In June of this year, Microsoft announced Windows 11, a new operating system with a fresh new appearance. Many people have been looking forward to intriguing new features like the redesigned Start menu, uncertain of when they will be able to use it. A statement from Microsoft confirms that Windows 11 official release date will be October 5th.
Also read: Windows 11: Microsoft will definitely support upgrades from Windows 7
The statement from Microsoft said, “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.”
The company also shared some major highlights that users should look out for in the new release. Some of these include new designs, the fresh Start menu, a new Microsoft store and more.
- The new design and sounds are modern, fresh, clean and beautiful, bringing you a sense of calm and ease.
- With Start, you and your content are put at the center. Start utilizes the power of the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show you your recent files no matter what device you were viewing them on.
- Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops provide an even more powerful way to multitask and optimize your screen real estate.
- Chat from Microsoft Teams integrated into the taskbar provides a faster way to connect to the people you care about.
Read also: What is the TPM chip needed for a successful Windows 11 install?
- Widgets, a new personalized feed powered by AI, provides a faster way to access the information you care about, and with Microsoft Edge’s world class performance, speed and productivity features you can get more done on the web.
- Windows 11 delivers the best Windows ever for gaming and unlocks the full potential of your system’s hardware with technology like DirectX12 Ultimate, DirectStorage and Auto HDR. With Xbox Game Pass for PC or Ultimate you get access to over 100 high-quality PC games to play on Windows 11 for one low monthly price. (Xbox Game Pass sold separately.)
- Windows 11 comes with a new Microsoft Store rebuilt with an all-new design making it easier to search and discover your favorite apps, games, shows, and movies in one trusted location. The company looks forward to continuing our journey to bring Android apps to Windows 11 and the Microsoft Store through collaboration with Amazon and Intel; this will start with a preview for Windows Insiders over the coming months.
The highly anticipated Windows 11 comes almost six years after the introduction of Windows 10, which is the world’s most widely used PC operating system, with over 1.3 billion devices using it.
Windows 10 users can know if their PCs are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 by checking the PC Health Check app from Microsoft free of charge. The upgrade will start to become available through the Windows Update section of the Settings app later this year and continue through 2022.
Read more: Admiring the new Windows 11 Start Menu
Read more: The Windows timeline: The amazing journey from Windows 1.0 to 10
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