After a month of being used in beta testing mode, Microsoft Windows 11 started its global rollout on October 5 – a major upgrade by Microsoft after Windows 10 for six years:
You can download it right now if you’re a Windows 10 user for free. However, it’s not available (compatible) to all devices, and every promised feature by Microsoft isn’t yet available in the full version as well (said by Microsoft in this blog post).
The Windows 11 Prompt To Upgrade
Many Windows 10 users have received a prompt to upgrade to the newer version, but, if you didn’t, you can check to see if your device supports the most advanced version or not:
Important: Remember, if your device supports Windows, it doesn’t mean it will also run Windows 11 because it has got some major security and other upgrades (we’ll be talking about that later in this post).
In the same blog post from Microsoft, they also stated that the launch would be “phased and measured”, with new eligibility criteria for devices. And, there will be a free upgrade for compatible gadgets first; for remaining users, it will be available till mid-2022.
Other than that, you will also get a notification letting you know when it’s coming for your device, or you can download Windows 11 compatibility checker to check it manually.
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System Requirements For Windows 11
Minimum Specs
- CPU: 1GHz 64-bit processor
- RAM: 4GB
- Display: 9”+ with 720p HD Resolution
- Storage: 64GB
- Operating System: Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10
- System Firmware: Secure Boot capable
- Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0
Recommended Specs
- CPU: 2GHz or up
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10
- System Firmware: Secure Boot capable
- Graphics: DirectX 12
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0
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What Has Been Changed? Windows 11 New Features:
- Unlike the previous operating system, Windows 11 OS has a minimalist design with rounded corners – more of a Mac-like interface.
- Android apps are the key selling feature of Chromebooks and one of the advantages to Chrome OS users. So, Microsoft chief product officer Panos Panay said, why not bring them to Windows? That being said, Windows 11 will feature Android Apps. You will be available to download them via Amazon Appstore within the new Microsoft Store.
- Luckily, the newer version of Windows also features widgets. It’s like a nostalgic vibe from Windows Vista coming back. You will be able to access widgets from the taskbar and personalize them accordingly. Though, they’re also available in the recent Windows 10 update.
- Microsoft is really attracted to productivity. That said, Windows 11 features Microsoft Teams Integration. You can pin Teams in the taskbar and stay connected with your team. It’s more like Apples’s FaceTime. Also, you can access Teams across all platforms.
- For a better experience for gamers, the new Operating System has Xbox One features in the games like Auto HDR and DirectStorage that can be very useful for Microsoft Flight Simulator and other official and Store games.
- With Windows 11, you can now access multiple desktops (virtual desktops) that macOS users have been doing for a decade. It allows you to toggle between virtual machines to separate your workspace. For example, You can set one for study, gaming, and office work simultaneously.
- Well, the seventh feature (voice dictation) has been available in Google Docs since its launch, but Microsoft is also planning to give it a try. It features AI integrated voice typing algorithm to help people. However, it’s always tricky to tackle, but if you want to try it out, press Win+H.
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How To Download And Install Windows 11 Or Upgrade From Previous Version:
Windows 11 will be offered as an update to all PCs running Windows 10 if Microsoft sees that the early roll-out has a satisfactory upgrade experience. Moreover, if your PC meets the requirements, or you want to jump the line and give it a try, download Windows 11 from the Official page.
- After downloading, run the Windows 11 assistant to further download and upgrade the previous Windows files.
- Create Windows 10 installation media
- Download a Windows 11 disk image in ISO format.
Surprisingly, the installation files are also available for Volume License subscribers and Visual Studio subscribers.
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