The wait is over; Windows 11 is finally here. Microsoft officially undraped Windows 11 on 24th June 2021 and has introduced it as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users. Just like how Windows 10 was free for Windows 7 and 8 users, in the same way, existing Windows 10 users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
So long as your PC meets the minimum requirements, you will be able to update to Windows 11.
| Processor | 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC) | Graphics Card | DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM | Display | > 9″ with HD Resolution (720p) |
| Storage | 64 GB or larger storage device | Internet Connection | Microsoft’s account and internet connectivity required for setup for Windows 11 Home |
| System Firmware | UEFI, Secure Boot Capable | ——- | ——– |
| TPM | Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 | ——– | ——– |
Windows 11 is equipped with all the power and security of Windows 10 but with a redesigned and refreshed look. Windows 11 is furnished with new tools, sounds and apps and all the minute details have been taken care of to give you an exhilarating experience on your PC. So, what exactly you are going to get with Windows 11, let’s find out:
| Since the release of Windows NT 4.0 in 1996, it is for the first time, the Start menu has been located centrally. This also brings all the default icons such as File Explorer and Edge to the centre. If you are a macOS or Chrome OS user, you may find this feature of Windows 11 more familiar. If you don’t find this comfortable, you can shift the Start menu to the left from Settings. |
| Do you remember the Live Tiles that were there in Windows 10? Those are no longer a part of Windows 11; though, you will find some recommended apps at the bottom for a much-personalized experience. The search button is there next to the Start menu that allows searching across apps. |
| New sounds and alerts including the new-made startup sound are there for a fresh experience. New themes, fresh wallpapers, an improved dark mode, and subtle changes in gestures will also be seen in Windows 11 |
| Integrated Amazon Appstore so that you can get Android apps directly on your Windows 11 device. |
| An updated widgets experience with the option to rearrange widgets or resize them. Stay updated by adding or removing widgets that can help you receive the latest news or weather updates. |
| For multitaskers, it is going to be great, as the maximize button lets you split the active screens. With tools like Snap layouts, multitask with ease, as this will open multiple screens on your computer. Windows 11 keeps your Snap layouts saved with the apps you were using for easy future access. |
| An improved touch keyboard integrated with GIFs from Tenor is what you are going to get with Windows 11. Preloaded virtual keyboards are there that can be placed anywhere on the screen. For easy typing, you can go for voice typing and voice commands; with interface-level tweaks, overall, it is going to be an improved touch experience. |
| Gesture writing support that is really common in mobile devices is going to be there in Windows 11. |
| Taking gaming to a whole new level, Windows 11 is ready with graphic capabilities that match reality. Support for Auto HDR and DirectX 12 Ultimate, along with an xCloud integration to enable cloud gaming. Explore the pool of high-quality games with Xbox Game Pass |
| Enhanced performance for Chromium-based browsers and improved support for accessing multiple tabs on Microsoft Edge. |
| Great news for developers! Microsoft Store on Windows 11 has new search capabilities and improved design. Not only this, but it has also allowed developers to provide their apps through Microsoft Store without taking any commissions, unlike Google and Apple app stores. You will also see a revamped Entertainment tab that will offer the latest media content across all streaming services. Windows 11 lets you cast the content on your device to your Smart TV. |
| As per the claims made by Microsoft, the new operating system will have 40% smaller updates that will run in the background for a smooth experience. |
Six years on from the release of Windows 10, Microsoft has finally launched Windows 11, featuring a Mac-like design and a lot of new features. Windows 11 is a free update, which means it will be available as a free download for existing Windows users. But when?
Windows 11 will first be available for testing purposes to Insider members from next week and later this year, it will be available as a free upgrade to Windows 10. It will also come pre-installed on new PCs.
To know if your PC is upgradable or not, you can download the PC Health Check app released by Microsoft.
If you are a Windows 7 or 8 user, you can get the free upgrade by simply purchasing the Windows 10 license. Probably in 2022, you will get the option to purchase Windows 11 and install it on Windows 7 devices that are compatible.
