Windows 11

On Windows 11, I worked as a Program Manager II.

What is Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the latest version Microsoft’s Windows operating system (OS) that was originally released in 2021 as a successor to the Windows 10 operating system. Windows 11 is particularly notable for the significant improvements made to the Windows OS “shell”, otherwise known as the actual visual graphical user interface (GUI) the physical user interacts with.

Key Features of Windows 11 include:

  • Redesigned Windows Start Menu

  • Introduction of Windows Taskbar’s ‘Widgets’ Panel

  • New Microsoft Edge Browsing Experience

  • Full Microsoft Teams Integration

  • New tiled Windows Screen Templates to help Organize On-Screen Apps

  • New Gaming Capabilities: Auto HDR & Direct Storage

My work as Program Manager II on Windows 11

  • Directly responsible for representing Microsoft Mixed Reality organization within wider “Big Windows“ launch team, with a specific focus on ensuring full delivery of Windows Mixed Reality and HoloLens 2 business interests.

  • Partnered directly with Windows Dev Director and C-Suite business leaders as the primary representative of Microsoft Mixed Reality organization’s role in monitoring the “Big Windows“ in-market quality bar

  • Primary driver of Windows-based privacy and security control points targeting at the Microsoft Mixed Reality in-market device portfolio and associated userbase, primarily focused on the establishment of principles and processes for how company and user data is collected, handled, stored, and eliminated.

  • Primary advocate and driver of cross-company “A11yship” working initiatives targeting Microsoft Mixed Reality’s in-market device portfolio, focused on enabling robust accessibility options for users with limited usage and mobility.

  • Contribute to development and oversaw the roll-out of heavily requested user options and experience changes to the core Windows Mixed Reality experience shipped within Windows 11, including the introduction of a new virtual home environment called the ‘Infinite Expanse‘, as well as various Windows Settings updates enabling improved usability options for supported 3rd-party headsets.

Challenges as Program Manager II on Windows 11

As a Program Manager within Microsoft’s Mixed Reality organization, I directly represented the interests of my organization across various “Big Windows“ endpoints, including Windows launch, quality control, accessibility, security, and privacy groups. The biggest challenge I faced during my time in this role was the constant need to update my own general knowledge and understanding of what was happening across Microsoft’s organizational matrix. This effort involved a routine and consistent need to align with and learn from different groups around Microsoft in order to get a clear understanding of what other teams were doing, what major company initiatives where on their way that had any impacts on Mixed Reality investments, and where opportunities presented themselves for inter-organizational collaboration. Conversely, I was dually responsible for informing those same external parties and partners about in-progress working efforts coming out Microsoft’s Mixed Reality division, so as to ensure their own teams were aptly ready to inherit our division’s changes and updates as they became available.

Where to get Windows 11

Windows 11 was originally released in October 2021 (current availability may vary).

Windows 11 - Links & Media