Windows 11 is due for a full release October 5th and features a big redesign along with lots of new features. Windows 11 switches up its look with a new Start menu and rounded corners, but it also includes lots of productivity upgrades, including Snap Layouts for running multiple apps at once.
However, there are also some Windows 11 taskbar changes that have upset Windows fans, including Microsoft’s decision to lock the taskbar to the bottom of the screen and prevent users from dragging and dropping apps, shortcuts, or files onto the taskbar.
Windows 11 also features new widgets for keeping you up to date with the latest news, Microsoft Teams integration and a new Windows Store. Plus, Windows 11 can run Android apps.
Gamers will appreciate the addition of Auto HDR for improved visuals, as well as faster performance for Direct Storage-supported PCs. And business users will love being able to undock and dock again without losing their place.
Windows 11 release date, price and beta
Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 will officially roll out on October 5. Eligible Windows 10 machines will get a free upgrade to the next-generation operating system, but you’ll need to make sure your laptop or desktop has the right CPU and features to support Windows 11.
You can check if your PC is eligible for the free Windows 11 upgrade by going to Windows.com and downloading the PC Health Check app. But as Microsoft is taking a “phased and measured process,” some Windows 10 users aren’t likely to get the upgrade until later on in the year or 2022. That’s because, basically, Microsoft will prioritize the Windows 11 roll out over based on hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, age of device and other factors.
But Microsoft has already introduced a Windows 11 Insider build for those who want to try the new OS early. This isn’t a complete build with all the Windows 11 features, but there’s enough there to give you a sense of what Windows 11 will look like.
As of late July, Microsoft has also begun releasing beta versions of Windows 11 for public testing. Available to Windows Insiders via the “Beta” channel of Windows 11, these builds should be more stable and more supported than the latest builds in the “Dev” channel, which are meant primarily for developers. If you want to take it for a spin now that the Windows 11 beta is available, here’s how to download it — just be aware that it’s unfinished software, so you’ll likely encounter some bugs.
In addition to the Oct. 5 launch date for Windows 11, Microsoft is hosting a Surface product event on Sept. 22, where we expect to see laptops and tablets that are ready for Windows 11.
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