14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is ready to begin the Windows 11 rollout, and while this sounds like super-exciting news for its users, there are several things that you need to know about the whole thing.
First and foremost, Windows 11 isn’t available as a free upgrade for all devices running Windows 10. In other words, if you’re already on Windows 10, you won’t be getting Windows 11 unless your computer meets the new system requirements.
This is because Microsoft has updated the requirements because it wants only new-generation computers to run Windows 11, as the company says this is the only way to experience the best of the operating system right now.
Unsupported hardware comes with an increased likelihood of problems, so right now, you’re not recommended to turn to any tricks to get Windows 11 running on an old system.
Rollout happening in stages
Then, the Windows 11 rollout will happen in stages, so while it starts tomorrow, not everybody will get the new operating system on day one.
This means it could take a while until everybody is provided with the update to Windows 11, with Microsoft explaining that it hopes to complete the rollout by mid-2022.
“New eligible devices will be offered the upgrade first. The upgrade will then roll out over time to in-market devices based on intelligence models that consider hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, age of device and other factors that impact the upgrade experience. We expect all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022,” Microsoft says.
And last but not least, if your device is eligible for the upgrade to Windows 11 and you’re included in the initial rollout, the new operating system should show up on Windows Update just like a regular update released by Microsoft every month.
The updating process is as straightforward as possible, as everything happens on Windows Update, and then you need to restart your computer to complete the installation.