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Is Windows 11 now available?
As Microsoft confirmed a month earlier, Windows 11 was officially released on 5 October 2021.
Is Windows 11 available for free?
How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? It's free. But only Windows 10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows 10 in Settings/Windows Update.
Is going to Windows 11 good?
But if you're still hesitant, there's really no reason why you should upgrade to Windows 11 right away. As long as you're on Windows 10, you'll have access to many of Windows 11's key features (like Auto HDR and virtual desktops) as well as critical updates and security patches through 2025.
Is Windows 11 better for gaming?
Microsoft is touting Windows 11 as the best Windows version for PC gamers. It boasts a bunch of gaming features like DirectX 12 Ultimate, Auto HDR, and Direct Storage. Not many games can actually use the new functionality yet, but we will probably see them coming into play in the coming few years.
Is Windows 10 or 11 better?
There's no question about it, Windows 11 will be a better operating system than Windows 10 when it comes to gaming. The former will be borrowing some Xbox Series X features to improve the visual quality of games, such as Auto HDR which automatically adds HDR enhancements to games built on DirectX 11 or higher.
How will Windows 11 look like?
Windows 11 features a streamlined new design, with pastel-like colors and rounded corners, and overall a more Mac-like look. The Windows Start menu has moved from the bottom left of the screen to the middle, with app icons arranged in the center next to it.
Do old games run on Windows 11?
But most old games, unfortunately, just don't make the cut. 16-bit software: Modern, sophisticated 64-bit operating systems have no support or backward compatibility for 16-bit games. So, if you're looking to run games for a couple of decades back on Windows 11 straight up, you're out of luck.
How long will the Windows 11 upgrade be free?
So, we can safely say that Windows 11 free upgrade will be available at least for a year. Even Microsoft has confirmed that the free upgrade offer end date will be no sooner than one year from general availability. It clearly indicates that the free upgrade will be available at least till October 4, 2022.
How do I download and install Windows 11 for free?
Just go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for Updates. You'll see Feature update to Windows 11. Click Download and install. You can also use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
Is Windows 11 free for Windows 7?
You can upgrade to Windows 11 for free from Windows 7, but it'll be a bit of a pain. Microsoft is ramping up the different ways for users to update their old machines to Windows 11, even before we've seen an official release date.
Where can I get Windows 11?
When you're ready, you can find it on the Windows 11 software download page. On the Windows 11 software download page, select Create tool now and follow the instructions to install Windows 11.
What is Windows 11 Media Creation Tool?
Windows 11 Media Creation Tool creates installation media only for x64 processors. For ARM-based PCs, you should wait until you are notified through Windows Update that the upgrade is ready for your PC.
How much space does Windows 11 need?
Your PC must have 9 GB of free disk space to download Windows 11.
How to see what language you are using on Windows 11?
Matches your current language:You'll need to choose the same language when you install Windows 11. To see what language you're currently using, go to Time & languagein PC settings or Regionin Control Panel.
Does Windows 11 support hardware?
Your PC meets the Windows 11 device specificationsfor upgrade requirements and supported features. Certain features require additional hardware. We also recommend that you visit your PC’s manufacturer’s website for information about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.
Can Windows 11 install on ARM?
Note: Windows 11 Installation Assistant doesn’t run on ARM-based PCs. It’s only supported for PCs using x64 processors. If you need installation media to install Windows 11 on a different PC, see Create Windows 11 Installation Media.
How to check if Windows 11 is ready?
To check if Windows 11 is ready for your device, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
What tool to use to apply Windows 11 image to disk?
Use DISM or 3rd party tools to directly apply an existing Windows 11 image to the disk.
What is boot from media?
Boot from media to launch Setup. This path is a clean install and will not retain previous files or settings. For more info, see Give your PC a Fresh Start.
What is Windows 11?
Windows 11 is a new Windows experience, bringing you closer to what you love. With intuitive navigation and easy organization, Windows 11 has a whole new look, more apps, and efficient ways to be creative and productive.
How to check if Windows 11 is ready?
To check if Windows 11 is ready for your device, go to Settings> Windows Update and select Check for updates. If the upgrade is available for your device and you want to proceed, download and install it.
What to do if your PC doesn't run Windows 11?
If your PC doesn't meet the minimum requirements to run Windows 11, consider moving to a new Windows 11 device . Find a PC that meets your needs.
Is Windows 10 available in Windows 11?
Note: Some Windows 10 features aren't available in Windows 11. System requirements to experience some Windows 11 features and apps will exceed the Windows 11 minimum system requirements. Find Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements
What is Windows 11?
Windows 11, the first major Windows release since 2015, builds upon its predecessor by revamping the user interface to follow Microsoft's new Fluent Design guidelines. The redesign, which focuses on ease of use and flexibility, comes alongside new productivity and social features and updates to security and accessibility, addressing some of the deficiencies of Windows 10.
When will Windows 11 be released?
Windows 11 is an upcoming major version of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft. Announced on June 24, 2021, with an expected release in late 2021, Windows 11 is the successor to Windows 10, released in 2015.
What percentage of Windows 10 PCs can't upgrade to Windows 11?
The increased system requirements (compared to those of Windows 10) initially published by Microsoft could see as many as 60 percent of existing Windows 10 PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11.
What is the Microsoft Store?
The Microsoft Store, which serves as a unified storefront for apps and other content, is also redesigned in Windows 11. Microsoft now allows developers to distribute Win32, progressive web applications, and other packaging technologies in the Microsoft Store, alongside the standard Universal Windows Platform apps.
Why are there system requirements for new PCs?
It has been theorized that these system requirements were a measure intended to encourage the purchase of new PCs, especially amid a downturn in PC sales and increased prices due to the global chip shortage . While Microsoft has not specifically acknowledged this when discussing the cutoff, it was also acknowledged that the sixth and seventh generation of Intel Core processors were prominently afflicted by CPU-level security vulnerabilities such as Meltdown and Spectre, and that newer CPUs manufactured since then had increased mitigations against the flaws. Research Vice President of Gartner Stephen Kleynhans felt that Microsoft was "looking at the entire stack from the hardware up through the applications and the user experience and trying to make the entire stack work better and more securely.
Where is the taskbar on Windows 11?
The taskbar is permanently pinned to the bottom edge of the screen and cannot be moved to the top, left, or right edges of the screen in Windows 11 (although the centered icons could be toggled to align to the left).
When will Windows 11 be available for Android?
On October 21, 2021, Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) became available to Beta channel builds of Windows 11 for users in the United States, which allows users to install and run Android apps. Users can install Android apps through any source using the Android application package (APK) file format. An Amazon Appstore client for Microsoft Store will also be available.
What is new in Windows 11?
New for Windows 11 will be the ability to set a different background for each virtual desktop. This makes a lot of sense: I use one desktop for work stuff and another for personal, and I suspect I’m not alone. The snap layouts mentioned above can be used on each desktop.
When will Windows 11 be released?
PT, but you should first determine whether your PC can run Windows 11. The rollout will last into mid-2022, according to Microsoft, as the myriad PC hardware and software configurations are validated for compatibility. Microsoft is also launching a slate of new Surface devices that leverage a lot of the new options in the software. Keep an eye on PCMag's Windows 11 page for all the relevant tips and news. Now let's get started with our look at the biggest new changes and features.
What is the persistent left menu in Windows 10?
The redesigned Settings app now features a persistent left menu. This saves you from having to back out of nested settings to quickly get to another group. Otherwise, you get pretty much everything found in Windows 10's Settings interface.
How many Windows 10 installations are there?
Windows 10 has enjoyed success, with over 1.3 billion active installations—300 million of those being added from 2020 to 2021. During its six-year run, from 2015 to the present, the OS has remained fairly stable, aside from the occasional new useful tool like a great new screenshot utility, clipboard history, and Your Phone mobile integration.
Is Windows 11 the most secure OS?
More efficient energy use will mean longer battery life. Windows head Panos Panay also said that Windows 11 would be the most secure version yet. One sign of this is that the new OS will require PCs to have a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM) security chip and Secure Boot capability.
Is Windows 11 sound soothing?
The soundscape of Windows starting up, warning, notifications, and more become gentler, more soothing, and shorter in Windows 11. In using the OS for a few weeks, I've found that the new sounds indeed make for more enjoyable computing sessions.
Can you run Xbox Game Pass on Windows 11?
You’ll be able to run Xbox Game Pass games and Xbox Cloud Gaming will be supported in the Xbox app on Windows 11. But in terms of performance and visual quality, the update will also add DirectStorage and Auto HDR. The former speeds up games loading from storage to the graphics card.
What is the minimum hardware required to install Windows 11?
To install or upgrade to Windows 11, devices must meet the following minimum hardware requirements: Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC). RAM: 4 gigabytes (GB) or greater. Storage: 64 GB* or greater available storage is required to install Windows 11.
What is Windows Hello?
Windows Hello: requires a camera configured for near infrared (IR) imaging or fingerprint reader for biometric authentication. Devices without biometric sensors can use Windows Hello with a PIN or portable Microsoft compatible security key. For more information, see IT tools to support Windows 10, version 21H1.
What is the Windows Projection adapter?
Windows Projection: requires a display adapter that supports Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0 and a Wi-Fi adapter that supports Wi-Fi Direct. Xbox app: requires an Xbox Live account, which is not available in all regions.
Security and scanning
The security and privacy features in Windows 11 are similar to Windows 10. Security for your devices starts with the hardware, and includes OS security, application security, and user & identity security. There are features available in the Windows OS to help in these areas. This section describes some of these features.
Easier access to new services, and services you already use
Windows 365 is a desktop operating system that's also a cloud service. From another internet-connected device, including Android and macOS devices, you can run Windows 365, just like a virtual machine.
Customize the desktop experience
Snap Layouts, Snap Groups: When you open an app, hover your mouse over the minimize/maximize option. When you do, you can select a different layout for the app:
Use your same apps, and new apps, improved
Starting with Windows 11, users in the Windows Insider program can download and install Android™️ apps from the Microsoft Store. This feature is called the Windows Subsystem for Android, and allows users to use Android apps on their Windows devices, similar to other apps installed from the Microsoft Store.
Deployment and servicing
Install Windows 11: The same methods you use to install Windows 10 can also be used to install Windows 11. For example, you can deploy Windows to your devices using Windows Autopilot, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), Configuration Manager, and more. Windows 11 will be delivered as an upgrade to eligible devices running Windows 10.
Education and apps
Windows 11 SE is a new edition of Windows that's designed for education. It runs on low-cost devices, and runs essential apps, including Microsoft 365. For more information, see Windows 11 SE for Education.
What is the look of Windows 11?
Windows 11 has a more inviting and streamlined look, with rounded corners and a new Start menu that's front and center.
When will Windows 11 be released?
Windows 11 officially arrives October 5, and you can read our Windows 11 launch live blog to keep abreast of all the news, problems, quirks and other tidbits of information as it happens. If you’re buying a new copy, the update will be available in Home and Pro versions on Microsoft’s website and at select third-party retailers, just like Windows 10. It's worth noting that while Windows 11 Home requires a Microsoft account and an Internet connection to activate, Windows 11 Pro does not.
What is task view?
When you hit the Task View button (the one with a pair of black and white rectangles) you get this view, which shows your current desktops along the bottom and a preview of the windows open in your current desktop along the top. (Image credit: Future)
What is the purple button on the taskbar?
Incidentally, there’s another easily ignored new button on the Windows 11 taskbar: a little purple Microsoft Teams icon. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic Teams saw a big boost in users, and now Microsoft has made it a more central component of Windows.
Where is the Start button in Windows 11?
Let’s focus on one of the most controversial changes coming with Windows 11 — the Start button, which has been uprooted from its decades-long home in the bottom left corner of the taskbar and slid over the center. So, too, have the row of pinned apps typically nestled next to the Start button: now they’re all centered in the taskbar. When you hit the Start button a compact rectangular menu that looks a lot like Android’s app drawer opens above them.
What is the biggest change in Windows 11?
The biggest change you’ll notice when upgrading to Windows 11 is the new design . When you launch Windows you’re still greeted with a taskbar and desktop, but now there are some new buttons on the taskbar and they’re all centered in the middle, rather than clustered in the left corner.
Where is the app list in Windows 10?
There’s also an “All apps” button in the top right corner of the menu which opens an alphabetical list of all programs and program folders you have installed.
Overview
Windows 11 is the latest major release of Microsoft's Windows NT operating system, released in October 2021. It is a free upgrade to its predecessor, Windows 10 (2015), available for any Windows 10 devices that meet the new Windows 11 system requirements.
Windows 11 features major changes to the Windows shell influenced by the ca…
Development
At the 2015 Ignite conference, Microsoft employee Jerry Nixon stated that Windows 10 would be the "last version of Windows", a statement that Microsoft confirmed was "reflective" of its view. The operating system was considered to be a service, with new builds and updates to be released over time.
In October 2019, Microsoft announced "Windows 10X", a future edition of Windows 10 designed …
Features
Windows 11, the first major Windows release since 2015, builds upon its predecessor by revamping the user interface to follow Microsoft's new Fluent Design guidelines. The redesign, which focuses on ease of use and flexibility, comes alongside new productivity and social features and updates to security and accessibility, addressing some of the deficiencies of Windows 10.
The Microsoft Store, which serves as a unified storefront for apps and other content, is also rede…
Versions
Windows 11 is available in two main editions; the Home edition, which is intended for consumer users, and the Pro edition, which contains additional networking and security features (such as BitLocker), as well as the ability to join a domain. Windows 11 Home may be restricted by default to verified software obtained from Microsoft Store ("S Mode"). Windows 11 Home requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account in order to complete first-time setup. In February 20…
Supported languages
Before the launch of Windows 11, OEMs (as well as mobile operators) and businesses were offered two options for device imaging: Component-Based Servicing lp.cab files (for the languages to be preloaded on the first boot) and Local Experience Pack .appx files (for the languages available for download on supported PCs). The 38 fully-localized Language Pack (LP) languages were available as both lp.cab and .appx packages, while the remaining 72 partially-lo…
System requirements
The basic system requirements of Windows 11 differ significantly from Windows 10. Windows 11 only supports 64-bit systems such as those using an x86-64 or ARM64 processor; IA-32 processors are no longer supported. Thus, Windows 11 is the first consumer version of Windows not to support 32-bit processors (although Windows Server 2008 R2 was the first version of Windows NT to not support them). The minimum RAM and storage requirements were also increased; Windo…
Reception
Reception of Windows 11 upon its reveal was positive, with critics praising the new design and productivity features. However, Microsoft was criticized for creating confusion over the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. The increased system requirements (compared to those of Windows 10) initially published by Microsoft meant that up to 60 percent of existing Windows 10 PCs were unable to upgrade to Windows 11, which has faced concerns that this will make the de…
See also
• List of operating systems