Microsoft’s no-cost Windows 11 upgrade from Windows 10 is currently in the process of rolling out. Microsoft has begun to provide free upgrades to hardware that is still running using Windows 10 before making Windows 11 available to all eligible devices.
Some PCs running Windows 10 can upgrade to Windows 11, though. Windows 11 will require Intel 8th Gen Coffee Lake or Zen 2 CPUs and up, and TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) supports 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The result is that millions of PCs cannot officially upgrade to Windows 11, although there is a workaround that’s not supported for those who need Windows 11.
Microsoft is also slowly moving to roll out Windows 11, so the free upgrade isn’t available to existing computers that have been officially recognized. Microsoft expects any eligible and existing PC to receive this Windows 11 upgrade by mid-2022.
What’s in Windows 11
Windows 11 features a streamlined style, pastel colors, round corners, a more modern sound system for the startup, and an overall Mac-like appearance. Windows 11’s Windows Start menu has moved from the lower left corner of the screen to the middle, with app icons in the middle right following the menu. It’s full of exciting, innovative desktop software, such as widgets, which can provide quick access to information and a more straightforward virtual desktop creation. Also, Android applications will be integrated with Windows and available for download via the Microsoft Store — though the feature will not be available immediately. (Check out the most useful Windows 11 features and how you can use the features.)
This update is the first significant update in Microsoft’s operating system in the years since Windows 10 launched in 2015. Rumors of a major Windows revamp have circulated throughout the year. At the Microsoft Build developers conference on May 25, last year, Microsoft CEO Satya Naidella stated that Microsoft planned “one of the most significant updates of Windows of the past decade,” which confirmed the possibility of a significant change coming to the 1.3 billion people using the OS by 2021. In mid-June, Microsoft quietly announced that they would cease service for Windows 10 in 2025, as the leaked photos show—Windows 11 spread.
How to Download Your Windows 11 Upgrade for Free for PC
Microsoft has launched Windows 11 as a free upgrade available to anyone who runs Windows 10. If you’re running an earlier version of Windows, it must first update from Windows 10 to Windows 10, and then you’ll be eligible to receive an upgrade to Windows 11 upgrade. There are two methods to install Windows 11.
1. Upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10 OS: Open the Start Menu and click the Settings icon. Navigate to the Update and Security section, where you’ll find the option to upgrade Windows. Select the download and install button, and the process will start.
2. Download the executable file: If you cannot upgrade directly via Windows, click the Download button in the left sidebar. It will take you to the official Windows download page. Hit the Download Now button to download the file, which will download to your device.
When Windows launches the upgrade, it’ll briefly check your PC to ensure it’s in line with the prerequisites. If your system can’t handle the upgrade, it will stop in the meantime, so you can continue running Windows 10. If your PC is compatible, follow the directions onscreen for the promotion to run on your PC.
Install Windows 11 Manually (via Assistant)
1. Click to open this link to go directly to the Windows 11 download page link here
2. For the majority of users, I suggest “Installation Assistant. There is an alternative to make a boot drive to install cleanly
3. Once installed, please Follow the steps to install it.
4. Remember to choose the option to save your data and applications
The process takes time, requires several restarts, and requires a Microsoft account. Various hacks are available; however, this is not an issue for most people.
What are the requirements for hardware to run Windows 11?
Another major shift in the direction is Microsoft’s controversial minimum hardware specifications in Windows 11. Also, although Windows 11 is a free upgrade to Windows 10 users, it won’t always be open to all Windows 10 users.
To update, your device has to have Windows 10, version 2004 or higher.
The minimum requirements are 1GHz or more, with at least two cores on an appropriate 64-bit processor and a System on a Chip (SoC). It will require 4GB of RAM and at least 64GB of storage. Your computer must have UEFI, Secure Boot capable and support the Trusted Platform Module Version 2.0 or higher, and be equipped with an integrated graphics card that is compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver as well as an HD display larger than 9″ diagonally and 8 bits for each color channel.
How do I get Windows 11?
Microsoft isn’t entirely specific about the date at which Windows 11 will reach the majority of qualified Windows 10 PCs. However, it has unveiled its PC Health Check app to assist users to self-assess whether or not their PCs are up to scratch.
This PC Health Check app will let you know if your PC complies with the specifications needed for running Windows 11: if it meets the requirements, you’ll be eligible for an upgrade free when it is released.
There is also the option to “Check for Windows updates or updates on your Windows PC, ” press the Start button and select Settings > Updates and Security Windows Updates.
A Whole New Gaming Experience
Microsoft wants to win the game, so Windows 11 goes a long way toward helping them reach their objective. The company has added two gaming features that gamers will surely be able to enjoy:
Better game selection
Microsoft added the XBOX application with the upgrade. Users who are registered with an XBOX Game Pass can access their games as well as play both on PCs as well as XBOX. It includes the Halo collection and Marvel’s Avengers, Forza, Sea of Thieves, and numerous other games. Gamers can also access Microsoft’s streaming games platform, XBOX Cloud Gaming.
Better technology
Issues like inconsistency, poor graphics, or slow loading of games could significantly impact the gaming experience. But, Windows 11 has effectively tackled these issues by introducing Auto HDR and DirectStorage. It’s worth mentioning that Auto HDR was initially introduced on the Xbox Series X console. This allows games not created using HDR characteristics to improve illumination, brightness, and contrast. They are sporting the HDR design for a more high-quality gaming game experience. DirectStorage is part of Xbox Velocity Architecture. It’s created to let games bypass the CPU so that graphics memory is loaded directly. This allows the game to run faster and avoids the frustration of slowdowns caused by the CPU being overloaded.
Windows 11 also added Dynamic Refresh. It improves your laptop’s battery life by decreasing the screen’s refresh rate.
The OS also increased security for the operating system by making it mandatory for users to use TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. They can prevent DDoS attacks and also plug security holes during gaming.
Stay Focused and On Task
One feature that will likely aid me most is Focus Assist. It’s integrated into the app for clocks and created to boost productivity by using the settings for task completion. Making a list of items to be completed and a timer to stay focused on your task is possible. Once you have completed an assignment, mark the thing off and continue your day. Focus Assist has Spotify integration, allowing you to set the right music or background sound for the task.
You can get Windows 11 for ‘free’ when purchasing a new computer.
If you’re purchasing a brand new computer, you’re nearly likely to receive it with Windows 11 included, so should you not want to spend money on the Windows license but do not possess a PC that can be upgraded, this could be the most effective option. Alternatively, you could purchase Windows 10 PCs and use the valid keys to upgrade the OS to Windows 11 for free using these methods.
Upgrading to Windows 8 or Windows 7 immediately into Windows 11 is impossible. Still, if you own an older version of Windows with a valid license and want to upgrade, it’s possible to upgrade to Windows 10 first. Learn how to download Windows 10 for free, after which you can upgrade to Windows 11 afterward.
Coming Soon: Android Compatibility
One of the best things Microsoft has revealed is its compatibility with most Android applications. That means rather than downloading APK apps using an emulator software similar to Bluestacks, it will be able to download, install, and run apps from your personal computer. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon agreed to work together to achieve this. Instead of downloading applications from the Google Play Store, the user has to download them via the Amazon App Store and then operate on the Microsoft Windows Store. Microsoft Windows Store. Although it may sound complicated and a bit of an alternative, Microsoft’s Chief of Product Director Panos Panay promises that downloading and using Android applications will become “Smooth and Easy.”