Microsoft Gives Windows New Design, Builds in Conferencing Tool

Microsoft Corp. debuted a significant overhaul of its Windows operating system — one of the biggest changes to its mainstay personal-computer software in a decade — with a design that uses rounded corners and softer visuals on its digital panels and builds in spaces for content creators and some of Microsoft’s own popular apps.

With technology giants facing increased regulatory scrutiny, Microsoft said at an event on Thursday it will focus on making Windows 11 a more open platform. A new start menu appears at the center of the screen and helps connect users to their applications more quickly. The design will have new “web widgets” areas, where content creators can highlight their products. One of the widgets will be a news feed that highlights stories and content and where users can give paid tips to the people who created them. The software features new layouts to “snap” multiple apps into place on a single screen.