windows 11 event today:

Return of the Windows startup sound and widgets

We have previously covered the reasons why Windows removed its iconic “startup” sounds on Windows 8, after years of memorable sounds. However, it looks like the company is finally going to bring back the startup sound on Windows 11, although it is likely that it will be an optional setting. Meanwhile, widgets may also make their way back to the next version of Windows, according to recent reports, but exactly how useful they will be is something that only Microsoft will be able to reveal.

New keyboard with emoji support, GIFs

Previous versions of Windows have come with a software ‘virtual' keyboard built-in to the operating system, just like on Android devices. This is because Windows is also used in touchscreen devices which may not always have an attached keyboard. Microsoft is likely upgrading the Windows 11 keyboard to also support attaching GIFs and entering emoji in relevant content areas, according to reports.

Improved Windows Store and updated multitasking

The Windows Store is set to get a new coat of paint as well as new smarts under the hood. Microsoft is said to be introducing the ability for publishers to post new types of apps, including browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, which is a big change for how Windows users get their software. Multitasking is also expected to get a boost with the upcoming release of Windows 10 with better window snapping and new multitasking tools.

New Start Menu, Taskbar and Windows icon

Microsoft Windows logo has evolved over time, with each iteration of its operating systems slightly tweaking and changing the design a little more. The same is true for Windows 11, based on the preview builds leaked online, it looks like Windows 11 will have a new square blue logo, unlike the non-symmetrical logo we are all familiar with on Windows 10. The start menu and taskbar have also received an overhaul and have been given a fresh coat of paint with centred icons and a redesigned Start Menu.

What hasn't changed

The Settings app and the Files manager on Windows 11 were expected to receive a redesign, based on leaked visuals of Windows 10X, the version of Windows that was reportedly axed by Microsoft. However, these apps do not appear to have changed, at least in leaked builds, but Microsoft could unveil some changes in the pipeline in the future.