Windows 11 will be released on October 5th, according to Microsoft. The long-awaited Windows 10 upgrade will be offered as a free update for certain existing computers, while some items designed specifically for the new OS are on the way.
While many users will have immediate access to Windows 11 on October 5th, Microsoft will release the upgrade in stages. You may have to wait weeks – or months – for the update to be sent to your laptop, depending on your device. In general, the OS will be brought out first to the most recent items before being rolled out to anything older and less mainstream.
“Following the fantastic lessons learned from Windows 10, we want to make sure we’re giving you the best possible experience,” said Aaron Woodman, Microsoft’s general manager of Windows marketing. “By mid-2022, we expect all eligible devices to receive a free update to Windows 11.”
PC Requirements for Windows 11
Before the introduction of Windows 11 later this year, Microsoft has provided specific hardware requirements. If you don’t fulfill the requirements, don’t worry: Windows 10 will be supported until October 14th, 2025.
CPU with two or more cores running at 1GHz
Compatible with 64-bit systems
RAM: 4 GB
Storage capacity of 64 GB
DirectX 12 GPU compatibility
Secure Boot capable system firmware (UEFI)
Version 2.0 of TPM
Display resolution of 720p or higher
Connection to the internet
You’ll also want to make sure you’re running Windows 10, version 20H1 or later for the “optimal Windows 11 upgrading experience,” according to the development team.
If all of the above specifications appear to be nonsense, be assured that Windows 11 should be compatible with most PCs that are less than four years old. In the near future, Microsoft plans to release a PC Health Check software that will assess your system and tell you if you’re qualified for Windows 11.
How to Get a Free Upgrade to Windows 11
The process of upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will be similar to prior system updates. To make the procedure as pleasant as possible, it will use the Windows Update software that comes preinstalled on all Microsoft PCs. Here’s how to get a free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11:
- Make sure you have the most recent version of Windows 10.
- Check to see whether your PC meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements.
- Ascertain that your computer is linked to the internet.
- The Windows Update program will notify you when the Windows 11 update is available for your machine.
- If you don’t get a notice, open Windows Update and click “Check for updates” to look for the latest OS.
- Wait for the download to finish before you start using Windows 11!
Remember that Windows 11 will be released in stages, with Microsoft aiming to have it installed on all eligible PCs by the middle of 2022. If you haven’t received a message by then, check that your machine satisfies the OS’s minimal requirements; otherwise, you’ll have to manually install it.
What’s Different About Windows 11?
Windows 11 isn’t just a minor upgrade to Windows 10; it’s a complete overhaul. Here’s why you should be thrilled about the free upgrade, which includes a new UI and Android app integration.
The Start Menu has been moved from the bottom left corner to the center of the screen, in addition to a basic refresh (which includes brighter colors and smoother lines). You may return it to its previous place, but Microsoft believes the new location is more accessible and in the heart of the activity.
Android Apps: A number of Android apps, including Twitter, Disney+, and others, will be available on Windows 11. These are available straight on the Microsoft Store, and it’s a feature that Windows customers have been requesting for years.
Teams Update: Teams not only join the Windows 11 taskbar but also get a major UI overhaul. Because so many individuals work from home, the updated software may be the most exciting aspect of the upgrade.
Built for Gaming: With Windows 11, Microsoft hopes to enhance your gaming experience by including features like as DirectStorage, Auto HDR, and built-in support for the Xbox app.
There’s lots more to get excited about in Windows 11, and a complete list of improvements can be found on the company’s official website. Given that this is a free upgrade, the 5th of October should be a memorable day for Windows customers.
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