Set your alarms for October 5th because that is when Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 will start to roll out to eligible PCs, and become available on newly purchased hardware. While a launch date of October 11th would have work great numerically, Microsoft undoubtedly want all the time possible to get the update out there for the Christmas rush of new PCs.
In a blog post Microsoft announced the planned release date and how they will be handling the rollout. As previously announced, Windows 11 will be a free upgrade to those with eligible PCs that meet the hardware requirements. Starting with the newer eligible devices, Windows 11 will be distributed through the standard windows update channel. You will be able to check for this by going to settings > Update & security > Windows update and select Check for updates.
The upgrade will then be offered to other devices based on reliability, age and other factors that impact the upgrade experience. Microsoft expects that all eligible devices will be offered the upgrade by mid-2022, so don’t be too disappointed if you are not offered the upgrade straight away. In addition to this, one significant feature missing at the launch is the support for android apps. This is expected to preview in the coming months, so you can expect the full release in 2022. Holding off your update a few months is a perfectly reasonable option, particularly on business devices, as there are often a few teething issues with large updates.
Support for Android apps will arrive in an update at a later date.
When it comes to PC eligibility, Microsoft has doubled down on the requirements of an intel 8th gen cpu or newer, or an AMD Ryzen 2 cpu or newer, as well as an active TPM. However, they have added a few 7th gen Intel CPUs to the list. If you have a 7th gen X series, W series, or a Core i7-7820HQ then you can expect to receive the upgrade. While the Core i7-7820HQ seems like an odd inclusion, it turns out this CPU is in Microsoft’s Surface Studio 2, what a happy coincidence!
If you want to check the eligibility of your pc, there is a PC health checker app that will let you know if you are ready for windows 11. You will just need to sign up for the insider program to get the app.
The Health Check App will evaluate your readiness for Windows 11.
But what of those PCs that Microsoft deem unworthy of Windows 11? Well all hope is not lost. Windows 10 will continue to be supported through to 2025, and will be receiving a 21H2 feature update later this year. This might be the best option for the users who love features such as moving the taskbar to the top or sides of your screen, A feature that is sorely missing in Windows 11.
For those who want the update, but just don’t want to upgrade your hardware, you will be able to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware by installing it with an ISO. However, Microsoft has stated that old PCs upgraded this way may not receive updates, even security ones! If you do plan to upgrade this way, it would be wise to hold off and see just how Microsoft will treat these older devices.
And of course, the other option is to just buy a new PC. Microsoft were clearly eager to push this option as most of the release date announcement was advertising new laptops. If you are eying a new desktop or laptop for Christmas, keep an eye out for the new ones that ship with Windows 11, or are Windows 11 ready.
If you want to discuss the impact of moving to Windows 11, please contact Kriston Technology on 01993 880 980 for advice and information.