Windows 11 is the newest version of the Windows operating system developed by Microsoft. It will be released before the end of 2021 and comes 6 years after the last major OS version (Windows 10).

Windows 11 is the most recent OS version, but Windows 10 will be fully supported at least until October 14, 2025.

Windows 11 has all the security and power as its predecessor Windows 10 at the same time bringing a visually updated interface. The new OS offers innovative organisational tools, apps and sounds, creating an improved experience on your PC. Read more about the changes in our article: What’s new in Windows 11?

While the official release was on 5th of October, Windows 11 beta version was already made available for members of Windows Insider program in June 2021. According to Microsoft, PCs with pre-installed Windows 11 will become available for purchase from a broad selection of retailers later this year, while Windows-10-to-Windows-11 upgrade will be started at the end of 2021.

If you want to get early access, you have to become a Windows Insider and download the beta version. Otherwise, if your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements it will be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Soon you will also be able to buy PCs with the new OS pre-installed.

The exact upgrade rollout plan is still in process, but it should reach the first devices late this year and majority of the users early 2022. Most of the PCs that are newer than four years old will be able to get Windows 11, but not all devices that meet the requirements will be offered to upgrade at the same time.

In order to be eligible for the free upgrade, your PC has to be running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum system specifications. To see whether your PC is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11, download and run the PC Health Check app. When the upgrade rollout process has started, you can determine whether it is already available for your device by going to Settings ➞ Windows Updates.

An indication from Windows Update will prompt you when your PC is eligible. You can check the status yourself, by going to Settings ➞ Windows Update. The roll out will begin end of 2021 and continue into 2022, specific timing of the upgrade will vary per device.

For eligible systems Windows 11 upgrade is free and the offer does not have a specific end date, but Microsoft reserves the right at any point to end the free offer. However, this end date will not be sooner than one year from general availability. Members of the Windows Insider Program can install the new OS ahead of schedule but might not be able to enjoy all the features properly until the end of rollout.

The free upgrade is for the same edition as you have on your Windows 10 device. For example, if you have Windows 10 Home, you will be upgraded to Windows 11 Home edition.

Although all your files and data will transfer by default, it is highly recommended to back up all your files before installation.

If they worked with Windows 10 and meet the minimum requirements, accessories should work with Windows 11 without any issues. To be absolutely sure, check with the manufacturer of the accessory.

Yes, after installing the Windows 11 upgrade you get a 10-day period where you can move back to Windows 10 at the same time keeping files and data that you brought along. If you want to go back after the 10-day period you will need to back up your files and clean install Windows 10.

For any PC to be eligible for an upgrade it must meet the minimum system requirements and some features need specific hardware. Generally most currently sold Windows 10 PCs will be able to upgrade to Windows 11.