As the day turns October 5 in every time zone around the world, Windows 11 availability begins with a free upgrade on qualifying Windows 10 PCs and new PCs preinstalled with Windows 11.
Microsoft pointed out several improvements over its predecessor, including faster performance, better multitasking, and a refreshed design.
Here are some of the main features offered by Windows 11:
- Microsoft Teams Chat is a new experience that brings you closer to the people you care about.
- Microsoft Store on Windows has been completely redesigned to be easier to build and make it easier for customers to find and browse apps, games and entertainment in one place.
Snap layouts and groups provide a more powerful way to multitask and optimize your screen space in a way that is visually clean. - Windows 11 is the most inclusive version of Windows, designed with and for people with disabilities.
- Built for gaming – Windows 11 was built for gaming, with innovative new features that can take your PC gaming experience to the next level, like AutoHDR and DirectStorage. It also includes the built-in Xbox app, where you can browse, download, and play over 100 high-quality PC games from the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC library.
- The operating system for hybrid work and learning – Starting today, businesses can also start migrating to Windows 11 on powerful PCs and through the cloud with Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop.
- Chip to Cloud Protection – Windows 11 was designed with security in mind to meet the challenges we will face in this new working environment and beyond.
- New Developer Tools and Resources – Windows 11 is for all developers – whether they’re building apps for a PC, web, phone, game console, or anything in between – and delivers the experience of most transparent development. A more open store, deep development integrations, and a new design are just the start.
- Available on the widest range of device choices – Microsoft is proud to offer Windows 11 on the widest range of device, form factor and silicon choices from our valued partners at Acer, AMD, ASUS, Dell , HP, Intel, Lenovo, Qualcomm, Samsung and Surface.
- Also, as a reminder, most new Surface devices and accessories, including Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Go 3, will generally be available starting tomorrow, October 5, from the Microsoft Store on microsoft.com and at other major retailers, including Best Buy. and Amazon.
How much will it cost?
All genuine copies of Windows 10 can be upgraded to Windows 11 for free.
If you’re still on Windows 7, you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 10 first before upgrading to Windows 11, MyBroabdand reports.
As of October 3, 2021, it was still possible to upgrade to Windows 10 for free using the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable installation of Windows 10.
Microsoft has said there will be no standalone versions of Windows 11 at launch.
Users who do not yet have a Windows license can purchase a copy of Windows 10 and then upgrade to Windows 11 when the update is available for their system.
Microsoft charges R 2,799 for a download of Windows 10 Home from its website or R 2,599 for the product key required for activation when purchased through Takealot.
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