However, it seems that a few weeks ago, the Richmond company was busy planning otherwise, with the announcement of Windows 11. Shortly before the official announcement, an allegedly leaked copy of what seemed to be the next generation of the operating system, surfaced online.

Initial response by those who got their hands on the pre-release software was mixed and many feared (still do) that the ill-fated Windows’ history would repeat itself, i.e. having another Windows Vista, where Microsoft was hit by negative backlash due to the seemingly buggy operating system.

With Windows 10 coming to save the day in 2015 after a sub-performing Windows 8… would Windows 11 have the same fate?

One would need to dissect the early builds of Windows 11 and see where Microsoft wants to go. Evidently, the company has directed its developing teams to provide an even more connected environment through software such as Microsoft Teams - a chat and communications platform, which will be baked into the operating system itself. This seems to be a clear move from Microsoft to respond to a time where due to a global pandemic, a lot of people resorted to their Internet connected devices to communicate with one another.

Other features will include ways to improve organisation and thus productivity. Microsoft will be boasting features such as quicker window snapping by hovering over the maximise button, a more intuitive approach to virtual desktops, as well as better handling of placing windows where they were previously, when hooking up your PC to multiple monitors - a feature that I personally am looking forward to.

How can we not conclude with the redesigned taskbar and Start menu?

Microsoft’s centred approach to Windows 11 is at the foundation of the upcoming release of Windows. So much so, that for the first time in Windows’ history, the icons (including the newly designed Start menu) will take centre stage - yes, you read that right… everything will be centred on the taskbar.

Users will have the option to align everything back to the left, however having tested the first official developer preview of Windows (through its Windows Insiders Programme), I have to admit that it only takes a few moments to adjust to this change… and frankly it makes more sense.

The Start menu takes yet another facelift, with my much loved Live Tiles being replaced with static pinned apps and search results powered by the cloud. Personally, I am not sure about the new Start menu design, however I think it’s yet another instance of ‘getting used to it’.

I don’t know, I really liked the Live Tiles… What about you?

There were other notable changes, such as a redesigned Quick Actions panel and the reintroduction of Widgets… but not like we had with Windows Vista and 7… well arguably at least. New set of Windows default sounds (including a new startup sound) and the ability to install Android apps through an integration between Windows and the Amazon Appstore.

All of this is pretty much early days and subject to change, with many dreading the Windows 10 2025 deadline - the year which will eventually see a lot of PCs with older processors developed pre-2016, incapable of upgrading to Windows 11 (a follow up on this soon).