Windows 11

Updated: 03/12/2022 by Computer Hope
Windows 11

Officially announced on June 24, 2021, Microsoft Windows 11 is the latest version of the Microsoft Windows operating system released on October 5, 2021.

New Windows 11 features

Illustration: Windows features.

Windows 11 shares many of the features found in Windows 10, and the following additional features.

  • Redesigned user interface with the taskbar buttons center-aligned by default, new widgets, and rounded corners on program windows.
  • Redesigned Microsoft Store allows developers to distribute Win32, PWA (progressive web applications), Universal Windows Platform apps, and other packaging technologies.
  • Able to run Android apps, which can be downloaded through the Windows Store and Amazon app store.
  • Integration of Microsoft Teams and Xbox app into Windows.

Windows 11 system requirements

1 GHz processor or faster 64-bit (x64).
4 GB of RAM.
64 GB of hard drive space.
UEFI system firmware.
DirectX 12 or later graphics card device with WDDM 2.0 or higher.
Internet connection and Microsoft account.

Tip

To help determine if your computer is compatible with Windows 11, use the WhyNotWin11 utility. If your computer isn't compatible, this program can provide details as to why.

Note

Windows 11 only supports 64-bit systems using X86-64 or ARM64 processors and no longer supports 32-bit processors. Also, Windows 11 no longer supports legacy BIOS and requires a UEFI system with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 without modifying the installation.

How do I get Windows 11?

New computers purchased after the Windows 11 release come with it pre-installed. You can also purchase Windows 11 from online retailers like Amazon.com and Best Buy.

If you have Windows 10, you can download the Windows 11 upgrade for free from Microsoft's website. Users are notified when they can download and install Windows 11 starting shortly after release in Fall 2021 through early 2022. Microsoft asks that users wait to upgrade until they receive their upgrade notification to ensure hardware compatibility.

However, to upgrade your computer to Windows 11 before receiving the upgrade notification, you can download the upgrade package from the link below.

What Windows version came before Windows 11?

For the end user, Windows 10 came before Windows 11.

What version of Windows comes after Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the latest version of the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Operating system terms, Windows, Windows 10