Windows 11 release date is October 5 — here's how free upgrades will work

Windows 11 release engagement is October 5 — here's how free upgrades will work

(Epitome credit: Microsoft)

Windows 11 volition become officially available on October 5 this year, marking the outset of the transition to a new version of Microsoft's operating system and the slow decline of Windows 10.

On that date, gratuitous upgrades to Windows 11 volition start rolling out to Windows 10 computers that have the specs and features needed to run Windows xi. Sadly, that means some perfectly decent PCs may be left behind.

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That may be a disappointment for some, equally while Windows 11 looks like it's borrowed a bit from Apple'due south macOS aesthetic, it promises to have a slew of upgrades.

Windows 11 complimentary upgrades: What you need to know

According to Microsoft, the complimentary upgrade to Windows 11 volition exist a "phased and measured process." Translation: new eligible devices volition be offered the upgrade first, and so Windows eleven will whorl out over fourth dimension to other in-market place devices. This will exist based on hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, historic period of device and other factors.

In other words, yous may need to be patient, as Microsoft says that information technology expects all eligible devices to exist offered the free Windows 11 upgrade past mid-2022. The Windows Update app on your PC will let yous know if your system is eligible for the upgrade. You can besides go to Settings > Windows Update > Check updates to come across if your device is set up for the new OS.

What's new in Windows eleven

The new Windows 11 design is meant to convey a "sense of calm and ease," though we simply meet that equally making the whole Windows experience a niggling easier to use and simplify the procedure of finding specific settings.

For people who work inside the Microsoft 365 and Part 365 cloud-powered software suites, Windows 11 will put that front and centre, which should make the whole process of starting work on one PC and moving to another a picayune easier. Microsoft Teams has likewise been integrated into the taskbar.

There are other design changes, similar Snap Layouts to make for better multitasking without crowding screen infinite. And the new Widgets feature serves up a personalized news feed powered by AI smarts.

Gamers are also ready to do good, equally Windows xi comes with DirectX12 Ultimate, DirectStorage (for faster load times), and Machine HDR, a feature nosotros've seen used to skilful effect with the Xbox Series Ten to upwards-mix older games into HDR.

There'due south also a new Microsoft Store, which should make it a lot easier to use then the somewhat clunky shop built into Windows 10. And Android apps are coming to Windows 11 as well.

Yous can try all of the above and more at present if y'all're willing to give the Windows 11 beta a become; here'due south how to download Windows 11. In the concurrently, we'll patiently wait to see if Windows 11 does evangelize a serious upgrade over Windows 10 when information technology's fully released. Await a whole slew of new laptops to come with Windows 11 out of the box this fall and early on 2022.

Windows 11-ready PCs

Dell XPS 13 OLED review — (Image credit: Hereafter)

Since newer PCs will be first to go the Windows eleven upgrade, it's no surprise that Microsoft wants you lot to purchase a new organisation. Every bit part of its weblog post, the company highlights several of the all-time laptops you tin can buy now that should be ready for Windows 11 on twenty-four hour period one.

Acer Swift 5
Acer Swift X
Asus Zenbook Flip 13 OLED
Asus Zenbook 14 UX425
Alienware x15
Alienware x17
Dell XPS 13
HP Spectre x360 14
HP Envy x360 xv
Lenovo Yoga seven 2-in-1 convertible
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Pro
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360

More: Windows 11-set up laptops: Here's our full list, from Acer to Samsung

Roland Moore-Colyer is U.K. Editor at Tom'southward Guide with a focus on news, features and opinion articles. He often writes near gaming, phones, laptops and other bits of hardware; he's as well got an interest in cars. When not at his desk Roland can exist plant wandering around London, often with a look of curiosity on his face.