This article, edited by the MiniTool team, reveals some discoveries made by certain Windows users regarding the new Windows 11 and explains why Microsoft allows such changes to occur. By reading this, you will gain insight into the future direction of the Windows system and potentially the entire IT industry.

Update: The official Windows 11 was released on October 5, 2021.

Using the Windows 11 Insider Preview builds, numerous users have noticed that it serves as a bridge to Microsoft's cloud service, Azure. Windows 11 appears to be designed to attract more developers to Azure.

In recent years, Windows OS is no longer Microsoft's primary source of income, as its cloud computing business has surpassed Windows. Consequently, we might anticipate a free version of the Windows system in the future.

It is reported that Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, has dedicated the past seven years to expanding Azure. In fact, since Windows has evolved into an extension of its cloud computing service, Nadella jokingly suggested in January 2020 that he might start referring to Microsoft's operating system as "Azure Edge."

Following last year's surge in PC sales, the release of Windows 11 coincides with a period of chip shortages, making it challenging for people to acquire new devices. Fortunately, Microsoft addressed this issue by introducing a new Windows 365 PC-as-a-service, allowing users to stream a Windows desktop to any of their devices, regardless of location.

As Microsoft's cloud revenues grow, Windows is now part of Microsoft's broader personal computing revenue segment, which also includes Surface hardware, Bing search advertising, and Xbox.

Previously, Microsoft required users to pay to upgrade to the latest version of Windows. However, following the launch of Windows 10 in 2015, this policy shifted. Similar to Apple, Microsoft allows users to upgrade for free. This approach will also apply to Windows 11, making a fully free Windows system a possibility in the future.

Although Microsoft does not charge users for system upgrades, Windows remains highly valuable to the company due to the large user base, which encourages developers to create programs for Windows. Additionally, thanks to the extensive installed base of Windows and Microsoft 365, Azure has been able to close the gap with AWS in the cloud computing sector.

Within Windows 11, Microsoft aims to further cater to developers through improved window management via Snap Layouts, enabling power users to quickly arrange multiple applications on their monitors. Simultaneously, Microsoft is modifying its Windows app store to provide developers with a larger share of the revenue generated by their apps.

Ultimately, the rollout of Windows 11 will not only encourage existing users to continue using Microsoft's OS but also assist Azure in acquiring numerous customers to store their items in the online cloud. Evidence of this can be seen in Microsoft's replacement of the former File History and Backup and Restore options in Windows Settings with a direct link to OneDrive.

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