Windows 11 is the next major version of the Windows OS (operating system) that Microsoft plans to release this year. The launch of this OS marks exactly six years since the company last released a new version of windows. Microsoft has not released another version of Windows for quite some time because Windows 10 was a continuously updated operating system. Windows 10 received feature updates twice per year, instead of two or three years, like in the previous versions. The updates added new features to the OS and sometimes caused larger changes. Initially, they claimed Windows 10 will be the last version of Windows, but changed their mind in 2021.

Windows 11 is the latest Windows NT based operating system, and has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds, and apps. All of it comes together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC.

PCs with Windows 11 pre-installed will be available starting in fall / autumn of 2021.

Many different manufacturers will offer a variety of devices that will run Windows 11. All at different price points, from $99 and up.

PCs that come with Windows 11 pre-installed will be available from your favorite retailers in late 2021.

If your peripherals / accessories worked properly with Windows 10 and meet the Windows 11 requirements, they should work with Windows 11. If you want to be sure, please check with your device manufacturer.

Most Windows 10 PCs currently being sold will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. For the PC to be able to upgrade to Windows 11, it must meet the minimum hardware specifications, which you can find here: Windows 11 System Requirements The upgrade is scheduled to begin in late 2021 and continue into 2022. There is no timetable to show when a specific device will be upgraded.

There are a few ways to find out. If you’re currently shopping for a new PC, look for “Free upgrade to Windows 11” in the marketing materials. You can also confirm it with a representative of the retailer / distributor you plan to buy from.

The minimum hardware requirements are posted at Microsoft’s Windows 11 System Requirements page. If you are doing your own research, make sure your device has an Intel / AMD / Qualcomm 64-bit CPU released in October 2017 or later, 4GB or more RAM, at least 64GB of storage, a UEFI BIOS with Secure Boot, and a security chip (TPM 2.0, standalone or embedded in the CPU). A Windows Hello compatible IR webcam is also recommended. Note that Chromebook & Chromebox devices may meet the hardware specs, but are not suitable to run Windows operating systems!

If you’d like to see if your current PC meets the minimum requirements, you can download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft (subject to availability).

Yes! Windows 10 is a great version (unlike Vista or 8) and will be supported for many years (until October, 2025). You can also look at modern Linux alternatives that look and feel very similar to Windows. Linux Mint (Cinnamon) is one example, and it’s distributed free of charge!

Upgrades to Windows 11 will begin to deploy in late 2021 / early 2022. Microsoft will be doing some testing and validating compatibility with your specific PC brand / model. Windows Update utility will provide an indication if and when your PC is eligible. You can check if Windows 11 upgrade is available by going to Settings -> Windows Update.

Windows 11 upgrade will be free for a limited time. Once the free offer expires, you can buy a retail version online or buy a new PC with Windows 11 already pre-installed. Only PCs running Windows 10 version 21H1, 21H2 or newer will be able to upgrade. If you are still running Windows 7, 8 or 8.1, you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 10 first, before you can try upgrading to Windows 11.

The free upgrade offer will last a minimum of one year after Windows 11 is released. While there is no specific end date, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer.

In this context, an update is bugs & security fixes and new features within the same version of Windows, for example Windows 10 version 20H2 to 21H1. Such updates are typically released twice per year. An upgrade is switching to a different version, for example moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11 or switching editions from Home to Professional.