Windows 11

Windows 11 is Microsoft’s desktop operating system, released in 2021 as the successor to Windows 10. It combines a graphical desktop, built-in applications, and services for managing hardware, files, and software.

Windows NT: A family of Microsoft operating systems built around a protected, portable kernel and system architecture. Windows 11 inherits its kernel and core architecture from this operating-system family.
Windows 10: Microsoft’s desktop operating system released in 2015 and succeeded by Windows 11. Windows 11 replaced it while changing the interface, update cadence, and hardware baseline.
Windows 11 on ARM: A version of Windows 11 designed for PCs using ARM-based processors. It extends Windows 11 to ARM laptops, with native and emulated application support.
macOS: Apple’s operating system for Mac computers. It is the main proprietary desktop alternative to Windows 11 on consumer computers.
Windows shell: The user-facing layer that provides the desktop, taskbar, Start menu, and file-management interface. Its redesigned taskbar and Start menu are among Windows 11’s most visible changes.
Windows 11 release: The 2021 launch of Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system. The release established Windows 11 as the successor to Windows 10.
Windows 11 gaming: Gaming features and technologies available on Windows 11 PCs. Features such as DirectStorage and Auto HDR target supported PC games.
Linux: An open-source family of operating systems built around the Linux kernel. Linux distributions offer a contrasting model of desktop software, customization, and licensing.
Windows Registry: A hierarchical database that stores configuration settings for Windows and installed applications. Windows components and many applications store system and user settings here.
Windows 11 system requirements: The hardware and firmware conditions a device must meet to officially run Windows 11. Requirements such as TPM 2.0 excluded some PCs that could run Windows 10.

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