Windows 11 launches October 5th, but will you upgrade?

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Windows eleven launches October 5th, only will you upgrade?

It'll be free to go from Windows 10 to eleven

Microsoft today announced plans to launch Windows 11 on October 5th, inviting us to a world of exciting new features like rounded corners and a new default desktop wallpaper. Every bit new named versions of Windows goes, 11 seems a smaller upgrade than from, say, Windows 3.1 to Windows 95, or from Window 8 to direct-upwardly not owning a PC at all. Still, information technology has a few handy features for gaming. And information technology volition roll out as a gratuitous upgrade from 10, if you desire it.

"The free upgrade to Windows eleven starts on Oct five and will be phased and measured with a focus on quality," Microsoft blogman Aaron Woodman explained. "Following the tremendous learnings from Windows 10, nosotros want to make certain we're providing you with the best possible experience. That means new eligible devices volition exist offered the upgrade beginning. The upgrade volition and then whorl out over fourth dimension to in-market devices based on intelligence models that consider hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, historic period of device and other factors that bear on the upgrade feel. We expect all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022."

Big fan of the phrase "tremendous learnings." Merely tremendous learnings, mate. But yes, when Microsoft deem your PC eligible, Windows Update volition let you know.

Windows xi does take different hardware requirements, particularly in requiring a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 chip. When I tried MS's doodad that checks if your PC can run Windows 11, I got a big no (though I empathise piddling with your BIOS might be fruitful). MS have updated the minimum system requirements since then, mind, and plan to update the Checker. Still, I'g in no bustle to switch. I'yard non sure how much Windows 11 would benefit me until I purchase new hardware.

One of the headline gaming features in W11 is Auto HDR. Every bit seen on the new Xbox, information technology can add HDR support to older games (DX11 and upwards) which don't support that at that place fancy monitor stuff. I don't ain an HDR monitor and don't intend to buy i, but possibly 1 mean solar day I will? Microsoft also tout faster loading times thank you to their DirectStorage tech, though it'll be coming to Windows 10 in a less-fast form too. Ah, I'll probably not switch until I get a new PC. Win10 works fine plenty for me.

Sounds like the built-in Android app support won't be in at launch either. Woodman said, "We look forrard to standing our journey to bring Android apps to Windows 11 and the Microsoft Store through our collaboration with Amazon and Intel; this volition offset with a preview for Windows Insiders over the coming months."

A screenshot of Windows 11's start menu in dark mode. — Big '90s Internet PhotoShop tutorial culture' vibes.

Our James is being won over past Windows 11's new UI, listen. "I particularly similar the completely rejigged Start menu, which looks a lot amend for making customisations without all the screen-hogging tiles that Windows has pushed since Windows 8," he said.

I will concede that I practise similar how the default wallpaper looks backgrounds I used on LiteStep in, like, 1998.

Microsoft plan to support Windows x through October 14th, 2025, so you won't instantly be cut off from updates if you choose not to upgrade. But eventually, years down the line, Windows 10 volition likely become less safe to use thanks to unpatched security holes. You know, similar how it only takes thirteen seconds for a fresh Windows XP install connected to the Internet to start printing out pornography then fire up a botnet minting and selling NFTs of webcam photos of looking surprised by the obscenity pouring forth from your Epson Stylus Colour 300.