The next version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system, currently dubbed Windows 11, has appeared in several leaks just a few weeks before the company’s event. Meanwhile, Microsoft has also discreetly confirmed that Windows 10 will be retired in 2025.
Windows 11 leak previews UI changes
Tech fans might already have the first look at the upcoming “Windows 11 Pro” after it leaked on Baidu. The UI looks familiar, although there are several design changes presented in the leak.
One of the easily noticeable changes is the position of the taskbar icons. In earlier versions of the operating system, including Windows 10, the icons’ default alignment starts from the left side of the screen with the Start Button fixed in the left corner. The new placement suggests the Start Button would move as the user places more icons on the taskbar. But Microsoft will reportedly include an option to go back to the staple left alignment of the taskbar icons and controls.
here's a first look at Windows 11. There's a new Start menu, rounded corners, a new startup sound, and more https://t.co/VDS08QPsl5 pic.twitter.com/OkCyX3TtmI
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 15, 2021
The Verge offers more previews of the Windows 11 Pro, including a simpler Start menu. Instead of listing all apps in alphabetical order, only the “pinned” apps appear while a separate page likely opens upon clicking the “All apps” button on the top-right corner. Below the stacks of pinned apps, the new Start menu also has a “Recommended” section that might include recently opened apps and files.
The Start Menu and dialog boxes also have rounded corners in the early version of Windows 11. The same report mentioned that this design tweak is also present for apps and File Explorer.
this is the new Windows 11 startup sound pic.twitter.com/UQZNFBtAxa
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 15, 2021
Microsoft also appears to be simplifying how the Snap Feature as split-screen layouts can be accessed from the maximize/minimize button. The Verge’s Tom Warren also shared the new startup sound for Windows 11 devices.
Windows 10 retirement is set for October 2025
It now appears that Internet Explorer is not the only Microsoft service retiring in the coming years. A support page for the Windows 10 Home and Pro has been updated to confirm that these versions of the operating system be retired on Oct. 14, 2025.
Note that Microsoft is hosting a major event on Thursday, June 24, at 11 a.m. ET. With these many leaks about Windows 11, that might be the venue for the official unveiling of the operating system’s next version.
Photo by Bubble Pop on Unsplash


NiSource Signs Long-Term Energy Deals with Alphabet and Amazon to Power Indiana Data Centers
Lumentum Holdings Rides AI Wave With Order Book Filled Through 2028
TSMC Posts Strong Q1 2025 Revenue, Riding AI Chip Demand Wave
Anthropic Discusses Frontier AI Model Mythos With Trump Administration Despite Pentagon Ban
Alibaba Shares Slide as Jefferies Slashes Price Target Over AI Spending and Business Losses
Japan to Subsidize Sony's Image Sensor Plant in Kumamoto with $380 Million
DEEPX Partners with Hyundai to Power Next-Gen AI Robots Ahead of IPO
OpenAI Addresses Security Vulnerability in macOS App Certification Process
Tesla's Terafab: AI Chip Factory Eyes Taiwan's Semiconductor Talent
Elon Musk's Terafab Foundry Courts Top Chipmaking Giants for AI Self-Sufficiency Push
Google promotes ‘teacher approved’ apps for kids. Here’s what parents should know
SanDisk Joins Nasdaq-100, Replacing Atlassian on April 20
San Francisco Suspect Arrested After Molotov Cocktail Attack on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's Home
Anthropic Nears $800 Billion Valuation as Investor Confidence Surges
Amazon in Advanced Talks to Acquire Globalstar in Starlink Rivalry Move
Sam Altman Moves to Dismiss Punitive Damages in Sister's Sexual Abuse Lawsuit 



