Today, we are thrilled to announce Windows 11 will start to become available on October 5, 2021. On this day, the free upgrade to Windows 11 will begin rolling out to eligible Windows 10 PCs and PCs that come pre-loaded with Windows 11 will start to become available for purchase. A new Windows experience, Windows 11 is designed to bring you closer to what you love.
As the PC continues to play a more central role in our lives than ever before — Windows 11 is ready to empower your productivity and inspire your creativity.
Microsoft Windows 11
Windows 11 launched this month, and Microsoft delivered some big changes to the storied operating system, including its first name change in six years. The Windows 11 update, though it will be released in a phased approach on>eligible devices. (Here's how to see whether your PC is compatible first and how to download it early if you don't want to)
PROS
- Beautiful, more consistent new design
- Great window layout options
- New video game options
- Better multi-monitor functionality
- New performance-improving features
- Planned support for Android apps
CONS
- Requires a recent CPU
- Some interface changes may take getting used to
- Some useful tools going away, like Timeline and certain tablet gestures
Windows 11 is designed to bring you closer to what you love and is releasing at a time when the PC is playing an even more central role in the way we connect, create and play. When we made the decision on where to set the minimum system requirements for Window 11, we focused on three principles to guide our thinking to help ensure a great user experience:
- Reliability
- Security
- Compatibility
System requirements
Requirements
These are the minimum system requirements for installing Windows 11 on a PC. If your device does not meet these requirements, you may not be able to install Windows 11 on your device and might want to consider purchasing new PC. If you are unsure whether your PC meets these requirements, you can check with your PC Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or, if your device is already running Windows 10, you can use the PC Health Check app to assess compatibility. Note that this app does not check for graphics card or display, as most compatible devices will meet those requirements listed below.
Your device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade. Free updates are available through Windows Update in Settings>Update and Security.
PC Requirements
| Processor |
1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). |
| Storage |
64 GB or larger storage device Note: See below under “More information on storage space to keep Windows 11 up-to-date” for more details. |
| System firmware |
UEFI, Secure Boot capable. Check for information on how your PC might be able to meet this requirement. |
| TPM |
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Check here for instructions on how your PC might be enabled to meet this requirement. |
| Graphics card |
Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver. |
| Display |
High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel. |
| Internet connection and Microsoft account |
Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account.
Switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S mode also requires internet connectivity. Learn more about S mode here.
For all Windows 11 editions, internet access is required to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features. A Microsoft account is required for some features. |
Feature-specific requirements for Windows 11
We think you'll love a few of Windows 11's new features, which include Android apps, Snap Layouts, Widgets and more.
| Windows Subsystem for Android™ |
Apps available at Amazon Appstore. Additional requirements anticipated and will be communicated as the product is rolled out to select geographies. |
| 5G support |
requires 5G capable modem where available.
|
| Auto HDR |
requires an HDR monitor. |
| BitLocker to Go |
requires a USB flash drive (available in Windows Pro and above editions). |
| Client Hyper-V |
requires a processor with second level address translation (SLAT) capabilities (available in Windows Pro and above editions). |
| Cortana |
requires a microphone and speaker and is currently available on Windows 11 for Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States. |
| DirectStorage |
requires an NVMe SSD to store and run games that use the Standard NVM Express Controller driver and a DirectX12 GPU with Shader Model 6.0 support. |
| DirectX 12 Ultimate |
is available with supported games and graphics chips. |
| Presence |
requires sensor that can detect human distance from device or intent to interact with device. |
| Intelligent Video Conferencing |
requires video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output). |
| Multiple Voice Assistant (MVA) |
requires a microphone and speaker. |
| Snap |
three-column layouts requires a screen that is 1920 effective pixels or greater in width. |
| Mute/Unmute from Taskbar |
requires video camera, microphone, and speaker (audio output). App must be compatible with feature to enable global mute/unmute. |
| Touch |
requires a screen or monitor that supports multi-touch. |
| Voice Typing |
requires a PC with a microphone. |
| Xbox (app) |
requires an Xbox Live account, which is not available in all regions. See Xbox Live Countries and Regions for the most up-to-date information on availability. Some features in the Xbox app will require an active Xbox Game Pass subscription (sold separately). Learn more about the pass.
⚡ MORE UPDATES COMING SOON⚡ |
