We finally have a release date for Windows 11. The most significant update to Microsoft’s hallmark OS in six years will arrive as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 machines and on devices pre-loaded with the new OS on October 5.
Windows marketing general manager Aaron Woodman announced the release date in a blog post which also included the highlights of the release.
As is the case with most software updates, the rollout of the OS will take place in phases. Microsoft will release the OS for new devices first, and then Windows 11 will become available for older devices in the weeks and months following October 5.
Following the tremendous learnings from Windows 10, we want to make sure we’re providing you with the best possible experience. That means new eligible devices will be offered the upgrade first.
The upgrade will then roll out over time to in-market devices based on intelligence models that consider hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, age of device and other factors that impact the upgrade experience.
While the focus on quality is excellent, Windows users will have to wait a little longer to use the features announced for the OS in June.
For instance, Android apps coming to Microsoft machines (through a partnership with Intel and Amazon) won’t be available at launch. The preview of the apps will be open to those in the Windows Insiders program, but it looks like they won’t be available to the common user until next year.
You’ll need to have minimum system requirements in place to accommodate Windows 11, but there is a workaround available in case you don’t.
You can install Windows 11 on any hardware using an ISO method, as long as the PC has a 64-bit 1GHz processor with two or more cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a TPM 1.2 chip.
But do note that if you use the ISO method, your PC will not have official support. Unsupported Windows 11 devices might not get access to future Windows updates or security patches.
Those not eligible for Windows 11 need not worry, as Windows 10 will continue to receive official support until October 2025. If you wish to find out your eligibility, you can use Microsoft’s PC Health Check-up app.
About Microsoft
Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, Microsoft is an American MNC that creates, licenses, supports and sells computers, software, electronics, video games, and corresponding services.
Some of the most popular titles in the world, like Age of Empires, Forza, Gears of War, Halo, Minecraft, Microsoft Solitaire, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and State of Decay, have been developed and published by Microsoft.
Microsoft is also known for establishing the famous console brand Xbox, along with the video game subscription Xbox Game Pass.
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