Technology
Windows 11 release date revealed – here’s how to upgrade your PC for FREE
MICROSOFT says Windows 11 will roll out in a matter of weeks.
You’ll be able to bag the next-gen PC software from October 5 – but only if your computer is good enough.
MicrosoftThe new layout shows the Taskbar in the centre of the screen[/caption]
According to Microsoft, the roll-out will be staggered.
That means the free upgrade will only be available to select devices initially.
But Microsoft said that all eligible devices will be able to upgrade by the middle of 2022.
Windows is one of the world’s most popular operating systems.
In fact, Windows 10 is already running on billions of machines globally, despite being just a few years old.
Windows 11 replaces it, bringing new features and a redesigned look that’s far cleaner.
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But this means computers will need to be slightly more powerful to run it.
Probably the easiest way to check if your computer can run Windows 11 is to download Microsoft’s own app.
It’ll check for you – grab it here:
Microsoft PC Health – download here
If you already know what sort of hardware your computer has, you can check against the official list manually.
Microsoft says that at a minimum, you’ll need:
Processor: 1GHz or faster with two or more cores (64bit)
RAM: 4GB or more
Storage: 64GB or more
Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
Display: HD (720p) bigger than 9 inches diagonally, 8bits per colour channel
You’ll also need an internet connection and a Microsoft account to set up a Windows 10 Home Edition for the first time.
Microsoft has also warned that any laptops built and sold from 2023 onwards will need to have a webcam to run Windows 11.
Later this year, we’ll start seeing laptops and PCs sold with Windows 11 bundled in.
But maybe you have a computer already, and you just want to upgrade it?
The good news is that Windows 11 will be totally free as an upgrade from Windows 10.
If you’re running an older operating system, you can upgrade to Windows 10 and then Windows 11 if you prefer.
You can also join up with Microsoft’s Windows Insider program to try early versions of Windows 11 before general release.
MicrosoftWindows 11 makes some major changes[/caption]
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