list link on bottom
The Windows 11 operating system was released Oct. 5. Sarah Tew/CNET
Windows 11[1] started its wide rollout on Oct. 5 -- the first major upgrade in six years. Windows 11 is available as a free download for existing Windows 10 users[2], but it's not yet available for every compatible Windows device[3]. And every major new feature[4] promised isn't available right now. (Microsoft announced this in an August blog post[5]).
We've already tested and published a full review of Windows 11[6] (it's familiar but fresh, with a Mac-like design[7]). You can expect a few new multitasking features[8], and the Start menu[9] is in a new place. However, it will not include one of the most anticipated updates: support for Android mobile apps[10] in its new app store. Microsoft also didn't offer a date for when Android apps would be available[11] either, other than saying that it would roll out in a "preview" test "over the coming months," according to the post.
Watch this: Windows 11: Will your computer be able to run it? What...
3:43
There's a lot to look forward to. But even if your device isn't a part of today's rollout, you can still check to see if you meet the compatibility requirements[12]. Heads up, (you'll need to be running Windows 10 first to do so -- here's how to download Windows 10 for free[13] if you haven't yet). And just because you have a compatible Windows device doesn't mean you'll be able to run Windows 11 starting today.
Microsoft said the launch will be "phased and measured," with new eligible devices[14] getting the upgrade first and the rest getting offered the free upgrade sometime between October and mid-2022, depending on your hardware, age of device and other factors. You'll get a notification from Windows Update letting you know when Windows 11 is available to you, or you can check manually (here's more on how to download Windows 11[15] before your system asks you to).
Watch this: Windows 11: Hands-on with an early build
3:55
While you wait for Microsoft's new operating system to arrive, you can check to see if your computer will be able to automatically update to Windows 11[16] (you'll need to be running Windows 10 first to do so -- here's how to download Windows 10 for free[17] if you haven't yet). But even if it isn't deemed compatible, there will be a way to manually download a version[18] that is not supported by Microsoft. And here's how to set the default search engine[19], if you'd rather not use Bing.
You also don't have to upgrade to Windows 11 right away if you don't want to -- Microsoft will still support Windows 10[20] through October 2025.
For more, check out the every big difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11[21] and what you'll need to do before you upgrade to Windows 11[22].
list link / daftar link
- ^ Windows 11 (www.cnet.com)
- ^ free download for existing Windows 10 users (www.cnet.com)
- ^ compatible Windows device (www.cnet.com)
- ^ every major new feature (www.cnet.com)
- ^ blog post (blogs.windows.com)
- ^ review of Windows 11 (www.cnet.com)
- ^ Mac-like design (www.cnet.com)
- ^ multitasking features (www.cnet.com)
- ^ Start menu (www.cnet.com)
- ^ support for Android mobile apps (www.cnet.com)
- ^ when Android apps would be available (www.cnet.com)
- ^ compatibility requirements (www.cnet.com)
- ^ how to download Windows 10 for free (www.cnet.com)
- ^ new eligible devices (www.cnet.com)
- ^ how to download Windows 11 (www.cnet.com)
- ^ if your computer will be able to automatically update to Windows 11 (www.cnet.com)
- ^ how to download Windows 10 for free (www.cnet.com)
- ^ manually download a version (www.cnet.com)
- ^ set the default search engine (www.cnet.com)
- ^ Microsoft will still support Windows 10 (www.cnet.com)
- ^ every big difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11 (www.cnet.com)
- ^ what you'll need to do before you upgrade to Windows 11 (www.cnet.com)
