Microsoft announced the Windows 11 launch date, and we’re getting closer to it — the official release is on October 5, 2021.
New features to the Windows OS in Windows 11 include a redesigned desktop, an overhauled user interface, and significant changes to the apps and services that make Microsoft OS what it is today.
Microsoft will be staggering the Windows 11 rollout, so many users may not have the option to upgrade on day one. Aaron Woodman, Windows marketing chief said, “new eligible devices will be offered the upgrade first.” In addition, Windows 11 will be pre-installed on many new devices made by Dell, Lenovo, Asus, Samsung, etc.
Windows Insiders already have Windows 11 and the “beta testing” will continue through October 5, and then for the next feature releases as it did with Windows 10.
Requirements for Windows 11
The core system requirements are not too different from what Windows 10 asks for as far as the processor, RAM, and graphics card are concerned.
Windows 11 will be supported by some Intel 7th generation chipsets (such as Surface Studio 2), however, the core system requirements include:
‘modern’ 64bit dual-core or higher CPU
4GB of RAM (but 8GB ideally)
64GB storage (SSD ideally)
DirectX12 supported GPU
Secure Boot
TPM 2.0 chip (enabled) in UEFI settings
Phased Rollout
Windows updates and upgrades, including the Windows 11 upgrade, will roll out gradually over time to devices that meet Windows PC minimum requirements. Microsoft says the upgrade system uses “intelligence algorithms” and will take into account “hardware eligibility” to make it available on a progressively larger number of devices over time.
Microsoft in an Announcement said:
“The free Windows 11 upgrade should be available to all eligible devices by mid-2022.”
If you’re eager to see what all the fuss is about, Microsoft announced users would be able to install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs using Windows 11 ISOs, or you could install the Windows 11 Insider build, though it was noted that security updates aren’t guaranteed for these devices.
Microsoft won’t ship support for Android apps on Windows 11 in time for the operating system’s launch on October 5th. While Android apps running on Windows 11 is one of the big new features of the OS, Microsoft will only start previewing this feature in the coming months.
This likely means that Android apps won’t arrive on Windows 11 until 2022, as Microsoft tests the feature with Windows Insiders first before rolling it out generally months later. While Android apps won’t be there on day one, Windows 11 will still include the promised Microsoft Teams integration, a new design with an updated start menu, and more.
Windows 10 Support
Microsoft will support Windows 10 and will provide many updates through to 2025 for devices not capable of running Windows 11, or for users and organizations not ready to upgrade to Windows 11.
Read more about Windows 11
As a result of the pandemic-related remote work impact, Microsoft’s new offerings have been geared towards the future workplace, which is a hybrid of office and home. We anticipate the benefits these innovative new products will offer businesses and are excited to see them come to life.
If you have any queries about the latest Windows products or hybrid working, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
You can read more about the new and upcoming features in our previous blog Introducing Windows 11 with a Host of New Features or on the official Microsoft Blog.
