After being introduced last June and releasing a beta version for users of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft has finally announced when its operating system will be available for users worldwide. Note! Windows 11 can be downloaded starting October 5 next.
Certainty was announced directly by Microsoft on its official blog. It's just that the update will be done gradually.
"Following the incredible lessons learned from Windows 10, we want to make sure we provide you with the best possible experience," said Aaron Woodman, General Manager of Windows Marketing at Microsoft. "We expect all eligible devices to be offered a free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022."
As stated earlier, this is a free update for eligible Windows 10 users. Microsoft will send notifications when they become available.
But you can also check for yourself whether the Windows 11 update is available or not. You do this by going to Settings > Windows Update > selecting Check for Updates.
Windows 11 System Requirements
A few months ago, Microsoft revealed some of the key requirements to run Windows 11 on a PC. But recently they announced additional changes to their PC eligibility.
Microsoft says that most 7th Gen Intel and AMD Zen 1 processors are not eligible for the upgrade. But will not block manual installation using ISO.
Minimum PC specifications to install Windows 11
Components: Minimium
Processor: Compatible 64-bit processor (x86-64 or ARM64) with a clock speed of at least 1 GHz and at least 2 cores
RAM: Minimum 4 GB
Internal memory : At least 64 GB
System Firmware: UEFI
Security :
Secure Boot, enabled by default
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Graphics card : Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 . driver
Display: Screen with HD resolution (720p) with a minimum size of 9 inches and 8 bit color units
Internet connection and Microsoft account: Internet connection and Microsoft account are required to complete the first time setup in Windows 11 Home.
Windows 11 New Features
We summarize 10 new features of Windows 11 that can be tasted as soon as it is officially released at the end of November.
Widgets
Microsoft provides a Widget that can be accessed when the cursor is hovered to the left of the screen. It contains various important information for users, from weather, calendar, stocks to news.
According to the technology giant from Redmond, this widget is equipped with AI and allows users to personalize it. In addition, the appearance can be made more full screen just by pulling it.
Teams
Microsoft integrated Teams into Windows 11. Make it easy for users to better connect and share files with just one click on the taskbar. But the question is how will Skype be, will it be retired like MSN Messenger?
Snap Layouts
Microsoft seems to realize that most of its users always have more than one application open at the same time, hence Snap Layouts. This feature allows us to organize multiple windows on the screen more easily.
So no need to pair manually anymore. Just one click, the application is immediately arranged according to the selected pattern.
Desktops
Multitasking is the main focus of Windows 11. That's why Microsoft provides a more reliable way to multitask and stay aware of what needs to be done with the Desktop feature.
This feature allows users to group tasks across multiple desktops. So users can have Desktops for work, gaming, or school. Switching between Desktops is easy.
For those using a second monitor, when removing the screen, Windows 11 will minimize the monitor display. Previously everything that was opened on the second monitor went straight back to the main screen.
As soon as plugged back into the second monitor, what was minimized went back to the way it was before. This is a very useful addition for anyone using a second screen.
Adaptive Screen
Supporting hybrid devices, Windows 11 provides a rotatable adaptive screen for portrait use.
Pen, Gesture, and Voice Control
Windows 11 is designed to be flexible with how users want to enter information when they don't want to use a keyboard or mouse. This operating system is designed for stylus pen use and has new haptic feedback.
Microsoft provides gesture control, either using a pen or finger on the touch screen. Given a virtual keyboard like a smartphone, complete with swipe gestures, cursor control by pressing the space bar, and emoji. Users can use voice input to dictate text with auto punctuation.
Gaming
Microsoft is using its experience in tuning Xbox to deliver a more powerful gaming experience with Windows 11. Games built on the Direct X 11 platform (or higher) will be supported with Auto HDR, just like those used on Xbox.
Another Xbox legacy function is DirectStorage, which allows assets to be loaded onto the graphics card to greatly reduce load times. But it takes a hard drive and the right drivers to take advantage of it.
Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass gives Windows 11 users access to a plethora of PC games as well as Xbox Cloud games. The application is integrated directly into the platform making access easier. Users can take advantage of the cross play and cross save capabilities to switch between consoles and PCs, and purchase games directly from the Xbox app.
Windows Store
The Windows Store has been overhauled, making it quicker and easier to find new apps. This app store also provides games and movies for download.
Android Application
Windows 11 provides support for Android applications. Microsoft made it integrated into the platform and can be used with other Windows programs. Android apps can be downloaded via the Microsoft Store and the Amazon app store.
Despite launching on October 5, Android app support is not yet available. But previews of Android apps on Windows 11 will be available to Windows Insiders in the coming months,