微软(Microsoft)Windows 11 向公众发布的日期是 2021 年10 月 5(October 5th)日。这个最新版本被称为“21H2”，但微软(Microsoft)最新的操作系统已经进行了几次小更新，未来计划进行重大更新。
如果您想将当前的操作系统更新到最前沿，最新版本的Windows 11就是您想要的。
了解Windows 11 版本(Version)号
Microsoft发布两种类型的更新：
- 功能更新是Windows获得重要新功能和添加的重要年度版本。
- 质量更新是包括错误修复和安全更新的增量更新。
标记为“累积”的更新包含之前的所有更新。所以你不需要先安装之前的每一个。
主要功能版本号由两部分组成，第一部分代表发布年份，第二部分描述发布是在当年的上半年还是下半年。因此，例如，版本 20H2 将在 2020 年下半年发布。
质量更新标有整个年份和月份。因此 2022-01 质量更新将在2022 年 1 月(January 2022)发布。同一个月可能会发生多个质量更新。每个更新都有一个唯一的知识库(Knowledgebase)(KB) 编号。例如，2022-01 Windows 11版本称为KB5010690。
内置防病毒程序包Microsoft Defender接收称为安全智能更新的单独更新(Security Intelligence Updates)。同样(Likewise)，Microsoft Edge Web浏览器和Microsoft Office也有自己独立的更新路径。
Windows的最新版本(Latest Version)是Windows 11(Windows Is Windows 11)，版本 21H2(Version 21H2)
在撰写本文时，Windows 11的最新当前版本是 21H2。最新的累积质量更新是 2022-05 KB 5013943。
新的用户界面 (UI)(A New User Interface (UI))
Windows 11 具有完全改进的 UI。这个新版本的Windows界面重新构想了以前版本的Windows（例如Windows 7和 10）中的“(Windows 7)开始”菜单设置。在(Start Menu)Windows 8和 8.1 中看到的“Metro”磁贴系统已经完全消失，甚至是Windows 10中存在的痕迹. 现在，任务栏(Taskbar)的居中位置让人想起Apple macOS 和 iPad 版 iOS。但是，如果您愿意，它可以左对齐。搜索栏(Search Bar)现在也位于菜单的最顶部。
微软的语音助手Cortana明显从Windows 11中消失，因为该公司将其Siri 竞争对手(Siri-competitor)倒闭。虽然Siri被证明在 iPhone 和 iPad 上很受欢迎，但Windows用户对语音助手功能的热情并不高。
新的操作中心(Action Center)巧妙地统一了Wi-Fi、蓝牙(Bluetooth)和其他常用功能的通知和控件。微软(Microsoft)也在慢慢弃用控制面板(deprecating the Control Panel)，转而支持更精简的设置(Settings)应用程序。
适用于 Android 的 Windows 子系统(The Windows Subsystem for Android)
Windows 11提供了在Windows中从亚马逊(Amazon)商店安装和运行Android应用程序的能力，而无需智能手机。从技术上讲，这在Windows 11(Windows 11)的公开版本中还不是一个有效的功能，但它可以作为一个 beta 功能访问。我们已经测试了这个早期的实现，虽然它或多或少是有效的，但它仍然是未完善的。
适用于 Linux 的 Windows 子系统(The Windows Subsystem for Linux)
与上面的Android解决方案一样，此功能可让您在Windows 11上运行(Windows 11)Linux软件。与Android功能不同，这已经是主要版本的一部分；您必须在Windows功能下激活并安装此组件。
新的 Windows 系统安全标准(New Windows System Security Standards)
Windows 11转储了大量可能导致安全漏洞的遗留代码。此外，运行Windows 11需要更高级别的硬件安全性。具体来说，它需要一个TPM（可信平台模块(Trusted Platform Module)），否则您无法安装它。
此TPM要求破坏了与旧CPU(CPUs)的兼容性，并且只能安装在第 8 代Intel或Ryzen 3000 系列AMD CPU上。
改进的游戏性能和 Xbox 集成(Improved Gaming Performance and Xbox Integration)
微软(Microsoft)已将Xbox应用和Xbox Game Pass服务完全集成到Windows 11中。最重要的是，Windows 11承诺为视频游戏提供最好的支持。它是运行第 12 代Intel CPU(Intel CPUs)的最佳 Windows 操作系统，并且对基于 GPU 的存储加速等技术具有最佳支持。
Windows 11有(Comes)不同(Different)的版本
Windows 11 有多个版本：
- 家。
- 临。
- 教育。
- 企业。
- 专业教育。
- 工作站专业版。
- 混合现实。
- 视窗服务器
大多数Windows(Windows)用户只对Home和Pro版本感兴趣。请务必了解，您只能将您的Windows版本更新或升级到同一版本的另一个版本。因此，例如，Windows 10企业版(Enterprise)用户只能升级到Windows 11企业版(Enterprise)。要更改您拥有的Windows版本，您必须购买该版本的Windows许可证。
了解发布渠道
当我们提到最新版本的Windows 11时，我们明确指的是主要版本“渠道”。这是接收已为每个Windows用户广泛测试和清除的更新的更新通道。
Windows Insider频道让任何用户都可以访问未来版本的Windows以及(Windows)这些版本附带的功能。Insider可以提供对这些新功能的洞察和反馈，帮助微软(Microsoft)在发布前完善它们。我们不建议在您的关键任务主计算机上使用Insider频道，因为总是存在不稳定和数据丢失的可能性。
Dev（开发人员(Developer)）频道提供Windows 11更新，而不受任何未来Windows更新的约束。该频道面向参与开发Windows(Windows)软件的高技术用户。
一旦切换到这些渠道之一，您就不再与主要的Windows版本处于同一轨道，因此此处讨论的版本号不适用。
如何检查您拥有的Windows版本(Version)
检查您的 Windows 版本很简单。只需(Just)选择开始按钮(Start button)>设置应用程序(Settings App) >系统(System)>关于(About)。
然后在“版本”旁边的Windows 规范下查看。(Windows Specifications)在此处的示例中，您可以看到这是版本 21H2。许多用户和出版物预计 Windows 11 的第一次重大更新将在 2022 年上半年发生，但截至撰写本文时，还没有看到 22H1 版本。相反，下一个预期版本是 22H2，代号为Sun Valley。
如何更新到最新版本(Latest Version)的Windows
无论您是使用Windows 10还是已经是Windows 11用户，启动更新所需要做的就是前往Start Menu Button > Settings App > Windows Update。
您将看到待处理的更新或您是最新的。选择是立即安装更新还是通过选择检查(Check)更新手动检查更新(Updates)。Windows将处理其余部分。
如果您是希望更新到Windows 11的(Windows 11)Windows 10用户，但未显示更新，请转到Windows 11 下载页面(Windows 11 download page)并选择最佳安装方法。我们建议先尝试Windows 11安装助手(Installation Assistant)，但如果您想更新另一台计算机，可以使用媒体创建(Media Creation)工具或将下载的ISO文件刻录到光盘。如果您有Windows 10许可证密钥，则可以使用它来激活Windows 11。
在哪里可以买到 Windows 11？
如上所述，如果您是Windows 10用户，只要您的计算机满足最低规格，您就可以免费升级到Windows 11 。但是，例如，如果您使用组件构建了一台计算机并且需要Windows 11许可证，则您必须支付许可证费用。
您可以直接从Microsoft Store购买(Microsoft Store)Windows 11，在那里您将收到与您的Microsoft 帐户(Microsoft Account)相关联的数字授权。您还可以从第三方卖家处购买Windows 11，可以是包含磁盘或预装闪存驱动器的物理副本，也可以仅作为许可证密钥。在上一节中，任何人都可以在没有密钥的情况下下载和安装Windows 11 。稍后(Later)，您可以通过关联您的Microsoft 帐户(Microsoft Account)或输入您购买的密钥来激活您的副本。
可以从转售批量许可证密钥的第三方卖家处获得高折扣的密钥，但请注意这可能存在风险并且可能违反许可条款。
您应该获得最新版本(Latest Version)的Windows吗？
在撰写本文时，微软(Microsoft)宣布他们认为 Windows 11 在发布近一年后就可以普遍使用。这意味着任何等待稳定性足够好的商业或关键任务计算机的人现在都可以考虑升级。
但是，除了安全性和稳定性更新之外，在更新可用的那一刻升级到较新版本的Windows通常不是一个好主意。(Windows)最好等待，以便早期采用者发现并修复任何新的错误或问题，然后再危及您的计算机。
What Is the Latest Version of Windows?
Microsoft Windows 11’s release date to the public was October 5th, 2021. This latest version is known аs “21H2”, but there have been several minor updates to Microsoft’s latest operating system, wіth significant updates planned for the future.
If you want to update your current operating system to the cutting-edge, the latest version of Windows 11 is what you want.
Understanding Windows 11 Version Numbers
Microsoft releases two types of updates:
- Feature updates are the big annual releases where Windows gets significant new features and additions.
- Quality updates are incremental updates that include bug fixes and security updates.
Updates marked as “cumulative” contain all the updates that came before them. So you don’t need to install each one that came before first.
Major feature version numbers consist of two parts, the first part represents the year of release, and the second part describes whether the release happened in the first or second half of that year. So, for example, version 20H2 would have been released in 2020’s second half.
Quality updates are labeled with the entire year and month. So the 2022-01 quality update would have been released in January 2022. Multiple quality updates can happen in the same month. Each update has a unique Knowledgebase (KB) number. For example, the 2022-01 Windows 11 release is known as KB5010690.
The built-in antivirus package, Microsoft Defender, receives separate updates known as Security Intelligence Updates. Likewise, the Microsoft Edge web browser and Microsoft Office have their own separate update paths.
The Latest Version of Windows Is Windows 11, Version 21H2
At the time of writing, the latest current version of Windows 11 is 21H2. The latest cumulative Quality update is 2022-05 KB 5013943.
A New User Interface (UI)
Windows 11 has a completely revamped UI. This new version of the Windows interface reimagines the Start Menu setup found in previous versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 and 10. The “Metro” tile system seen in Windows 8 and 8.1 is completely gone, even the vestiges that existed within Windows 10. The Taskbar is now centered in a way reminiscent of Apple macOS and iOS for iPad. However, it can be aligned left if you wish. The Search Bar is now also at the very top of the menu.
Microsoft’s voice assistant Cortana is notably missing from Windows 11 as the company winds its Siri-competitor down. While Siri proved popular on iPhone and iPad, Windows users haven’t been quite as keen on voice assistant functionality.
The new Action Center neatly unifies notifications and controls for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other common functions. Microsoft is also slowly deprecating the Control Panel in favor of the more streamlined Settings app.
The Windows Subsystem for Android
Windows 11 offers the ability to install and run Android apps from the Amazon store in Windows without needing a smartphone. Technically this isn’t yet a working feature in the public release of Windows 11, but it is accessible as a beta feature. We’ve tested this early implementation, and although it more or less works, it is still unpolished.
The Windows Subsystem for Linux
Like the Android solution above, this feature lets you run Linux software on Windows 11. Unlike the Android feature, this is already a part of the main release; you will have to activate and install this component under Windows features.
New Windows System Security Standards
Windows 11 dumps a lot of legacy code which could cause security vulnerabilities. In addition, running Windows 11 requires higher levels of hardware security. Specifically, it requires a TPM (Trusted Platform Module), or you can’t install it.
This TPM requirement breaks compatibility with older CPUs and can only be installed on an 8th-generation Intel or Ryzen 3000-series AMD CPU.
Improved Gaming Performance and Xbox Integration
Microsoft has fully integrated the Xbox app and the Xbox Game Pass service into Windows 11. On top of this, Windows 11 promises to have the best support for video games. It’s the best Windows OS for running 12th-generation Intel CPUs and has the best support for technologies such as GPU-based storage acceleration.
Windows 11 Comes in Different Editions
Windows 11 comes in several editions:
- Home.
- Pro.
- Education.
- Enterprise.
- Pro Education.
- Pro for Workstations.
- Mixed Reality.
- Windows Server
Only the Home and Pro versions are of interest to most Windows users. It’s important to understand that you can only update or upgrade your version of Windows to another version of the same edition. So, for example, Windows 10 Enterprise users can only move up to Windows 11 Enterprise. To change the edition of Windows you have, you must purchase a Windows license for that edition.
Understanding Release Channels
When we refer to the latest version of Windows 11, we are explicitly referring to the main release “channel.” This is the update channel that receives updates that have been extensively tested and cleared for every Windows user.
The Windows Insider channel offers any users access to future versions of Windows and the features that come with those versions. Insiders can provide insight and feedback on these new features, helping Microsoft perfect them before release. We don’t recommend using the Insider channel on your mission-critical main computer since there’s always the chance of instability and data loss.
The Dev (Developer) channel offers Windows 11 updates without being tied to any future Windows update. This channel is meant for highly-technical users involved in developing Windows software.
Once you switch over to one of these channels, you are no longer on the same track as the main Windows build, and so the version numbers discussed here don’t apply.
How to Check What Version of Windows You Have
Checking your Windows version is simple. Just select the Start button > Settings App > System > About.
Then check under Windows Specifications next to “version.” In the example here, you can see this is version 21H2. Many users and publications expected the first major update to Windows 11 to happen in the first half of 2022, but as of the time of writing, version 22H1 is nowhere to be seen. Instead, the next expected version is 22H2, with the code name Sun Valley.
How to Update to the Latest Version of Windows
Whether you’re on Windows 10 or are already a Windows 11 user, all you have to do to initiate an update is head to Start Menu Button > Settings App > Windows Update.
You’ll either see pending updates or that you are up to date. Choose whether to install updates immediately or manually check for updates by selecting Check for Updates. Windows will handle the rest.
If you’re a Windows 10 user who wishes to update to Windows 11 and the update isn’t showing for you, go to the Windows 11 download page and choose the best installation method. We suggest trying the Windows 11 Installation Assistant first, but if you want to update a different computer, you can use the Media Creation tool or burn a downloaded ISO file to a disc. If you have a Windows 10 license key, you can use it to activate Windows 11.
Where Can You Buy Windows 11?
As mentioned above, if you’re a Windows 10 user, you can get a free upgrade to Windows 11 as long as your computer meets the minimum specifications. However, if, for example, you’ve built a computer from components and you need a Windows 11 license for it, you’ll have to pay for a license.
You can buy Windows 11 directly from the Microsoft Store, where you’ll receive a digital entitlement linked to your Microsoft Account. You can also buy Windows 11 from third-party sellers, either as a physical copy that includes disks or a pre-loaded flash drive or as just a license key. In the previous section, anyone can download and install Windows 11 without a key. Later, you can activate your copy by linking your Microsoft Account or entering the key you bought.
It’s possible to get highly-discounted keys from third-party sellers who resell volume license keys but be aware that this could be risky and possibly violate the license terms.
Should You Get The Latest Version of Windows?
At the time of writing, Microsoft has announced that they consider Windows 11 ready for general use nearly a year after its release. That means anyone waiting for stability good enough for business or mission-critical computers can now consider upgrading.
However, except for security and stability updates, it’s generally not a good idea to upgrade to a newer version of Windows the minute the update becomes available. It’s better to wait so that any new bugs or issues are discovered by early adopters and fixed before risking your computer.
