Windows 11: Everything you need to know as Microsoft’s new OS starts rolling out today

Written by admin on October 8, 2021

Potentially. Even if your Windows 10 computer lacks some of the requirements for upgrading to Windows 11, you may still be able to manually download an unsupported version of the OS. The process would be similar to how many people could manually download Windows 10 free of charge. However, this version likely won’t be eligible for updates from Microsoft.

Here are all the details about Windows 11’s release timing, price, compatibility, new features and more

Windows 11 is bringing some big changes to the long-standing operating system, including its first name change in six years. The Windows 11 update will begin rolling out Oct. 5, though the Windows 11 public beta is already available to download. (Here’s how to download Windows 11 free after it launches and how to see whether your PC is compatible.)

Windows 11 includes a slew of new features, such as the ability to download and run Android apps on your Windows PC and updates to Microsoft Teams, the Start menu and the overall look of the software, which is more clean and Mac-like in design. (Check out all of our favorite new Windows 11 features and how to use them.)

Here’s every detail we know so far about Windows 11, including price, compatibility, release date, how to download the beta and new features.

7 new features included in Windows 11

Here are a few of the standout new features in Windows 11:

A new, more Mac-like interface. Windows 11 features a clean design with rounded corners, pastel shades and a centered Start menu and Taskbar.
Integrated Android apps. Android apps will be coming to Windows 11 and installable from within the new Microsoft Store via the Amazon Appstore. There were a couple of ways to access Android apps on Windows 10, including if you had a Samsung Galaxy phone, but this will make it native. (Note that Android apps will not be available upon the initial release of Windows 11.)
Widgets. While they’ve been around for a while (remember desktop gadgets on Windows Vista?), including in a recent Windows 10 update, you can now access widgets directly from the Taskbar and personalize them to see whatever you’d like.
Microsoft Teams integration. Teams is getting a face-lift and will be integrated directly into the Windows 11 Taskbar, making it easier to access (and a bit more like Apple’s FaceTime). You’ll be able to access Teams from Windows, Mac, Android or iOS.
Xbox tech for better gaming. Windows 11 will get certain features found in Xbox consoles, like Auto HDR and DirectStorage, to improve gaming on your Windows PC.
Better virtual desktop support. Windows 11 will let you set up virtual desktops in a way that’s more similar to MacOS, toggling between multiple desktops for personal, work, school or gaming use. You can also change your wallpaper on each virtual desktop.
Easier transition from monitor to laptop, and better multitasking. The new OS includes features called Snap Groups and Snap Layouts — collections of the apps you’re using at once that sit in the Taskbar, and can come up or be minimized at the same time for easier task switching. They also let you plug and unplug from a monitor more easily without losing where your open windows are located.

When will you be able to download Windows 11?

Windows 11 is now available as an early preview for Windows Insiders (here’s how to download it). It will begin rolling out to all compatible PCs and new PCs on Oct. 5, according to Microsoft, and will continue rolling out into mid-2022. The newer your device is, the sooner you’re likely to have access to the update. The older your PC is, the longer you’ll probably have to wait.