Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 will be available – for some – later this year. The brand new desktop operating system brings a host of changes, including a radically redesigned Start menu, interactive widgets, new options for juggling multiple windows across multiple screens, and more.
It’s all incredibly exciting … but don’t let that excitement push you into downloading the beta version. Microsoft has begun testing the next big iteration of its operating system with Windows Insiders to fix the kinks before launch. And early reports suggest there are many kinks that need ironing out.
Microsoft has confirmed that the first batch of laptops, desktops and tablets preinstalled with Windows 11 will hit the market later this year. But there is still a lot to do before the release date. That’s not uncommon with these major upgrades.
Some of the biggest problems currently plaguing Windows Insiders are the lack of a Start menu search. As of Windows 11, Microsoft has integrated its universal search bar into the start menu. The search bar, which allows users to search documents, contacts, applications, and web results, was found in the system tray in Windows 10, but has been moved to the redesigned Start menu that appears in the center of the standard screen.
If you’re a developer using the Windows 11 beta to test compatibility with your software or hardware, this isn’t too much of a problem. After all, these issues are exactly the kind of things that need to be sorted out before you start. However, if you want to use Windows 11 before it’s launched, the lack of search is a real deal breaker. If you only have a single computer at home and need it to work or send email, it’s worth waiting for the Windows 11 beta to install now.
And the broken search bar isn’t the only problem for beta testers.
While it promises a shiny new design language for its desktop operating system, it’s not quite finished yet. Yes, Microsoft is still working on bringing the sleek new design into File Explorer. In the current beta version, the file explorer looks almost identical to Windows 10.
Other known issues in the current beta version recognized by Microsoft are …
- The system text scaling scales all widgets proportionally and can lead to truncated widgets
- The taskbar won’t appear on multiple monitors, but it will return in an upcoming build
- The preview window may not display the entire window when you hover over the task view on the taskbar
- A small set of outdated settings pages as well as customization and completion errors will be fixed in future releases
- When you use Quick Settings to change accessibility settings, the settings UI may not save the selected state.
- In some limited scenarios in the Windows Store, the install button may not yet work.
- Ratings and reviews are not available for some apps
With months of beta testing before the global launch of Windows 11, there is enough time to iron out the quirks. While anyone can sign up to become a Windows Insider and get the latest features before launch, we now advise against it – as it is fraught with bugs.
