Microsoft has finally announced the release date for its next version of Windows operating system. Windows 11 will mark its debut on October 5, with a phased rollout to more devices in the following days.
HIGHLIGHTS
Windows 11 to start rolling out to eligible PCs on October 5.
Some of the features, like Android apps, will be introduced later.
Users can check eligibility for their systems through Windows Update.
Post its announcement late in June this year, Microsoft will finally release Windows 11 to supported PCs on October 5. Windows 11 will come as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs, with priority being the supported devices that have been launched recently.
Microsoft will rollout Windows 11 in phases, with older systems receiving it after the latest devices in the international markets. In a new blog, Microsoft confirmed that the rollout will be "phased and measured with a focus on quality." The company expects to complete the rollout to all supported devices by the middle of next year.
The new Windows operating system will come with a completely redesigned layout with a new position for the Start menu, new icons and themes, softer visuals and more such changes. It also brings several performance improvements as compared to Windows 10, now promising more power efficiency and 40 per cent smaller updates that will run in the background.
An important feature will be the inclusion of Android apps on the Windows OS for the first time ever. However, Microsoft clarifies that the inclusion of Android apps to Windows 11 will "start with a preview for Windows Insiders over the coming months." Though the company claims to be working on it in collaboration with Amazon and Intel, the effects might not be seen on consumer PCs before next year.
Windows 11 also comes with a new Microsoft Store that features an all-new design. It brings new features like Stories - editorial content to keep you informed about the best apps and a new pop-up store to install apps from the browser. The new Microsoft Store also introduces several changes for developers, including support for more types of apps as well as an option to bring their own or a third party commerce platform in their apps.
Windows 11 eligibility check for your system.
Microsoft says that the Windows 10 PCs eligible for the upgrade will be notified through Windows Update when the update is available. Other than this, users can also look for the Windows 11 update by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting Check for updates.
For those using a PC that is not eligible for an upgrade, Microsoft confirms that it will support Windows 10 through October 14, 2025. It also promises to bring the next feature update to Windows 10 later this year.