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Microsoft says Windows 11 will start rolling out on Oct. 5. Sarah Tew/CNET
Windows 11[1] begins its worldwide release today. We've already tested and published a full review of Windows 11[2] (it's familiar, but fresh). Microsoft's first major operating system update in six years is available as a free download for existing Windows users[3] starting today, but the OS won't roll out to every compatible Windows device[4] at once and it won't have every major new feature[5] promised just yet, Microsoft said in an August blog post[6].
Watch this: Windows 11: Will your computer be able to run it? What...
3:43
While the first general release of Windows 11 will include features like a more streamlined, Mac-like design[7], an updated Start menu[8], new multitasking tools[9] and integrated Microsoft Teams[10], it will not include one of the most anticipated updates: support for Android mobile apps[11] in its new app store. Microsoft also didn't offer a date for when Android apps would be available[12] either, other than saying that they would roll out in a "preview" test "over the coming months," according to the post.
And just because you have a compatible Windows device doesn't mean you'll be able to run Windows 11 starting today. The launch will be "phased and measured," with new eligible devices[13] 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[14] when the time comes and how to try the preview version).
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[15] (you'll need to be running Windows 10 first to do so -- here's how to download Windows 10 for free[16] if you haven't yet). But even if it isn't deemed compatible, there will be a way to manually download a version[17] that is not supported by Microsoft. And here's how to set the default search engine[18], 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[19] through October 2025.
For more, check out the every big difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11[20] and what you'll need to do before you upgrade to Windows 11[21].
list link / daftar link
- ^ Windows 11 (www.cnet.com)
- ^ review of Windows 11 (www.cnet.com)
- ^ free download for existing Windows users (www.cnet.com)
- ^ compatible Windows device (www.cnet.com)
- ^ every major new feature (www.cnet.com)
- ^ blog post (blogs.windows.com)
- ^ Mac-like design (www.cnet.com)
- ^ Start menu (www.cnet.com)
- ^ multitasking tools (www.cnet.com)
- ^ integrated Microsoft Teams (www.cnet.com)
- ^ support for Android mobile apps (www.cnet.com)
- ^ when Android apps would be available (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)
