Windows 11: The FAQ

What we know about Microsoft's next computer operating system... and what we still do not

For an operating system allegedly less than three months away we still do not know a lot about Windows 11. Here’s what we do know. (Image: Microsoft)

So! Windows 11 is coming whether people like it, need it or not - and there's still much we do not know about the operating system that will be taking the mantle from Windows 10, the world's most popular computer OS right now. After taking a few questions about it from friends and colleagues I thought it would be useful to put together an FAQ with the things that we do know right now and make a story out of it. Here it is!

What is Windows 11?
It is the successor to Windows 10. It is based largely on the same code but offers a redesigned look along with new tools, sounds and apps. Microsoft claims that all changes and additions, big and small "come together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC".

When will it be released?
In 2021, but it will happen in two stages. At first, it will only be pre-installed on new PCs that many computer manufacturers are already preparing and certifying. The first PCs carrying Windows 11 are expected in October. Then, at some point, Microsoft will begin making the new OS available as an upgrade to current Windows 10 users. There's still no official starting date for the upgrade rollout, but Microsoft expects most Windows 10 PCs to be offered the Windows 11 upgrade in 2022.

How much will it cost and how can I get it?
Windows 11 will be a free upgrade for all Windows 10 users whose computers are eligible for it. Windows 7 and Windows 8 users are not included in the free upgrade offer. For people that want to install Windows 11 in new PCs (clean install) the cost will probably be the same it is today for Windows 10 (it varies greatly between different versions). Microsoft has not officially revealed stand-alone Windows 11 pricing yet.

It will be some time before millions of people see this screen - for most of them, it will be at some point in 2022 actually. (Image: Microsoft)

How long will Microsoft's free upgrade offer last?
It is not clear yet whether there will be an end date for this offer for eligible systems, but Microsoft states that it "reserves the right to eventually end support for it" (legalese?). Still, the company promises that this end date "will be no sooner than one year from general availability". What we do know is that consumers making the jump from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will only have 10 days to decide whether they like the new OS, if they want a complete rollback to their previous software environment.

What are the system requirements of Windows 11?
The following: a 2-core, 64-bit processor (x86/64 or ARM64) operating at 1 GHz, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage space, a DirectX12-compatible graphics card and a 9-inch display of 1366×768 pixel resolution. The PC in question should also have a UEFI BIOS and offer the Secure Boot option as well as a v2.0 Trusted Platform Module (TPM). An Internet connection and Microsoft account will be required to complete the first-time setup on Windows 11 Home (but not Pro... for some reason).

How can I know whether my Windows 10 PC meets the Windows 11 requirements?
Well, you can if you know the exact hardware of your PC, but relatively few people do (especially those BIOS settings and options). The general rule of thumb is that if your PC is about three years old or newer it probably checks all the boxes, but there are exceptions (sigh). Microsoft offered an assessment tool for a few days after the Windows 11 announcement but then made it unavailable because it obviously needed work. The company will offer it again before the Windows 11 upgrade rollout, so the wise thing to do for now is wait until it does.

All current Windows 10 users are offered a free upgrade to Windows 11 by Microsoft but many of them will not be able to do so because of certain system requirements. (Image: Microsoft)

If I buy a new Windows 10-based PC today, will it be eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade?
It probably will be, but it's not a bad idea to check with the PC's manufacturer just to be 100% sure. It's expected that many or even most new PCs will carry a "Windows 11-compatible" label of some sort come September.

Will my Windows 10 peripherals and accessories work with Windows 11?
Yes, that will most probably be the case - they largely use the same software drivers - but it may be wise to check with the manufacturer of a peripheral or accessory if it happens to be rare or specialized.

I am not interested in Windows 11, can I keep using Windows 10?
Absolutely. The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is not mandatory in any way. Microsoft will be fully supporting Windows 10, releasing security updates for it, until October 2025. We all expect that the company will not be adding any new functionality worth mentioning to Windows 10 after 2021, just keeping it secure and running smoothly.


Links Worth the Clicks
Handpicked stories of the week from around the Web

Xiaomi passes Apple to become the Number 2 smartphone vendor worldwide
Plus, the whole market sees growth from an economic bounce back from COVID

Android TV 12 adds refresh rate switching, 4K UI, privacy features, more
Expected to be released in 2021... just not for existing devices, that is

Black Widow Is Stuck in the Marvel Formula Just as the Rest of Marvel Is Expanding Beyond It
An MCU film that neither agrees with the new direction Marvel is going nor embraces the genre filmmaking of the past

The best version of FIFA 22 won’t be on PC
PC and last-gen consoles lack machine-learning-powered "HyperMotion" animations

Netflix wants to add games "within the next year"
The company hires EA and Facebook exec to lead the project

The console wars are coming back, whether we wanted it or not
Sony’s and Microsoft’s studio acquisitions spell the return of exclusive games

DualSense Has Potential Beyond "Enhanced Editions" and Added Immersion
How could the PS5's controller contribute to fundamentally different video game experiences in the future?

Loki Betrays Itself in Its Season Finale
For a show about the God of Mischief, Loki was ultimately too terrified to break the rules

Netflix’s Gunpowder Milkshake mashes up better thrillers, from Kill Bill to John Wick
The incredible cast - Lena Headey, Carla Gugino, Angela Bassett, Michelle Yeoh - is serving up thin copycat gruel

Genshin Impact 2.0: Everything we know
New characters, areas, and gear are coming in the massive update


This Week in Turn On | Press Play
This newsletter’s stories from Monday through Thursday

Black Widow a success for Disney Plus - but what does that mean?
Selling a lot of virtual tickets may not be as important as it seems... yet

A New iPad Mini Is Coming. Is There a Point?
It all depends, of course, but it feels harder to make a case for it in 2021 - that is, unless...

Your PC in the Cloud: It May Finally Be Time
Microsoft's Windows 365 may be the beginning of the end for computing as we know it today - no, really

The Steam Deck: a Gaming PC in Switch Form
Valve revives the SteamPC dream in a portable device, out in major markets by the end of the year


Have a nice weekend!