These are the biggest Microsoft news stories of 2021
2021 was a massive year for news, including new hardware, major software updates, and one of the best years for gaming that Microsoft has seen in a long time. Here at Windows Central, we published well over 1,000 news pieces this year, including Microsoft announcing Windows 11, the launch of new Surface hardware, and the release of Halo Infinite. From insider scoops to product launches, here are the biggest news stories from 2021 related to Windows, Xbox, and all things Microsoft.To get more
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For years, it was thought that Windows 10 would be the final version of Windows. That turned out to not be the case, as Microsoft released Windows 11 in October 2021. The new operating system builds on Windows 10 in several ways, including supporting all apps from its predecessor. Windows 11 modernized several elements of the OS, including the Start menu, icons, and the Taskbar.
This move toward simplicity has been met with mixed reactions. While Windows 11 trimmed down some of the complexities of the OS interface, it lacks some of the features seen in Windows 10. Additionally, the Start menu and Taskbar ran into criticism. Many have looked for the best apps to customize Windows 11 to restore both the look of previous versions of Windows and lost functionality.
Windows 11 ran into issues before it launched. A confusing set of minimum requirements and mixed signals from Microsoft's tool for checking eligibility made it difficult to tell if some systems would be able to upgrade to Windows 11 at all. The requirement of having TPM 2.0 was the limiting factor for many computers. As a result of this confusion, the Windows userbase was split to a certain point. While tech-savvy folks know about the limitations and how to work around them, some general consumers are still confused about why their PC hasn't seen the option to update.Those that did receive Windows 11 gained access to several new features and a new Microsoft Store. A renewed push on getting developers to work with Windows has proven successful, as several major companies have brought their apps to the Microsoft Store, including Adobe, Zoom, and OBS. The move to allow unpackaged apps was a big boost to Windows, as was the option for developers to use their own revenue stream.
Gamers received some nice features in the upgrade to Windows 11. Many of these features were already available on the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Auto HDR works with over 1,000 DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games. Direct Storage improves load times and takes advantage of the best SSDs. DirectX 12 Ultimate also includes features for developers, including Raytracing 1.1, variable rate shading, and Sampler Feedback.
While Windows 11 has a refreshed interface and new features, many view it as an optional update, at least for now. The OS should continue to improve as Microsoft rolls out new features, such as Android app support. Those that want it now have likely already upgraded. Those who don't feel the need to update can wait for quite a while since Windows 10 will remain supported until 2025.As it does every year, Microsoft released several new pieces of Surface hardware in 2021. This year, the company launched the Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and Surface Duo 2. It also introduced the Surface Laptop Studio, a unique laptop with a floating display.
The Surface Pro 8 saw a design refresh that brought it more in line with the Surface Pro X (though it is slightly thicker than its Windows on ARM sibling). In many ways, the Surface Pro 8 represents the pinnacle of its form factor. It has a 13.3-inch120Hz display, supports Thunderbolt 4, and has an excellent webcam. A new Slim Pen 2 with haptics pairs with the Surface Pro 8 to improve the handwriting experience. Our executive editor Daniel Rubino said that the "Surface Pro 8 finally hits its full potential with the all-new redesign for 2021."
The Surface Laptop Studio introduces a new form factor to the PC space. It features a floating display that can rest in different positions to facilitate a range of workflows. Of course, one of those positions is that of a traditional clamshell laptop. In that category, the Surface Laptop Studio stacks up against the likes of the Razer Blade 15 and the HP ENVY x360 15.
