14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has already confirmed that Windows 11 is projected to be launched later this year, and while no other specifics were provided, the company itself dropped some hints the big event could take place at some point in October.
The timing seems just about right. Microsoft typically releases Windows 10 feature update in the fall, either in October or November after previously finalizing the development in September or October.
And now that Windows 11 is supposed to come alongside Windows 10 version 21H2, though it’s not yet known if the two would see the daylight at the same time, it makes sense for the new operating system to also make its debut in October or November.
According to Microsoft watcher Zac Bowden, Microsoft is expected to finalize Windows 11 in September, so the operating system could be signed off mid next month. The company itself could share the launch date of Windows 11 in a week or two, he says, and the first users could get it on October 19.
The free Windows 11 upgrade
Windows 11 will be offered as a free upgrade to certain eligible devices, and Microsoft says the rollout would start later this year and continue into 2022.
“Windows 11 will be available through a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs beginning this holiday. To check if your current Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11, visit Windows.com to download the PC Health Check app. We’re also working with our retail partners to make sure Windows 10 PCs you buy today are ready for the upgrade to Windows 11. The free upgrade will begin to roll out to eligible Windows 10 PCs this holiday and continuing into 2022,” Microsoft said.
You can try out Windows 11 today by joining the Windows Insider program.
Heard MS might announce the GA date for Windows 11 in the next week or two. Sign-off on a "final build" expected in mid-Sept. If I were a betting man, I'd wager October 19 is the GA date... guess we'll see soon enough. — Zac Bowden (@zacbowden) August 23, 2021